Lions enter Lawson Stadium for first time

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: A cursive “Cats” decal replaced the block “M” on the helmets of Morenci’s football players recently. Sophomore Joel Baca (28) stiff arms a Safford defender during a junior varsity game in Lawson Stadium on Oct. 3, won by the visitors 20-0. To date, the 13-member junior varsity Wildcats are 1-6 with an average score per game of 9-29 (64-203) while their Safford counterparts are 5-1 with an average score per game of 24-11 (142-67). The varsity Bulldogs slipped past the Wildcats 13-12 the next day in Safford. Morenci hosts Pusch Ridge while Safford visits Round Valley on Friday, Oct. 11.

By Raymundo Frasquillo

MORENCI – The block letter “M” remains on the Lawson Stadium mid-field, but it adorns the players’ helmets no more. Replacing it on both sides is a cursive, copper-colored “Cats.”

This is how the Frankie Gonzalez-coached No. 20 Morenci Wildcats (2-4 seeding, 3.1184 rating) will welcome the No. 9 Tucson Pusch Ridge Christian Lions (5-1, 11.1406) on Friday, Oct. 18.

Will the mid-field artwork change as well? “It is way above my pay grade to change it,” Gonzalez said.

In other region pairings this week, No. 4 Thatcher (5-1, 14.6424) hosts No. 25 Sabino (2-4, minus 1.3125, 0-1) and No. 12 Safford (7.2245) visits No. 16 Eagar Round Valley (3-3, 4.5725).

Pusch Ridge will be making its initial visit to Lawson Stadium, a venue the Wildcats are 125-72 in, or have prevailed 63 percent (125-197) of the time since opening for the 1982 season.

Last year, the Wildcats left Tucson with a 14-7 region win (Oct. 6) over the Lions. The previous meeting was during the 2009 2A post-season. The No. 4 Lions sent the No. 13 Wildcats back to Greenlee County with a 56-7 (Nov. 6) first-round loss. Thus to date, the teams are 1-1 versus one another with Pusch Ridge having a 32-11 (63-21) average score per game or a 21-point margin.

Kick-off is 7 p.m.

Pusch Ridge Lions (5-1, 1-0)

Pusch Ridge (5-1, 1-0) is averaging a 39-9 (231-55) score per game or a 30-point margin. The Lions have seeding wins over Show Low (42-3, Aug. 30), Yuma (51-0, Sept. 13), Tucson Catalina Foothills (44-7, Sept. 20), San Tan Valley San Tan Foothills (45-0, Sept. 27), and Sabino (42-14, Oct. 4).

The loss is to Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin (7-31, Aug. 30).

Pusch Ridge hosts Coolidge (Oct. 18), visits Thatcher (Oct. 25), and hosts Safford (Nov. 1) to complete its regular season schedule.

The Lions are in the 3A South Region with Morenci, Sabino, Safford, and Thatcher.

Morenci Wildcats (2-4, 0-1)

Morenci (2-4 seeding, 0-1 region) is averaging an 18-20 (109-118) score per game or a 2-point deficit. The Wildcats have wins over Eagar Round Valley (6-3, Aug. 30) and Benson (35-25, Sept. 6).

The losses are to Queen Creek American Leadership – Ironwood (34-35, Aug. 23), Pima (14-20 2 OT, Sept. 13), Lakeside Blue Ridge (8-22, Sept. 20), and Safford (12-13, Oct. 4).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Dirt piles were moved to mid-field for heavy equipment to load onto dump trucks for removal.

Morenci completes the regular season by visiting Fountain Hills (Oct. 18) and Tucson Sabino (Oct. 25), and hosting Thatcher (Nov. 1).

The Wildcats are in the 3A South Region with Pusch Ridge Christian, Sabino, Safford, and Thatcher.

3A State Rankings

There were two teams moving via game results this week, No. 14 Valley Christian (2-3, 4.9592) dropped down to No. 21 (2-4 seeding, 2.2831 rating) and Page moved up from No. 17 (3-2, 3.8138) to No. 14 (4-2, 6.0411). The others remained, just switched positions. The Top 16 will be involved in the post-season after the regular season conclusion on Nov. 1.

The Top 16 of 37 Class 3A rankings at noon on Oct. 8 had Waddell American Leadership – West Foothills (5-0, 17.6307) No. 1, Florence (6-0, 16.6734) No. 2, Blue Ridge (7-0, 15.1317) No. 3, Thatcher (5-1, 14.6424) No. 4, Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin (6-1, 14.6088) No. 5, Mohave Valley River Valley (7-0, 14.0525) No. 6, Payson (6-1, 12.5951) No. 7, and Queen Creek American Leadership – Ironwood (5-1, 11.7292) No. 8.

Tucson Pusch Ridge Christian (5-1, 11.1406) was No. 9, Bullhead City Mohave (5-1, 10.8085 rating) No. 10, Wickenburg (4-2, 8.9168) No. 11, Safford (4-3, 7.2245) No. 12, Gilbert Christian (4-3, 6.4323) No. 13, Page (4-2, 6.0411) No. 14, El Mirage Dysart (4-2, 4.6723) No. 15, and Eagar Round Valley (3-3, 4.5725) No. 16.

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Dump trucks hauled 30 loads per day, between 30-35 tons of dirt, before reaching a desirable field level.

The initial Top 16 Class 3A rankings at noon on Oct. 1 listed Florence (6-0, 16.9480) No. 1, ALA – West Foothills (4-0, 16.0358) No. 2, Thatcher (4-1, 15.0047) No. 3, Blue Ridge (6-0, 14.9545) No. 4, River Valley (6-0, 14.3772) No. 5, Benjamin Franklin (5-1, 6.1594) No. 6, Mohave (6-0, 11.4313) No. 7, and Payson (5-1, 11.0976) No. 8.

ALA – Ironwood (4-1, 9.8302) was No. 9, Pusch Ridge (4-1, 9.2412) No. 10, Wickenburg (4-2, 8.8690) No. 11, Safford (3-3, 5.8785) No. 12, Round Valley (3-2, 5.1112) No. 13, Valley Christian (2-3, 4.9592) No. 14, Dysart (3-2, 4.4654) No. 15, and Gilbert Christian (4-2, 7.6450) No. 16.

Rankings for the other two South Region members were Morenci (2-4, 2.3794) No. 20 and Sabino (2-4, minus 1.3125) No. 21. All five region members were involved in the 2023 state playoffs.

3A South Region

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: A bulldozer levels the playing field as viewed from the home stands.

Region standings are Pusch Ridge Christian (5-1 overall, 1-0 region), Safford (4-3, 2-0), Thatcher (5-1, 0-0), Morenci (2-4, 0-1), and Sabino (2-4, 0-2).

Pusch Ridge (5-1, 1-0) is averaging a 39-9 (231-55) score per game or a 30-point margin. The Lions have seeding wins over Show Low (42-3, Aug. 30), Yuma (51-0, Sept. 13), Tucson Catalina Foothills (44-7, Sept. 20), San Tan Valley San Tan Foothills (45-0, Sept. 27), and Sabino (42-14, Oct. 4) along with a loss to Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin (7-31, Aug. 30).

Safford (4-3, 2-0) is averaging a 16-18 (115-128) score per game or a 2-point deficit. The Bulldogs have seeding wins over Pima (14-7, Aug. 29), Tucson Rincon/University (42-6, Sept. 13), Sabino (27-14, Sept. 20), and Morenci (13-12, Oct. 4). The losses are to Payson (6-20, Aug. 23), Florence (13-34, Sept. 6), and Blue Ridge (0-35, Sept. 27).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Truck-loads of water were sprayed onto the field in preparation for the 2023 graduation ceremony.

Thatcher (5-1, 0-0) is averaging a 28-13 (167-75) score per game or a 15-point margin. The Eagles have seeding wins over Surprise Paradise Honors (32-0, Aug. 23), Queen Creek Crimson (15-0, Aug. 30), Chandler Valley Christian (31-13, Sept. 6), Round Valley (35-27, Sept. 13), and Show Low (42-16, Oct. 4) along with a loss to Yuma Catholic (12-19, Sept. 20).

Morenci (2-4, 0-1) is averaging an 18-20 (109-118) score per game or a 2-point deficit. The Wildcats have seeding wins over Round Valley (6-3, Aug. 30) and Benson (35-25, Sept. 6) along with losses to ALA – Ironwood (34-35, Aug. 23), Pima (14-20 2 OT, Sept. 13), Blue Ridge (8-22, Sept. 20), and Safford (12-13, Oct. 4).

Sabino (2-4, 0-2) is averaging a 16-20 (95-119) score per game or a 4-point deficit. The Sabercats have seeding wins over Coolidge (40-0, Aug. 23) and Crimson (13-0, Sept. 6) as well as losses to Tucson Sahuaro (14-15, Aug. 30), Tucson Mica Mountain (0-35, Sept. 13), Safford (14-27, Sept. 20), and Pusch Ridge (14-42, Oct. 4).

2A State Rankings

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Heavy equipment moved tons of material from the Lawson Stadium field before the artificial playing surface was put in place. The view is from the home stands facing the rock “M” in the upper right.

The Top 16 of 51 Class 2A rankings as of noon on Oct. 8 had Gilbert San Tan Charter (6-0 seeding, 14.3190 rating) No. 1, Eloy Santa Cruz (7-0, 14.0715) No. 2, Tonopah Valley (7-0, 12.4322) No. 3, Phoenix Christian (6-1, 11.8346) No. 4, Pima (5-1, 8.6207) No. 5, Bisbee (5-1, 8.3458) No. 6, Scottsdale Prep (6-1, 7.5981) No. 7, and Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (5-2, 7.1381 rating) No. 8.

Tucson Tanque Verde (4-2, 4.5205) was No. 9, Laveen Heritage (4-2, 3.7960) No. 10, Scottsdale Christian (3-3, 3.4602) No. 11, Phoenix Veritas Prep (4-3, 3.4168) No. 12, Benson (3-3, 2.1435) No. 13, Pinon (6-1, 2.1096) No. 14, Gilbert Arete Prep (4-2, 1.0591) No. 15, and Glendale Prep (4-2, 0.6950) No. 16.

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Not only was the playing surface redone, but the area outside of the all-weather track as well.

The initial Top 16 Class 2A rankings at noon on Oct. 1 listed San Tan Charter (5-0 seeding, 15.0485 rating) No. 1, Santa Cruz (6-0, 13.2769) No. 2, Tonopah Valley (6-0, 11.2784) No. 3, Phoenix Christian (5-1, 11.1312) No. 4, Tanque Verde (4-1, 7.8429) No. 5, Pima (4-1, 7.4639) No. 6, Arizona Lutheran (4-2, 7.2779 rating) No. 7, and Scottsdale Prep (5-1, 6.4927) No. 8.

Bisbee (4-1, 5.9268) was No. 9, Veritas Prep (4-2, 5.5467) No. 10, Heritage (4-1, 4.3630) No. 11, Pinon (5-1, 3.0226) No. 12, Camp Verde (3-2, 1.9757) No. 13, Whiteriver Alchesay (4-1, 1.4408) No. 14, Glendale Prep (3-2, 1.4366) No. 15, and Scottsdale Christian (2-3, 0.6108) No. 16.

The Top 16 will be involved in the post-season after the regular season conclusion on Nov. 1.

2A Black Region

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Pipes for water to drain off of the playing surface were installed before sand and tarps covered them. Additional material was also removed after sprinkling pipes were uncovered.

Region standing are Pima (5-1 overall, 4-0 region), Miami (3-3, 2-1), Saint Johns (3-3, 2-1), Whiteriver Alchesay (4-2, 2-1), San Carlos (2-5, 1-2), Florence American Leadership – Anthem South (2-5, 0-3), and Globe (2-5, 0-3).

This week, No. 6 Pima (5-1 seeding, 8.6207 rating) hosts No. 45 Scottsdale Christian (3-3, 3.4602), No. 19 Miami (3-3, 0.2078) hosts No. 18 Saint Johns (3-3, 0.2733), No. 27 Alchesay (4-2, minus 2.0715) hosts No. 37 Maricopa Sequoia Pathway (1-5, minus 11.2293), and No. 42 ALA-Anthem South (2-5, minus 13.5231) hosts No. 36 Globe (2-5, minus 10.9654) while No. 37 San Carlos (2-4, minus 10.8687) is idle.

Pima (5-1, 4-0) has seeding wins over Globe (41-0, Aug. 23), Morenci (20-14 in 2 OT, Sept. 13), Saint Johns (7-2, Sept. 20), Miami (54-12, Sept. 27), and ALA – Anthem South (58-7, Oct. 4) along with a 7-14 loss to Safford (Aug. 29).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Sand and tarps covered the drainage pipes along with the entire playing surface, as seen by this overall view.

Miami (3-3, 2-1) has seeding wins over Chandler Prep (32-14, Sept. 13), Globe (30-19, Sept. 20), and Alchesay (44-8, Oct. 4) along with losses to Scottsdale Prep (6-13, Aug. 23), Phoenix Veritas Prep (12-28, Aug. 30), and Pima (12-54, Sept. 27).

Saint Johns (3-3, 2-1) has seeding wins over Holbrook (63-16, Sept. 13), Globe (43-0, Sept. 28), and Alchesay (44-8, Oct. 4) as well as losses to Blue Ridge (8-28, Aug. 30), Round Valley (0-36, Sept. 6), and Pima (2-7, Sept. 20).

Alchesay (4-2, 2-1) has seeding wins over Sanders Valley (52-0, Sept. 5), Teec Nos Pos Red Mesa (56-0, Sept. 13), San Carlos (52-20, Sept. 20), and ALA-Anthem South (36-6, Sept. 26) along with losses to Chinle (12-20, Aug. 30) and Miami (8-44, Oct. 4).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: The mid-field emblem, a block “M” in school colors, adorns the playing field surface as the Pride Band practices on the completed field. The project was started in May and completed in September by General Acrylics.

San Carlos (2-5, 1-2) has seeding wins over ALA – Anthem South (24-12, Aug. 23) and Phoenix Valley Lutheran (30-10, Sept. 27) as well as losses to Whittman Mountainside (14-25, Aug. 30), Tombstone (6-58, Sept. 6), Pinon (6-30, Sept. 13), Alchesay (20-52, Sept. 20), and Saint Johns (7-49, Oct. 4).

ALA – Anthem South (2-5, 0-3) has seeding wins over Tucson Catalina (28-26, Sept. 6) and Santa Rita (34-6, Sept. 13). The losses are to San Carlos (12-24, Aug. 23), Gilbert Arete Prep (0-38, Aug. 30), Wellton Antelope (0-34, Sept. 20), Alchesay (6-36, Sept. 26), and Pima (7-58, Oct. 4).

Globe (2-5, 0-3) has seeding wins over Tucson Santa Rita (37-0, Aug. 30) and Avondale Saint John Paul II Catholic (54-0, Oct. 4) along with losses to Pima (0-41, Aug. 23), Gilbert Arete Prep (6-7, Sept. 6), Tombstone (7-34, Sept. 12), Miami (19-30, Sept. 20), and Saint Johns (0-43, Sept. 28).

2A San Pedro Region

Region standings are Bisbee (5-1 seeding, 3-0 region), Tanque Verde (4-2, 2-0), Willcox (3-3, 2-1), Benson (3-3, 2-1), Palo Verde Magnet (3-3, 1-2), Tombstone (3-3, 1-2), Catalina (1-5, 1-2), and Santa Rita (0-6, 0-3).

This week, No. 6 Bisbee (5-1 seeding, 8.3458 rating) visits No. 32 Palo Verde (3-3, minus 7.1044), No. 9 Tanque Verde (4-2, 4.5205) hosts No. 22 Willcox (3-3, minus 0.1384), No. 13 Benson (3-3, 2.1435) hosts No. 51 Santa Rita (0-6, minus 25.2847), and No. 25 Tombstone (3-3, minus 1.1524) visits No. 43 Catalina (1-5, minus 15.1085).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Spring sports were also addressed in the remodeling process. Contractors set forms for a shot put pit at one end of the field.

Bisbee (5-1, 3-0) has seeding wins over Phoenix Madison Highland (67-7, Aug. 30), Douglas (26-20, Sept. 6), Catalina (26-0, Sept. 20), Benson (15-12, Sept. 27), and Willcox (42-40, Oct. 4) as well as a loss to Eloy Santa Cruz (7-30, Sept. 13).

Tanque Verde (4-2, 2-0) has seeding wins over Glendale Prep (40-26, Sept. 6), Phoenix Cortez (38-6, Sept. 13), Palo Verde (38-6, Sept. 20), and Catalina (41-0, Sept. 27) along with losses to Phoenix Christian (13-26, Aug. 23) and Tombstone (14-18, Oct. 4).

Willcox (3-3, 2-1) has seeding wins over Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (18-16, Aug. 23) and Tombstone (45-8, Sept. 27) along with losses to Tonopah Valley (20-65, Aug. 30), Show Low (7-21, Sept. 6), Santa Rita (12-65, Sept. 20), and Bisbee (40-42, Oct. 4).

Benson (3-3, 2-1) has seeding wins over Phoenix Shadow Mountain (27-10, Aug. 23), Tombstone (14-12, Sept. 20), and Palo Verde (48-6, Oct. 4) along with losses to Phoenix Christian (20-22, Aug. 30) Morenci (25-35, Sept. 6), Bisbee (12-15, Sept. 27).

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: The scoreboard was also given a new coat of paint.

Palo Verde (3-3, 1-2) has seeding wins over Tucson Rincon/University (16-15, Sept. 6), Scottsdale Coronado (43-0, Sept. 13), and Santa Rita (56-7, Sept. 27) along with losses to Wellton Antelope Union (6-35, Aug. 30) and Tanque Verde (12-56, Sept. 20), and Benson (6-48, Oct. 4).

Tombstone (3-3, 1-2) has seeding wins over San Carlos (58-6, Sept. 6), Globe (34-7, Sept. 12), and Tanque Verde (18-14, Oct. 4) as well as losses to Laveen Heritage (6-7, Aug. 29), Benson (12-14, Sept. 20), and Willcox (8-45, Sept. 27).

Catalina (1-5, 1-2) has a seeding win over Santa Rita (36-0, Oct. 4) as well as losses to Surprise Highland Prep (6-46, Aug. 23), Phoenix NFL Yet (8-17, Aug. 30), ALA-Anthem South (26-28, Sept 6), Bisbee (0-26, Sept. 20), and Tanque Verde (0-41, Sept. 27).

Santa Rita (0-6, 0-3) has seeding losses to Globe (0-37, Aug. 30), California Winterhaven San Pasqual (14-48, Sept. 6), ALA-Anthem South (6-34, Sept. 13), Willcox (12-65, Sept. 20), Palo Verde Magnet (7-56, Sept. 27), and Catalina (0-36, Oct. 4).