Sorry this is so late. A pretty busy week for me. Anyways, let’s get to it.
4A-I
1. Canyon del Oro: Most noteworthy item of the week? Running back Ka’Deem Carey picked up his first college scholarship offer, from Arizona State. On the field, the Dorados continue to dominate.
2. Cactus Shadows: Another week, another nail-biting win. The Falcons beat Saguaro last Friday by blocking the tying extra point late in the fourth quarter. This team continues to amaze me. And it’s quite likely they go undefeated now.
3. Vail Cienega: Beat up on Marana last week, and the Bobcats will likely cruise into the postseason at 9-1. But will their weak schedule hurt them once the competition heats up? We will see.
4. Sabino: The Sabercats are on bye this week, then they’ll have a gimme against Tucson Flowing Wells to set up the showdown with CdO on Nov. 6.
5. Saguaro: A commenter on this Web site asked how Saguaro could still be ranked in the top-5 after two straight losses. My answer is two-fold. 1) Saguaro and Cactus Shadows played a tight game, and it came down to a blocked extra point. Clearly, the talent level between the teams is very even. 2) Who else should go here? Apache Junction probably has the best case, but the Prospectors have dropped two of four themselves. Peoria is in the mix, but Saguaro beat them head-to-head. Apollo is still undefeated, but their schedule is extremely weak. With that said, Saguaro’s one-point win against McClintock was unimpressive, and the winner of the AJ-Queen Creek battle tonight will definitely be in a discussion to replace them.
4A-II
1. Santa Rita: Good win for the Eagles over Tucson Amphitheater last week. 4A-II is wide-open, but despite cries for Williams Field or Mingus, I think Santa Rita is a deserved No. 1 at this point.
2. Williams Field: This should be an intense week for Williams Field, which faces off with Gilbert Higley, a school most of its seniors attended as freshmen. The Black Hawks are much more talented, but the Knights won’t lay down in this one.
3. Mingus: The Marauders are No. 1 in the power rankings and will likely finish at least in the top-2 heading into the postseason, but a few coaches still aren’t sold. Me either. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
4. Cactus: With wins over Coronado, Peoria and Queen Creek, I’m surprised it took this long for me to put the Cobras into the rankings. A big game tonight against Paradise Valley will either reinforce their staying power or make it a short appearance.
5. Buckeye: This should be another easy week for Buckeye, but a big game against Liberty looms next Friday.
Knights in the HOOOUUUSSSSEEE!!!!!!!!!!