Jordan Spurgeon
Week 2 of big school football in Arizona is full of fascinating games.
There were plenty of big wins, nail biting finishes, and standout performances across the state (and even against other states).
Wyatt Horton: Best in class
Wyatt Horton has been the starting quarterback at Pinnacle for three years now. His senior season is going to be one to remember.
In a blowout victory over Tolleson, Horton showcased total control of the offense. He knows how to run it high tempo, take his check downs, move around the pocket, and of course make big plays.
Too good of a play call & execution, I got lost in the sauce š« @wyatthorton_2 delivers a dart to Blake Donnelli for the 2nd time tonight šÆ @PinnaclePioneer up 40-0 at halftime
And Iām out š«” pic.twitter.com/6Zjx3ssyQK
ā Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) September 7, 2024
Watching him orchestrate the offense is like watching John Williams compose ‘Duel of the Fates’ – it’s a masterclass.
I’ve covered high school football in Arizona for four years now. Horton is right there among the best quarterbacks I’ve seen. Demond Williams Jr. and Devon Dampier lead that list for me, but he’s in that class.
He’s still under recruited, but make no mistake: He’s ELITE. Any college that lands him will be lucky.
Also, this Pinnacle team is built for title contention. Three running backs scored in the first half against Tolleson. The defense plays hard and attacks the ball relentlessly.
Don’t be surprised if the Pioneers hold up a gold ball when the year ends…
East vs West…
As someone who’s lived in Phoenix, Gilbert, and now Goodyear, I really have no skin in the game when it comes to East vs West in high school football.
Centennial is among the two best in the west (along with defending Open champion Liberty) and have now played two games against top teams in the East.
After losing 17-10 to Hamilton last week, Richard Taylor’s Coyotes fell again in a tight battle to Highland, 24-17.
First off, Highland is that good. The offense led by Kalen Fisher is legit. The defense is just as sound as it has been the last five plus years. The Hawks could run the table this year.
For Centennial, don’t look too much into the 0-2 start. If the Coyotes win out, or only lose to Liberty in the season finale, an Open playoff berth will be obtainable. And plenty of transfers will help this team become more explosive. However, watch out for Brophy Prep next week and Pinnacle in November. A loss to either team would put the Coyotes in the 6A bracket, which is very winnable.
Despite all of that, It’s possible, if not most likely, that some combination of Liberty-Centennial-Hamilton-Highland will be the Open division semi final teams. Then the conversation about East and West can continue…
First year coaches starting 2-0
Shout out Andy Litten, who is 2-0 as Mesa Mountain View’s head coach.
On Friday the Toros took it to Saguaro, 57-27.
FULL HIGHLIGHTS: @Litten_Andy & @MVToro_Football dominate in all phases to advance to 2-0 after 57-27 victory over Saguaro š@Sports360AZ #AZHSFB pic.twitter.com/Rz8WXzMLN7
ā Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) September 7, 2024
FINAL: Mesa Mtn View 57, Saguaro 27@Sports360AZ#AZHSFB pic.twitter.com/UZSduy23MN
ā Londun Christensen (@londun_) September 7, 2024
Litten’s successor at Horizon, Tyson Ditmore, is also 2-0 on the season, following a 52-0 win over Marana Mountain View.
On Thursday night, Travis Dixon’s Hamilton Huskies improved to 2-0 with a 35-21 victory over Desert Ridge.
Arcadia proving consistency
Last year, Arcadia shocked many with an undefeated regular season, and a 4A playoff run.
It wasn’t a fluke, and this year a 2-0 start shows that. On Friday the Titans won a close one against Walden Grove, 24-21.
Quarterback Braylen Rooney continues to impress, especially in the biggest moments…
Watch out! Records will fall
Down in Marana, wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck is showing out.
After recording four catches and three touchdowns against Tucson on Friday, he’s only six receptions away from breaking the state record (282 is the current record).
TD DEZMEN ROEBUCK
73 yards from Colten Meyer
Marana leads Tucson 40-7 with 7:32 3Q
Roebuck now at 276 career receptions, six from the state record.
His 3rd TD reception of the game. pic.twitter.com/MmO1EbqFemā Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) September 7, 2024
We saw Brandon Phelps, who is now at the University of Arizona, demolish career receiving records last year. Roebuck is on track to break many of them this year.
Marana is also 2-0 after winning 56-7.
Brophy making statements
Following up a dramatic win over Williams Field last week, Brophy Prep left nothing on the field against Colorado’s Regus Jesuit.
The Broncos won 44-0, with 37 second half points.
Touchdown Brophy. Devin Fitzgerald left wide open and Rylan Umphrey finds him for the 42-yard score.
21-0 Brophy | 3:19 3Q pic.twitter.com/3Zj42XTEN8
ā Zach Alvira (@ZachAlvira) September 7, 2024
Is this the year Jason Jewell’s program turns the corner into elite status? It sure looks like it…
Other notable scores
Higley 25 – San Juan Hills (CA) 20
Great TEAM WIN in Cali!! 25-20@Luke_Haugo 184 Yds, 47 Rush@jd_decausmaker 81 1TD@JBender2025 144 Rushing 1TD @Gunner_Fagrell 1 TD@Maxwell_Siemen 7 Tackles 1 TFL 1 INT@bostontil 5 Tackles 2 Sacks@Justice29B 5 Tackles 1 INT
ā Higley Football (@HIGLEYFOOTBALL) September 7, 2024
Red Mountain 53 – Moon Valley 6
Mica Mountain 42 – Mesquite 0
Camelback 13 – Dobson 9
ACP 48 – Apache Junction 0
Basha 47 – Mesa 3
Snowflake 31 – Cactus 14
Notre Dame Prep 20 – Desert Edge 14
NDP 20 Desert Edge 14 final. Here is the last play of the game with DE an amazing effort. @Sports360AZ @azc_obert @gridironarizona @WSSArizona pic.twitter.com/yDRmWBfQAL
ā Chris Day (@TheCoachDay) September 7, 2024
Kellis 28 – Peoria 7
Queen Creek 39 – Casteel 38
Chaparral 17 – Shadow Ridge 14
