This Thursday begins the first round of the 4A-6A playoffs and I'll be making my 2nd trip to an ALA school this year. Heading out to Gilbert to see ALAGN play against Marana. A huge receiver matchup and there should be plenty of points.
Marana (5-5) has been one of the most schizophrenic teams this year. The Tigers trampled Buena 55-0, clobbered Casa Grande 42-9, and gave top-seeded Higley a tough battle before falling 29-24. Marana also lost games to a pair of non-playoff teams in Marana Mountain View & Sunnyside, which explains why they have to get on the bus for this one. MHS averaged 33.5 points per game this year and have WR Dezmen Roebuck (105 receptions, 1260 yards, 10 TDs scored). He also plays defense and has 4 interceptions.
ALA-Gilbert North (6-4) made the 3A semifinals in 2021 and was the 4A champion in 2022. Now the Eagles are in the 5A playoffs. ALAGN is averaging 39 points per game this year and have a 1,000-yard receiver of its own in Brandon Phelps. The senior had 65 catches for 1228 yards and scored 14 TDs. He holds career marks for receiving yards (4,530), receptions (263), and receiving touchdowns (58). The Eagles scored at least 21 points in losses to ALAQC, Desert Mountain, Higley, and Horizon. If you're keeping score, those losses were to 2 Open teams, the #1 seed in 5A, and the #3 seed in 5A. A rematch with the Huskies could be on the "horizon" as the winner of this one plays the Canyon View-Horizon winner in the quarterfinals next week.
This week could be the week I finally get a game closer than 12 points. We'll see. Out of 10 games I attended, every one was decided by 12-24 points except for one blowout.
Marana (5-5) has been one of the most schizophrenic teams this year. The Tigers trampled Buena 55-0, clobbered Casa Grande 42-9, and gave top-seeded Higley a tough battle before falling 29-24. Marana also lost games to a pair of non-playoff teams in Marana Mountain View & Sunnyside, which explains why they have to get on the bus for this one. MHS averaged 33.5 points per game this year and have WR Dezmen Roebuck (105 receptions, 1260 yards, 10 TDs scored). He also plays defense and has 4 interceptions.
ALA-Gilbert North (6-4) made the 3A semifinals in 2021 and was the 4A champion in 2022. Now the Eagles are in the 5A playoffs. ALAGN is averaging 39 points per game this year and have a 1,000-yard receiver of its own in Brandon Phelps. The senior had 65 catches for 1228 yards and scored 14 TDs. He holds career marks for receiving yards (4,530), receptions (263), and receiving touchdowns (58). The Eagles scored at least 21 points in losses to ALAQC, Desert Mountain, Higley, and Horizon. If you're keeping score, those losses were to 2 Open teams, the #1 seed in 5A, and the #3 seed in 5A. A rematch with the Huskies could be on the "horizon" as the winner of this one plays the Canyon View-Horizon winner in the quarterfinals next week.
This week could be the week I finally get a game closer than 12 points. We'll see. Out of 10 games I attended, every one was decided by 12-24 points except for one blowout.
