High School football Week 4 games to watch

Chaparral (1-2) at Desert Mountain (3-0)

This Scottsdale matchup has been pretty one-sided in recent years but that will be far from the case this week. Desert Mountain is off to a fantastic start behind their exceptional junior quarterback, Kyle Allen. He has completed a little over 67% of his throws through the first three games with 10 touchdowns and just one interception. Chaparral is not used to having a losing record but the two games they lost were against two very good teams (Salpointe and Marcos de Niza) and in both games, fell late in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds did have bad news this week however with their stud junior tight end and defensive end Trevor Wood learning he has a torn labrum and will miss the remainder of the season. This game will come down who will win the battle between the Chaparral defense and the Desert Mountain offense.

Basha (3-0) at Chandler (3-0)

Another great matchup between two schools that are close to one another. I think the result of this game will give everyone a better idea of what to expect from these two teams moving forward. Chandler is yet to be tested with three blowout wins over Kofa, Maryvale and Mesquite. In those three games they have only allowed seven points. For Basha, they are yet to play a complete four quarters. They got all they could handle against Mountain Ridge two weeks ago. Last week the Bears blew out St. Mary’s playing lights out in the first half. It’s normal to see the leading team to take their foot off the gas in a situation like that but last week, Basha did so by turning the ball over and playing sloppy in the third quarter. Both teams have loads of division I caliber talent and those in attendance should be prepared for a show.

Desert Ridge (3-0) at Hamilton (1-2)

Though Hamilton has had the edge in this matchup over the last few years, including in the state championship game two years ago, this game has consistently been a battle. That wont change in this season’s chapter. This game will undoubtedly be won in the trenches. Hamilton’s Patrick Joseph and Casey Tucker and Desert Ridge’s Nick Allen and Josh Scow are the players to spotlight. The team to own the line of scrimmage will leave victorious. Hamilton will have a chip on their shoulder hoping to get back to .500.

Centennial (3-0) at Apollo (3-0)

People want to know if Apollo is for real. We will learn that this week. The Hawks have put up major offensive numbers here early in the season. Most recently 53-7 blowout win over an Ironwood team that a week prior, had two 200 yard rushers. Centennial is always loaded with talent, but this year might be one of the best teams they’ve had. If Apollo can contain Jalen Ortiz and stand up to the enormous Coyotes offensive line, we will have a ball game.

For more coverage of High School football this week, follow Jared Cohen on Twitter at @JaredPros2Preps.