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Friday Night Notebook: Playoff mayhem is in full swing

Jordan Spurgeon

Is there anything better than playoff football? 

The Fighting Freemans

More to come on this subtitle in a story soon, but wow what a game at Mesquite high school.

Campo Verde hosted McClintock to open the 5A playoffs. This game turned into a shootout.

McClintock senior quarterback Jaxon Knutson threw for four touchdowns with over 420 yards passing. He also added a score on the ground.

Campo Verde never backed down. After trailing 14-0 to open the game, the Coyotes responded with 21 unanswered. Every punch the Chargers landed was returned by the Coyotes.

It all came down to the final play. As Knutson scrambled looking for the end zone, he was brought down at the 1-yard line as the clock expired.

 

Karsten Lee played phenomenal when his team needed big throws to be made.

Ryan Freeman’s Coyotes will face No. 1 seed ALA Gilbert-North next Friday. Don’t sleep on this gritty team, playing for a lot more than just wins. 

Casteel overcomes the odds

So on game day the Colts made a head coaching change.

Then Casteel trailed 24-0 at halftime against Highland on the road.

But when the clock hit zero, the Colts were advancing to the 6A quarterfinals with a 29-27 victory.

And the go-ahead score happened with 10 seconds left in the game.

Incredible showing of grit and mental toughness from Casteel.

 The Colts will face No. 14 Centennial next Friday.

Perry outlast Chandler

For the last two years, we have all been talking about the resurgence and rebuilding of Perry football under Joseph Ortiz.

Tonight a 27-24 win over Chandler solidified where this team stands.

The Pumas, led by sophomore quarterback Kael Snyder, are a true contender and will be for years to come.

Chandler had a rough year with less depth than normal and injuries that exposed that lack of depth.

Maybe things are changing there, but I expect the Wolves to bounce back next year.

Watch out for the Toros

Which team is favored to win 6A? Many of you may not answer Mesa Mountain View, but they should be with how Andy Litten has this team playing.

The Toros demolished Cesar Chavez Friday night, 52-7.

Littens’ squad is playing with swagger in all three phases of the game. Don’t be surprised to see this team raising a gold ball three weeks from now…

Mountain View will play No. 5 Salpointe Catholic next week.

5A is wide open

With Marana, Higley, Horizon, and Desert Mountain in the open division bracket, we expected 5A to be wide open this postseason.

In round one, that expectation looks like it’s going to be met.

ALA Gilbert-North, Cactus, Kellis, Buena, and Desert Edge all won their match ups by three or more scores.

Verrado edged out Notre Dame Prep 17-14.

 All six of those teams, plus No. 2 Tucson and No. 8 Campo Verde have a legit shot to win it all.

Buckle up.

The 5A playoffs are going to be a wild ride.

 

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Jordan Spurgeon enjoys covering sports all across the state and telling feature stories that impact people.

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