Jordan Spurgeon
Do you remember the 22nd night of September? I do.
Many standout players, teams, and student sections do too.
It was a night of wild finishes, open division previews, individual state record potential, and more.
How did that happen?
American Leadership Academy Queen Creek trailed Pinnacle 28-9 through three quarters.
The Patriots won 29-28 with an Enoch Watson touchdown pass… to himself with 13 seconds remaining.
This is #SCTop10 worthy!!!
Within 13 seconds left, @Enoch_Watson1 gets hit, catches the fumbled ball in the air, then bullies his way into the endzone. @alaqcfootball takes the lead 29-28. pic.twitter.com/8E7b4VXBS9
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) September 23, 2023
That’s the play everyone will remember. But the two touchdowns prior to that were astounding. And the final two defensive stands for the Patriots included three sacks and a forced fumble. That’s the difference in the game.
Don’t sleep on Ty Detmer’s team. Watson is the best quarterback he’s had and this program already has back-to-back Open Division appearances. The defense puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
“I knew our team was up for the challenge.”
Showed @Enoch_Watson1 his wild game winner to get his breakdown after a comeback win trailing 28-9. @alaqcfootball pic.twitter.com/dds4xlY9Ci
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) September 23, 2023
Expect this squad to make a run at an Open Division title.
We’ll see this matchup again
Chandler beat Highland 24-22 with a late comeback in a back-and-forth matchup.
FINAL: Wolves 24, Hawks 22@chandler_wolves come back to survive at home vs Highland & improve to 5-0!#AZHSFB @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/YsmuBjfnCP
— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) September 23, 2023
Both squads look like the most complete teams (alongside Liberty and Basha) in the state.
Blake Heffron (Chandler) can sling it in big moments. The secondary for the Wolves is loaded with players who will play on Saturdays.
Kalen Fisher (Highland) looks like a top-5 2025 player in the state this year. Brock Farrel knows how to build a winner on defended, and now the offense is fully there to back that up.
Chandler will be in the open. Highland (barring a bad loss) will be there too because of its win over Basha a few weeks ago.
These two are destined to compete in a must-watch championship game at Sun Devil Stadium.
Gage Baker deserves more talk
How did Gage Baker follow up a record 10 touchdown performance last week?
By throwing for SEVEN against perennial 3A powerhouse Valley Christian in a 52-33 rout.
https://twitter.com/JUSTCHILLY/status/1705440323684700182
Baker leads the nations in touchdown passes with 39. He has over 8,000 career passing yards.
Don’t be surprised to see some accolades head his way by the end of the year… don’t leave him out of top quarterback conversations.
Other Notable Scores
Centennial 49 – Boulder Creek 0
Centennial (CA) 42 – Liberty 35 (Liberty played lights out)
insane fourth quarter between Liberty and Corona Centennial.
Liberty scored on the first play.
Corona added 13 quick points.
Liberty threw an INT
Corona fumbled it back
Liberty marched down and turned it over on downs.
Corona scored a TD + conversion
42-35
Seconds left…
— ArizonaVarsity.com 🔥PREPS🔥 (@AZHSFB) September 23, 2023
Red Mountain 40 – Williams Field 21
Desert Edge 21 – Sunnyslope 7
Basha 48 – O’Connor 14
Mesa Mountain View 30 – Desert Ridge 22
FINAL: Mountain View 30 Desert Ridge 22 – @MVToro_Football with a hard-fought region win at home, Toros move to (3-2) on the season @MVTOROS_AD @JGermaine7 pic.twitter.com/izZzwYvzYr
— Cody Cameron (@CodyTCameron) September 23, 2023
Brophy 42 – Notre Dame Prep 17
Perry 49 – Shadow Ridge 13
Cactus 41 – Peoria 7
84-YARD TD! @AntonioCasias3 with a bomb to Jahvon Clemens & the Cobras look for another rivalry victory! #FridayNight360AZ
39th Rivalry Game #AZHSFB@CHSCobraFB 41@PeoriaPantherFB 0
Q4 10:47 pic.twitter.com/3OVeiPUiII— Devon Henry (@devonhenry77) September 23, 2023
Westview 31 – Willow Canyon 28 (OT)
*Game-winning kick made by Bailee Ramirez
Horizon 43 – Millenium 13
