After 4 straight weeks of covering games in the North Valley, I'm heading down to Laveen this week for a look at Cesar Chavez (3-0) as the Champions host Desert Ridge (2-2). Hardly anyone expected anything from Chavez with all of the players that transferred out and a change in head coach, but the Champions have shown they have talent. CC is coming off a 34-13 win over Valley Vista and are rushing for 233 yards per game. The main backs are underclassmen Micah Boozer (junior) and Deven Highsmith (sophomore). Also looking forward to seeing sophomore Kezion Dia-Johnson, who I hear is electric in the return game. Desert Ridge's losses are to Hamilton and Highland. When the Jaguars don't play Premier Region teams, they shut opponents out (Ironwood Ridge & Dobson). DR's QB is sophomore Major Wootan and I'll get to see 2-way players KJ Miniefield and Lance Holtzclaw (Washington commit). I went to Chavez last year and had the place to myself (no fans were allowed and I was the only media there) when the Champions gave Higley a game that went right down to the wire. Looking forward to seeing the fans back for 2 teams that should put on a competitive affair (ranked #s 27 and 30 in this week's State 48).
