Gilbert at Chandler
There's no sugar-coating here: Gilbert needs to win to keep playoff hopes alive. That leads to desperation, and the Tigers were in a similar position last year, pulled off a couple wins against Highland and Westwood to grab a spot and then beat Basha in the first round. Problem is, Chandler is far better than Highland or Westwood from 2010, and the Wolves also need this game to maintain hold on a home playoff game, because Chandler has Desert Vista next week. Sometimes you never know which Chandler team will show up, especially defensively, but sheer athleticism and talent goes the Wolves' way, and without a win here, even a win next week for Gilbert might not be enough to repeat the Tigers' stirring conclusion to 2010.
Prediction: Chandler 41, Gilbert 14
- Mark Heller
Mesquite at Corona del Sol
Mesquite and Corona del Sol play similar games. Both prefer to run the ball and have solid backs in Anthony Lopez and Dominic Mercurio. The Aztecs have a better record, but the Wildcats have been more competitive against the state's best teams. Corona did nothing right in losing to Chandler last week, and while the Aztecs are definitely improved from last year, they haven't played in close game (win or lose) yet this season. This is a game with huge playoff implications, and one that probably will be nip-and-tuck most of the way, but Mesquite's offense and defense offer just enough to pull it out and keep the Wildcats' postseason dream alive.
Prediction: Mesquite 17, Corona del Sol 14
- Kyle Odegard
Highland at Mesa
It might be too-little, too-late in terms of postseason viability, but give credit to both schools for winning some games late rather than throwing in the proverbial towel after a couple awful starts to the season. The schedule has eased up, and the Hawks are on a three-game winning streak. The Jackrabbits have won three of the past four. This one is two teams with several similarities, notably the need to run the ball and play defense. Consequently, this could be a fast game because their similarities, and the team that wins the trenches and doesn't commit turnovers.
Prediction: Mesa 21, Highland 14
- Mark Heller
Queen Creek at Campo Verde
Both teams are hot. Queen Creek has won against Higley and a tense affair against Poston Butte last week, while Campo Verde has won three consecutive games, including a biggie against Florence last week that should do wonders for Max Ragsdale's team's confidence toward the postseason. The Bulldogs have one of the top defenses in Division III, so Campo Verde will need to find ways to put points on the board. Queen Creek quarterback Carson Jones isn't given a lot of big-play opportunities, but he is accurate and gives the team balance. This game could stay close early on, but eventually the Bulldogs' running game and its superior defense should wear down Campo Verde.
Prediction: Queen Creek 27, Campo Verde 10
- Kyle Odegard
Williams Field at Poston Butte
Poston Butte opened some eyes by sticking with Queen Creek from start to finish in a 14-7 loss last week. It gets another big test on Friday against Williams Field. The Black Hawks boast Alex Howard, one of the most electric running backs in the East Valley, and the Broncos will need to slow down him and Sean Schweichler. Poston Butte has a solid team and should make the playoffs, but it is not in the same category as Williams Field at this point. Howard could have a big game in this one.
Prediction: Williams Field 35, Poston Butte 13
- Kyle Odegard
