Zone Read: Just Timing, or a Trend?

Maybe we’ll call it, “How the West Was Won.”

No, not the famous 1962 Western starring James Stewart and John Wayne (yes, I Googled this), but the 2024 Arizona high school football season.

In hindsight, simply, “How the West Won” is probably the perfect fit for this “Zone Read” screen play.

The Valley’s populus expansion has coincided with the urban spawn in the southeast Valley, and a rise in new-school football talent to add to the “old guard” of heavyweight staples like Chandler, Hamilton, Higley, Williams Field, Queen Creek and others. 

Further, no one can argue the almost immediate success new kids Casteel, the ALA schools and, most recently, Arizona College Prep, who advanced to the 4A State Championship Game. All have achieved these high points in the last decade or less.

However, the script flipped last month, with Desert Edge, Centennial, and Liberty hoisting gold balls on Frank Kush Field in Tempe. While these three programs are certainly no strangers to success, all having won state championships before, it certainly made for a nice 623 stamp for the trio who have long heard how the west simply can’t stack up against weighted powers out east.

It’s a chip all three carry, maybe none more recently than DE, who saw their 5A title hopes uh, “held down” two years ago against in Higley in a game which featured just about everything, except a non-controversial ending on a potential go-ahead two-point conversion late into a chilly Friday night.

While, unfortunately, we are nearly eight full months out from the 2025 season, it’s never too early to peek ahead to what next season may hold for the 5A, 6A, and Open Division State Champions.

Were these three west Valley state championships merely timing, or a trend for what we may see coming this December? 

While Desert Edge, Centennial, and Liberty will all likely see some roster movement in one way or another, let’s take a present day closer look and see how each may stack up trying to repeat, or in the Lions’ case, three-peat.

Desert Edge

It’s time to give Henri Macarthur his flowers.

In fact, they’re long overdue.

After serving as an assistant on DE’s staff for a decade, Macarthur took over as head coach after former co-head coaches, Marcus and Mark Carter, stepped down last summer. The familiarity with the returning players and staff helped for a seamless transition during the leadership change.

This off-season Macarthur has the luxury of an established starting quarterback in junior-to-be in Blake Roskopf. The Liberty transfer threw for 2203 yards and 19 touchdowns in just nine games, due to having to sit five per AIA transfer regulations last fall. The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder appears ready for an even bigger in 2025.

He will again be paired in the backfield with Byron Brandon who rushed for 425 yards (6.1 per attempt) and three touchdowns playing up as a freshman. While the Scorpions lose steady David Cabrera and Malakai Moala, game-breaking receiver Zerek Sidney and his 11 touchdowns is back in the mix.

Jalayne Miller, who holds offers from ASU, Arizona, USC, Nebraska and others, anchors a big, physical offensive line.

The defense has more holes to fill in terms of returning production but Mikyal Davis, Antonio Para, and Camren Hamiel all return. 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end Jalanie George wreaked havoc in opponent’s backfield as a freshman (63 tackles, 11 for loss, five sacks).

Liberty

The whispers for years was, ‘Liberty can’t win the really big one.’

After winning back-to-back Open Division State Championships, it’s safe to say that narrative is dead.

Let’s start with the Lions’ absolutely loaded defense.

Hudson Dunn’s resume already includes two Open Division Championships and double-digit offers. The play-making linebacker has been on varsity since his sophomore year, and can impact a game in several different ways, Dunn’s 13.5 sacks led 6A, and of his 57 total tackles, 24 were for loss. He comes ready to play every time he steps on the field.

Fellow linebacker Cannon Garday tallied 78 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and seven sacks.

The back half of the secondary is anchored by ASU safety commit, Zeth Thues. The one-time Saguaro Sabercat tallied 68 tackles (13.5 for loss), while adding four interceptions, three sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Eli Ruterman, and his 58 tackles, returns, as well.

Offensively, LHS will have to replace Hayden Fletcher who was masterful in his one season as QB1. Shadow Ridge transfer Jayden Pico has a chance to fill that spot.

Dominic Lombardo and his 21 rushing touchdowns graduates, but Esteban Demby-lamas and Jayden Sanchez, who combined for over 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, both return in the backfield. 

Braxton Huynh headlines the wide receiver group. As a sophomore, Huynh caught 65 passes for 1,094 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He’s a big play threat every time he touches the ball (16.8 yards per reception). Other notable returners are Kamden Segall, Trey Yonker, and Marley Chancey.

Centennial

“Zone Read” gave you a high-level look at the Coyotes last week.

While Cen10’s 0-4 start was far from conventional, their final stats, in some ways, mirror years past. Their quarterbacks took care of the ball (just six interceptions in 324 attempts), they rushed for over 2,000 yards, and their defense got in opponent’s backfield. Centennial recorded 52 sacks and have three players with at least 10.

While the east Valley always provides the sizzle, last season the west Valley was the steak.

I can’t wait to fire up the grill again later this summer.