No. 5 Chandler at No. 1 Mountain Pointe
Which Chandler team will we see? The Wolves were shut out in the first half against Basha last week and then exploded for 41 points after intermission in a 10-point victory. The Wolves have the offensive talent to move the ball on anyone, but penalties and turnovers have been a constant bugaboo. The top-ranked Pride have defeated Hamilton and Desert Vista already this season and are taking aim at another elite program.
Prediction: Chandler 28, Mountain Pointe 25
— Kyle Odegard
No. 2 Cactus at No. 3 Saguaro
Is Saguaro back to its dominating self? The Sabercats lost to Paradise Valley to open the season and then squeaked by Thunderbird in Week 2, but since then, have routed Tempe and Fountain Hills. Saguaro star wide receiver/defensive back Christian Kirk has dominated in his two games since returning from a concussion, and opens up the offense for the Sabercats. These teams met twice last year, including the Division III championship game, and the Sabercats won both meetings. Is the third time a charm for the second-ranked (Div. III) Cobras? Doesn’t look like it.
Prediction: Saguaro 38, Cactus 28
— Kyle Odegard
No. 4 Ironwood Ridge at No. 2 Marcos de Niza
Ironwood Ridge is good. Marcos already knows this having lost to them last year, but this year’s Padres have played as if they’re on a mission so far this season, as the No. 2-ranked (Div. II) Padres have made plays on offense and defense to win games late, without the mistakes that have hampered them in past big games. A win here gives Marcos a golden chance to run the table the rest of the regular season as the schedule lightens up. Ironwood Ridge is going to pack a punch, but it’s definitely the toughest team Ironwood Ridge has faced, on the road, against a Padres team that’s withstood such challenges before (Chaparral and Perry).
Prediction: Marcos de Niza 27, Ironwood Ridge 21
— Mark Heller
No. 9 Desert Mountain at Notre Dame (at Scottsdale Community College)
It was at this point last year when Notre Dame, in the midst of a turmoil season without its coach and on the verge of going 1-4, suddenly came alive. The Saints scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to beat Desert Mountain, 28-24, lost big to Chaparral the following week, but won out the rest of the regular season and made a run through the Division II playoffs. These Saints are a different bunch and a bit beat up physically, but facing a similar crossroads. Trouble is, Desert Mountain has been a better team this season, and the Wolves are well versed on what happened last year.
Prediction: Desert Mountain 24, Notre Dame 17
— Mark Heller
Campo Verde at Poston Butte
It’s been an up-and-down season for both Poston Butte and Campo Verde. The Broncos are 3-1 but still regret a one-point loss to Tempe in Week 2. The Coyotes began 2-0 and led Williams Field at the half but lost that game and then dropped a stunner to Maricopa. Poston Butte could have its starting quarterback and running back on the field together for the first time, as Robert Herrera (knee) and Dustin French (arm) have been battling injuries. It’s a critical game for both sides’ playoff chances, as Poston Butte’s second half schedule tightens up considerably, while Campo Verde wants to avoid a 2-3 start.
Prediction: Poston Butte 21, Campo Verde 13
— Kyle Odegard
