While browsing through the list of this week’s prep football games, I noticed there are a higher-than-normal number of marquee individual matchups on tap.
Here are my top four, in no particular order.
Corona de Sol’s J.R. Hamm vs. Mountain Pointe’s Marquese Wheaton: Bragging rights for “the best running back in the region” are on the line when the Aztecs and Pride square off in the 5A Central opener for both teams. Hamm (862) and Wheaton (819) are both closing in on 1,000 yards and rank Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, in rushing among 5A
East
Valley backs.
Coronado’s Travis Huff vs. Seton Catholic’s Jon McDonald: Two of the top pure football talents in 4A, Huff and McDonald are their team’s statistical and emotional leaders. Huff, a running back, is the ninth leading rusher in the state (among all classes) with 1,088 yards while McDonald, a linebacker/running back, leads his team in tackles (64) and touchdowns (five) and is second in rushing 495.
Desert Ridge QB Josh Cain vs. Pinnacle QB Evan Johnson: It’s hard to find a team which likes to throw more than Desert Ridge, and Cain’s statistics reflect that. He is not only third in the state in both passing yards (2,029) and touchdowns (18) but is also one of
Arizona’s most accurate passers. His 66.1 completion percentage (154 of 233) is the highest among quarterbacks who have attempted at least 150 passes. Pinnacle, meanwhile, doesn’t go to the air nearly as much, but Johnson is just as accurate (85 of 128, 66.4 percent). He is also a threat with his feet – he is the Pioneers leading rusher – and has been responsible for 14 touchdowns.
Saguaro QB Tim Ruben vs.Apache Junction RB Shane McCullen: Two of the leading candidates for the 4A Desert Sky’s player of the year award will be on display in this tilt. Ruben and McCullen rank sixth and seventh in the state in rushing, respectively, and are separated by only four yards (1,124-1,120). They are also first and fourth in the region in scoring with 78 and 62 points, respectively.
