Eric Sorenson
With it being Halloween week, we here at the “Zone Read” feel it’s only fitting to stay on theme because, well…we’re hip like that.
As we move closer to the playoffs next month, it’s more apparent than ever, teams are what their record says they are.
Below are a few sweet chocolate delights in the bottom of that pillow case of goodies, as well as some spooky storylines which can’t even be covered up by a high-priced costume mask.
Let’s get spooky.
Trick:
The downfall of Saguaro football over the past 11 months has been frightening. For full context, the Sabercats are in the midst of a complete overhaul. After winning the 6A State Championship in December, head coach Zak Hill left and was ultimately replaced by assistant coach Darius Kelly. The hire, internally, wasn’t well-received by other coaches and players within the program. The defections from both were staggering, gutting a talented group of returning players, as well as long-time coaches who helped transform the program to greatness over the past decade. This certainly wasn’t the only fumble by the Saguaro administration off the field.
The 1-7 ‘Cats severely lack depth, and high-end talent, at nearly every position. Their loaded 6A schedule hasn’t done them any favors, either.
Here’s hoping the AIA does the right thing this off-season and moves Saguaro down to 5A to match their enrollment.
Treat:
Snowflake is a total wagon along the Mogollion Rim in the White Mountains. In an era where successful “neighborhood teams” are dying, the Lobos are absolutely cookin’ in 4A. The tight-knit community of around 7,000 loves their high school football.
Lobos win!!!! 13-10 region champs! 8-0, not done yet!
Let’s go!
— LOBOS FOOTBALL (@SFLoboFball) October 26, 2024
Sitting at a perfect 8-0, Kay Solomon’s defense is allowing only allowing a shade over 12 points per game, and outscoring opponents 259-98. Sure, Snowflake is the only team in the East Sky Region with a winning record, but look no further than their two lopsided wins over Bradshaw Mountain (5-3) and Cactus (6-2) to exemplify the Lobos’ ceiling heading into November.
Strength is in the pack! These young men are always thinking Team above all! So inspiring- this group is not only doing something. Special now, but will accomplish special things all the time in life because of who they are becoming
— LOBOS FOOTBALL (@SFLoboFball) October 26, 2024
With Apache Junction and Sierra Linda to round out the regular season, it would be stunning not to see Snowflake still perfect entering the post-season.
Trick:
Varsity games being played on Thursdays are the Smarties of Halloween candy. Yes, I understand there is a shortage of refs and this window is truly the only option for the AIA to ensure all the games are played. Fair enough, but when will this get corrected for the good of high school football?
I’ll admit I’m a purist (they call it “Friday Night Lights” for a reason, right?), but the early week games offer several hurdles for both players and coaches. I know teams who frequently travel long distances for road games (Salpointe Catholic, Yuma Catholic) aren’t thrilled about getting their players back on campus late on Thursdays with a full day of classes starting just hours later. For small-to-medium rosters, it impacts practice (limits hitting) and preparation, essentially shortening everything by a day.
One head coach said the approach to a Thursday game also depends on who you’re playing that week. In short, playing a team you’re heavily favored against, isn’t as much of a concern on a short week. Plus, giving players a full weekend off away from the game to rest and recharge, both physically and mentally, can be a big advantage during the long, football-heavy season.
Treat:
I know my late, great friend Andy Luberda is looking down and smiling at the County Line.
Florence is 8-1 heading into their gigantic regular season finale Friday at 8-1 ALA-Ironwood. The winner will claim the 3A Central Region Championship.
The Gophers have rushed for almost 2,100 yards, averaging a whopping 7.7 yards per carry this fall. 6’1, 190-pound senior running back Malik Smith has 780 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s complimented by fellow senior, quarterback Logan Stenson, who has 16 total touchdowns. Defensively, Florence has forced 24 turnovers and registered 11 sacks. Junior Zayden Cundiff has 125 tackles, including 10 for loss.
FHS has now won eight or more games three consecutive seasons.
Trick:
It’s been a rough, and unlucky, season to this point for Notre Dame Prep. Four consecutive wins to start the season, followed by four-straight losses has the Saints sitting at 4-4.
Not only have the past four opponents (Brophy, Horizon, Higley, Cactus Shadows) been tougher than the first four (Goldwater, Desert Edge, Millennium, Sunnyslope), George Prelock’s team has been devestated by key injuries, most notably 4-star Oregon wide receiver Cooper Perry, as well as starting quarterback Dylan Rarden who went down against Horizon. In his absence, sophomore Luke Jacobs has taken snaps, as has Perry.
As expected, scoring points the past four games has been an issue. NDP was shut out by Brophy and Higley, and managed just a touchdown in the lopsided loss to Horizon.
The good news is, the Saints still have two weeks to figure out their quarterback situation before the 5A playoffs start.
Editor’s Note: Make it a priority to see Perry play in-person before his incredible career ends if you haven’t already. Special talent and, more importantly, a great young man and role model for others. The Ducks are getting a great one.
Treat:
Cactus Shadows.
The build has been slow and steady for head coach Chris Dixon, but the Falcons have turned the corner in 2024.
Playing in the 5A Northeast Valley Region, one of the most difficult in the state, Cactus Shadows has broken through with a 6-3 season to this point entering their game Friday at home against first-place Horizon in Cave Creek.
After back-to-back 4-6 seasons, CSHS stormed out to a perfect 4-0 start, including a 55-28 thumping of 6A Boulder Creek, who’s currently undefeated in the Desert Valley Region. Their three losses (Higley, Desert Mountain, and ALA Gilbert North) were by a combined 19 points. Those three programs are a combined 18-6.
Dixon has kept the offense, and the ball, in the family over the past three seasons. Son, Donivan Dixon, has blossomed into one of the top quarterbacks in Arizona. The junior has 34 total touchdowns and is closing in on 3,000 total yards this year. He’s also taken care of the ball, throwing just five interceptions in 243 attempts.
Happy for him https://t.co/mHFX5X00Kf
— Coach Chris Dixon (@cdixonii) October 30, 2024
Senior running back Andrew Muirhead should reach 1,000 yards on the ground and has added nine touchdowns. He’s joined in the backfield by fellow senior Jake King who leads the group with 11 rushing scores. Junior Alex Dafnis (41/527/8) leads a balanced receiver group.
#AGTG #RTTS First time in 10 years Cactus Shadows has beat Notre Dame Prep! Beyond proud of my guys. 170 passing yards 1 touchdown, 105 rushing yards 1 touchdown. Proud to be a falcon!https://t.co/Qvb94h7sle ⬅️⬅️ pic.twitter.com/lFIMEQifxA
— Donivan Dixon 2026 (@donivanndixonn) October 27, 2024
Last week’s signature win further cemented what Dixon and his staff have been building since taking over the program in the summer of 2022.
Can you imagine if Cooper Perry, whose family lives in Cave Creek, would have stayed home for high school?
Happy Halloween everyone.
Stay safe tonight and this weekend.
