Eric Sorenson
Seven games into the quickly moving regular season, it’s time for “Zone Read” to tip our cap to three unbeaten programs – one in 4A, one in 5A, and one in 6A, all who still sit without a blemish in the loss column.
While these programs, and their seasons, are far from finished products, to get to late-October without a loss is quite an accomplishment.
Arcadia Titans (4A)
Ray Brown’s team has been down this road before.
The 7-0 Titans rolled through the regular season last fall before seeing their season end in southern Arizona with a 42-7 blowout loss to Yuma Catholic in the 4A state semi-finals.
Victory alert! 🎉 Our team brought the heat and secured the win! Proud of the effort and passion shown on the field. Thank you, fans, for your support! Let’s keep this momentum going! 🏈💪 #Win #Football
Final score
Arcadia 42
Mesquite 10🎉 WooHoo
— Arcadia Titans Football (@TitanFootballAZ) October 18, 2024
“Last year gave us a point of reference,” Brown said to the “Zone Read.” “However, this group is very aware that this team is very different from last year and has an identity of its own.”
The seven-straight dubs to start this fall have been either blowout wins, or close calls, like a one-point victory at Ben Franklin (the Chargers only loss to this point), followed by a tough two-point nail-biter in Flagstaff against Coconino.
“We are finding out who we are weekly as the opposition changes week-to-week,” Brown continued. “Our true identity lies in the commitment our seniors made to be where we are today.”
The group has only played for Brown during their time on varsity and are solely focused on leaving behind their own legacy: as champions.
Offensively, 6’5 quarterback Braylen Rooney has again paced the attack. The senior has thrown nine touchdowns, against just one interception, while completing over 60 percent of his passes. On the other side of the ball, Brown’s defense has been opportunistic, forcing 16 total turnovers. Senior linebackers Joe Hoos, and Pablo Havalera, are Arcadia’s top two tacklers.
AHS will be tested down the stretch with key late-season games against Combs (5-2), Vista Grande (5-2), and Arizona College Prep (6-1).
For now, a well-deserved tip of the cap to the ‘ole Alma Mater.
McClintock Chargers (5A)
In early September, we introduced many of you to Jaxon Knutson, the Chargers’ big-armed senior quarterback who is putting up video game numbers in Tempe with his deep and talented group of receivers and skill players.
Three wide receivers have at least 35 catches and 675 yards. The alpha of the group is three-sport athlete Kemon Jackson who, through seven games, has already tallied 37 receptions for 818 yards and a ridiculous 14 touchdown receptions.6’3 Amari Scroggins isn’t far off the pace (35/677/7).
The Chargers are doing enough on the ground to keep opposing defenses honest. Did we mention Jackson also has nine rushing touchdowns?
McClintock improves to 6-0 on the season!!
The Chargers lit up the scoreboard once again this year putting up 54 points last night in win over Skyline! @McClintock_FB pic.twitter.com/MEQZ4ErRTJ
— Arizona Football Coverage (@arizonaftbl) October 4, 2024
Sure, McClintock’s schedule has only featured one team with a winning record (Maricopa), but the Chargers’ offense has scored at least 40 points in every game to this point, outscoring opponents 360-118.
Head coach Micah Fell doesn’t seem too concerned about not being tested to this point of the season.
“It’s a good problem to have,” he said to the “Zone Read.” “We are concerned about every game.”
McClintock Football has been a nightmare for opponents, avg over 50 ppg en route to 6-0 so far.
Micah Fell’s fellas are led by a senior core of Kemon Jackson, Amari Scroggins, & Jaxon Knutson as well as junior leader Khalil Bender:
💻 https://t.co/ZApMfyd8L7@Sports360AZ… pic.twitter.com/NyMqrKNjdP
— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) October 9, 2024
McClintock’s defense has certainly held up their end of the bargain, as well.
“Coach [Mike] Sanchez has done an outstanding job all season,” Fell said of his defensive coordinator. “We score quickly, and our defense is on the field a lot. Alex Brice, Ma’afu Lama, Julius Fuentes, and David Deleon are leading an aggressive, good tackling group.”
The unit has registered 23 sacks and forced 15 turnovers.
Don’t be surprised to see MHS run the table these next three games and enter the post-season playing their best ball of the season.
Red Mountain Mountain Lions (6A)
November was awfully nice to the Mountain Lions last fall.
A challenging regular season, accentuated by a late-year, five-game losing streak, ended with a magical playoff run which saw RM come up short against Saguaro in the 6A State Championship Game in Tempe.
Rest assured, Kyle Enders’ squad won’t sneak up on anybody this post-season.
The way they’re playing, they probably won’t have to.
Just a few games to go for big schools here in Arizona. Liberty finds ways to win, Basha has been dominant, Brophy has shined. I could go on and on.
But the story of the season is @RedMtnFootball, the only undefeated team remaining in 6A. Battle tested. @CoachEndersRMHS, in…
— Zach Alvira (@ZachAlvira) October 19, 2024
Red Mountain is again a roll-your-sleeves-up, bring-your-lunch-pail-to-work group who is tough and physical. Some players play both ways. They have a pair of signature wins, Highland, and ALA Queen Creek.
Their identity is evident the moment you see them play.
“I think it’s something both our players and coaches have embraced,” Enders said to the “Zone Read.” “It’s very fitting for most of our kids. [they] could care less about the stars, the offers, the hype. We have a lot of kids that just love the game and enjoy playing with their boys.
“They’re not always the biggest, strongest, or fastest but they take pride in how hard they play and proving doubters wrong.”
Big win for @RedMtnFootball vs ALA QC. Gallegos w the game winner with 15 sec left. pic.twitter.com/XYsZULzxyr
— Red Mtn Athletics (@RMAthletics) October 19, 2024
Last week’s 16-14 win over ALAQC was exactly the rock fight we expected to see from this 7-0 squad. The 40-yard field goal by Brandon Gallegos with less than a minute to play almost guaranteed their first Open Division appearance, regardless of what happens in RM’s last three games against Queen Creek, Hamilton, and Mesa Mountain View – all who sit at 6-1.
“To be honest, we can’t even think about the playoffs,” Enders explained. “With our upcoming schedule, we need to focus one week at a time. Our upcoming schedule is full of great teams, just like our regional opponents. We feel like the tough schedule we play will pay off in the end.”
While the offense lost 1,000-yard running back Isaiah Savoie to graduation last spring, several other key pieces from last year’s state runner-up squad have stepped up. Senior quarterback Simon Lopez has been lights out, throwing for 16 touchdowns, against just one interception. He’s completing 75 percent of his throws and has rushed for 320 yards and four scores. His favorite target, again, is fellow senior Bode Wagner who already has 34 catches for 585 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, Red Mountain is creating turnovers. Strong safety Logan Haynie already has four of the Mountain Lions’ 10 picks through seven games. Junior linebacker Jameson Wade has team-high 58 tackles, including five for loss. The defense hasn’t allowed more than 28 points to an in-state opponent to date this fall.
