Williams Field’s win over Notre Dame knocked 4A-II’s No. 1 team off its perch for the second time this year (Notre Dame had beaten former No. 1 Paradise Valley earlier in the season). Tucson Santa Rita, last year’s state runner-up, takes over as the new No. 1.
No movement in 4A-I this week as the top-5 all won.
4A-I
1. Canyon del Oro: The Dorados played much of their tough competition early, and won’t really be tested until the season finale against Tucson Sabino.
2. Cactus Shadows: As unimaginable as it was heading into the season, the Falcons could very well finish this season 10-0 if they can beat Saguaro on Friday. But that’s a big if.
3. Cienega: The Bobcats are rolling and this offense could be hard to stop in the postseason. Ronnie Burton and Willie Willis are quite the 1-2 punch on the ground, and Trent Simon is one of the state’s best wide receivers on the outside.
4. Saguaro: The Sabercats broke the 4A rushing record last week against Moon Valley, a nice bounce back after getting thrashed by Canyon del Oro. The game against Cactus Shadows on Friday is a big one.
5. Sabino: The Sabercats have won four straight, but the competition has been weak. We’ll get a better indication of Sabino when it plays Canyon del Oro on Nov. 6.
4A-II
1. Santa Rita: The top three teams all could make a case for No. 1, but Santa Rita’s body of work last year, coupled with its win over Sabino and competitive game against Canyon del Oro earlier in this season gives the Eagles the nod. A pretty tough game against Tucson Amphitheater coming up this week.
2. Williams Field: This is the most athletic team I’ve seen in 4A-II this season. An easy week against Maricopa is coming up, but the Black Hawks still have to face Phoenix Arcadia down the road.
3. Mingus: The Marauders keep rolling, but I’m not completely sold yet. Mingus has four cupcakes to finish the season, so it will almost certainly finish undefeated, but the real tests will come in the postseason.
4. Notre Dame: How will the Saints react to their first loss since 2007? Notre Dame might not have the same overall talent as the past two seasons, but the coaching and discipline will still keep them in the state title mix.
5. Buckeye: The Hawks haven’t been overly impressive the last two weeks, but they continue to win. A big game against Peoria Liberty looms on Oct. 30.
