Desert Vista (5-1) at Hamilton (4-2)
The re-match. Desert Vista shocked the high school football world by dethroning the Hamilton Huskies from reigning state champs a season ago and snapping their 53 game winning streak. Hamilton has hit their stride after their slow start. On a four-game winning streak and maybe looked the best they have all season last week against the Chandler Wolves. Desert Vista has momentum as well with a three game winning streak powered by the stellar play of Jarek Hilgers at running back who is coming off of a 269 yard, four touchdown performance last week against Saguaro. There will without a doubt be a championship level of intensity at this game.
Desert Ridge (5-1) at Basha (5-1)
I was out at Desert Ridge’s game against Red Mountain last week and I was blown away by how strong they looked. The Jaguars threw one pass the entire game, ran the ball incredibly well which even surprised coach Jeremy Hathcock and was the first team to hold Mason Throman and Drake Pierre in check all season. JJ Husar transferred from Basha and is coming off a 209 yard and two touchdown performance. The Bears are coming off maybe their first game where they played well for all four quarters in their 42-14 win over Gilbert. Quarterback Zack Werlinger is growing by the week for the Bears and will need to continue to improve and continue to get the ball into the hands of Nate Phillips who is having a great senior campaign.
Shadow Mountain (4-2) at Notre Dame Prep (2-4)
A game between the 20th and 21st team in the power rankings hasn’t fit the mold of game of the week yet but this game could prove big for the power rankings in Division II moving forward. Notre Dame has been a head scratcher this season standing at 2-4 and having the amount of talent they have, especially on defense. Luke Taffuri is one of the top linebackers in the state and Mo White in the secondary has loads of talent. You can’t forget about Grant Martinez at tight end on the other side of the ball as well. Notre Dame needs to start compiling wins if they want to stay in the playoff picture. The Shadow Mountain Matadors are off to a great start and a win over Notre Dame with the strength of schedule the Saints have, could move the Matadors into the top 16 with three games to go.
