One more week to go before the postseason is upon us.
In 4A-I, Tucson Canyon del Oro has a chance to enter the tournament as a clear-cut favorite with a win this week over Tucson Sabino.
In 4A-II, it’s a clutter that won’t be sorted out until the buzzer sounds on the championship game. Quite a few important games this week among ranked teams.
4A-I
1. Canyon del Oro (9-0): Big test this week against No. 4 Tucson Sabino. It’s been my assertion for awhile that the Dorados are head and shoulders above the rest of 4A-I. We’ll see if Sabino can give them a game.
2. Cactus Shadows (9-0): The Falcons are one win away from an undefeated season. Wow. Just, wow. They are in contention with CdO for the top seed in 4A-I.
3. Cienega (8-1): Depending on how the bracket shakes out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bobcats in the title game against Canyon del Oro. Willie Willis, Ronnie Burton and Trent Simon are three top-flight skill guys.
4. Sabino (8-1): The Sabercats’ only loss has been to 4A-II No. 1 Santa Rita, but the schedule otherwise has been weak. Sabino needs a solid showing against Canyon del Oro to stay in the state title chatter.
5. Saguaro (7-2): A good win last week against Apache Junction, and if the Sabercats take care of business against Queen Creek in the season finale, they should wrap up the No. 3 seed for the state tournament, a solid accomplishment for a completely re-tooled squad. Another title-game berth for Saguaro could happen.
4A-II
1. Santa Rita (8-1): A big game this week against Palo Verde with the region title on the line. An impressive performance against Palo Verde could solidify Santa Rita’s spot as the slimmest of favorites heading into a wide open 4A-II postseason.
2. Mingus (9-0): Mingus has given up 7, 6, 6, 2, 0 and 0 points in its last six games. Mohave stands in the way of an undefeated season, Mohave has won four straight games, but it’s doubtful they can hang with a Marauders group that is rolling.
3. Williams Field (9-0): A hiccup last week, but the Black Hawks escaped with a win over Coronado. The region title is on the line on Friday against Arcadia.
4. Cactus (8-1): Since the loss to Saguaro without QB Brody Ray, Cactus has been one of the most impressive teams in the state, with wins over Paradise Valley and Greenway, among others. Yet another team in state title contention.
5. Liberty (9-0): Liberty defeated Buckeye last week to take its place in the top-5. The schedule has been pretty easy so far this year, but Liberty has beaten everyone on its schedule, and that’s all that it can do. The state tournament will prove just how legitimate this team is.
