It’s been 7 years since I’ve seen a game at Bemis Field. Heading out to Scottsdale this week to see Notre Dame Prep against Cactus Shadows.

Cactus Shadows (5-3) has one of the state’s most exciting players in junior QB Donivan Dixon. The dual-threat has accounted for 32 touchdowns (20 passing, 12 rushing) this season. This will be the first time I’ve seen him play live (not counting 7x7 tournaments). The Falcons have been in every game and all three of their losses are by just one score. However, 5A Northeast Region games have been difficult for CSHS as the team has lost 12 straight (0-3 this year).

Notre Dame (4-3) started the year off at 4-0, but has seen the offense fall upon hard times. The Saints have scored a total of just 7 points in their three-game losing streak. The star power for NDP lies with WR Cooper Perry, an Oregon commit, who has 48 career touchdown receptions. Will the Saints be able to be creative enough on offense despite some injury woes to score points on a Falcon defense giving up 34 points per game this season?

Both teams are currently ranked in the 5A Conference and are vying for a potential home game in the first round.

It’s Big Game week for me! Heading out to East Mesa for the big tilt between ALA-Queen Creek and Red Mountain. Both teams enter with perfect 6-0 records!

ALA-Queen Creek hasn’t allowed 20 or more points in a game this season. The Patriots have 23 sacks this year and bring a pass rush that includes Ryder Agne, Brody Michael, and Talon Roit.

Red Mountain averages 44 points per game this year. The Mountain Lions have a strong passing duo with Simon Lopez (15 TDs, 0 INT) and Bode Wagner (514 yards, 5 TDs).

Both teams have had a week off to get ready for it. Both teams currently in the Open Division rankings. Should be an exciting one with big implications!

An abbreviated slate this week as 44 teams in the 6A & 5A have their bye weeks. One team that's already had its bye is defending-champion Liberty. I'll be headed up to Peoria for the Lions' game this Friday against Pinnacle.

Pinnacle (4-2) has only lost to La Cueva (NM) and ALA-Queen Creek - both are undefeated. The Pioneers have experienced QB Wyatt Horton, an Idaho State commit, who has 15 TD passes in his senior season. PHS has spread it around as the team is averaging 237 passing yards per game, but no individual receiver has more than 300 receiving yards on the year.

Liberty (4-1) has won 16 consecutive games against Arizona competition. Saguaro was the last to defeat the Lions in the 2022 Open semis. Liberty is coming off a resounding 45-20 win at Chandler. The Lions led that game 35-7 at the half. QB Hayden Fletcher has 1207 passing yards and 11 TDs. Sophomore Braxton Huynh leads LHS in receiving with 456 yards and 6 TDs.

Last year, Liberty won this game 57-19. Can the Pioneers make it a better game this year? I'll be on hand in North Peoria to find out.