Tucson Canyon del Oro was up to the challenge, holding onto its No. 1 ranking in 4A-I by dispatching Scottsdale Saguaro.
Our 4A-II No. 1, Notre Dame, gets a test this week against rankings newcomer Williams Field.
4A-1
1. Canyon del Oro: Ka’Deem Carey continues to impress, and the Dorados continue to put a stranglehold on the top spot in the rankings.
2. Cactus Shadows: A fourth big test against Apache Junction this week. The Falcons have passed the first three, but by the slimmest of margins. Can Apache Junction end Cactus Shadows’ incredible early season run?
3. Cienega: This is probably the most dangerous team no one is talking about. Another blowout win last week.
4. Saguaro: The Sabercats are licking their wounds after the first loss in coach John Sanders’ tenure as coach. They should win easily this week against Moon Valley before a big game next Friday against Cactus Shadows.
5. Sabino: Although the next three weeks might be a cakewalk, the season ending game against Canyon del Oro will be fun.
4A-II
1. Notre Dame: The Saints were hammered by the flu bug last week, but did what they had to do in a workmanlike 27-14 win over Tempe. It wasn’t long ago when Notre Dame was the upstart program with something to prove. This week, they’ll try to hold down Williams Field, the new kids on the block.
2. Santa Rita: Outscored its opponents 124-0 in the past two games.
3. Mingus: An impressive showing in a 40-point win over Paradise Valley on Friday. The Marauders have thrust themselves into title contention.
4. Williams Field: A pretty easy win over Seton has the Black Hawks 5-0 and boosted into the top-5. A quick question: How do some other polls have Liberty ahead of Williams Field? Both teams are undefeated, but Williams Field beat Liberty twice last year with nearly identical teams.
5. Buckeye: The win over Arcadia early was impressive, but we might not know how good Buckeye actually is until the game against aforementioned Liberty in three weeks.
