In 4A there are four dominant teams on a collision course for a semifinal showdown, but let's take a look at the first round match-ups anyway and see what you might be able to expect.

Prediction: Sunrise Mountain's defense might have had a hiccup last week against Mingus, but I believe the Mustangs will be back in peak form against Apache Junction. Sunrise Mountain 63, Apache Junction 14

Why I might be wrong: Apache Junction is on a role, winning five straight, and finding an offensive rhythm they lacked at the beginning of the season. If Sunrise Mountain's week 10 leaks are evidence of cracks in the dam, the Prospectors might be able to take advantage.

Who to watch for: On the Apache Junction side, QB Gibson Limongello and two-way player Ethan Zimmerman are absolute stars that are both on a hot streak. For Sunrise Mountain, everything runs through Keegan Freid, but in this game, I think a heavy dose of running backs Drake Flores and slotback Jay Anderson will be the medicine that ultimately puts Apache Junction to sleep.

Prediction: Saguaro is on a quest for a fifth straight championship, and they're finally running the ball in a manner that's a little more representative of of the previous Sabercat squads we've become accustomed to. Mingus can score, but not at the rate it will take to make a historic upset. Saguaro 45, Mingus 7

Why I might be wrong: Saguaro is young, and Mingus did just spend a half hanging with one of the toughest teams in the division, Sunrise Mountain last week.

Who to watch for: Junior running back Alex Nelson has 6 TDs in the last four games for Mingus. On Saguaro, Michael Maafu, Damian Sellers and Connor Soelle are peaking for a tough, but inexperienced defense. The three of them are a threat to swallow the quarterback or running back in the backfield on any given play.

Prediction: Higley's first quarters this year have been like something out of Fast and Furious. Over the last 6 games, including one where they only scored 6 against Marcos de Niza, the Knights have averaged 28 points in the opening quarter. They're the Mike Tyson of 4A right now, going for the early knockout. Higley 55, Buckeye 20

Why I might be wrong: Buckeye's quarterback is on fire. Over the last three games Joseph Perez has 804 yards passing, 12 TDs, 392 yards rushing and 4 TDs.

Who to watch for: Definitely Joseph Perez for Buckeye. For Higley, my friend Cody Cameron says that despite all the stars on the roster that defensive lineman Ty Robinson is going to play the biggest role in this win. I'm looking forward to seeing if Spencer Brasch continues his streak of 24 TD passes without an interception.

Prediction: Salpointe already gave Pueblo all they could handle once this year, in a 420 shutout where Pueble wasn't even able to complete a pass. Lancers roll. Salpointe 45, Pueblo 6

Why I might be wrong: Pueblo proved to have a short memory after that blowout loss, winning five straight games and then showing Amphitheater zero mercy in a game they needed to win to make the playoffs.

Who to watch for: First of all, Gabe Madril. He's great, and a guy who plays much bigger than he is for that Lancer defense. On offense, everyone will say Bijan Robinson, but ever since Mario Padilla returned from injury, he's been back to his old self- 345 yards on 34 carries with 8 total TDs. Defensively, Alonzo Saldivar will need to have the game of his life to keep Pueblo in the contest.

Prediction: Moon Valley has talent all over the field, but do they have the talent to slow down Damaria Norris? I don't think so. Cactus 35, Moon Valley 21

Why I might be wrong: You have to commit to the run game against Cactus, and Liarrys Cox has been a breakout player for the Rockets over the last four games. If they can chew up yards, they might be able to keep it close enough to get the win.

Who to watch for: Isaiah Southwick has to protect the ball for Moon Valley. No extra possessions for Cactus means they won't have as many quick-strike opportunities. For Cactus, defensive tackle Scott Jones could break this game open all by himself if Moon Valley doesn't get him blocked up front.

Prediction: Seton Catholic has shown a lot of heart this season, and what do they get rewarded with for their 8-2 effort? They get to host the defending runner-up of a division they're attempting to appeal out of. If they're disciplined and patient- a hallmark of this year's Gary Galante-coached team, they'll get the win. Seton Catholic 24, Catalina Foothills 17

Why I might be wrong: Chris Kowalcek is whatever Catalina Foothills needs him to be. He can make the big pass, or he can run the ball 20 times per game. Sometimes he'll do both.

Who to watch for: For Seton, Roman DeCaro's worst game came against the most mobile QB Seton has faced this year, but he has 15 tackles for a loss on the season, and needs to have a big game if the Sentinels are going to slow down Kowalcek. For Catalina Foothills, it's all about Chris Kowalcek- as he goes, they go.

Prediction: Walden Grove did a great job forcing turnovers in the first half of the season. In the last four games, however, they've given up the ball eight times. They have to protect the football to win. Peoria needs to make sure they're offensively diverse and not forcing the ball to Elijah Neal if it's not working- take advantage of Nate Dobson's mobility and Juwaun Price's explosiveness. Peoria 42, Walden Grove 28

Why I might be wrong: To be completely honest, Walden Grove is the only team in the top three divisions that I haven't seen live, or watched multiple hours of film on. They're a mystery to me. Maybe they match up well with the Panthers, we'll see.

Who to watch for: Peoria's sideline-to-sideline LB Austin Enteman is one of the most talented players Walden Grove will have faced all year. For Walden Grove, they want to make sure Nick Flores is the version of himself that makes good decisions at QB, and not the one who gives the ball away.

Prediction: Marcos de Niza already has a win over Cactus Shadows, and it was probably their most complete offensive game of the season against a quality opponent. Can the result be duplicated? This is a tale of two dual-threat senior quarterbacks, and I'm going with the one who has a little more experience. Cactus Shadows 23, Marcos de Niza 20

Why I might be wrong: Defensively, the Padres have over-performed all season. It's been solid coaching, and players like Mario Gastelum doing everything they can to keep the Padres in the game and allow the offense opportunities to get wins.

Who to watch for: The quarterbacks, for sure. Andrew Young for Cactus Shadows and Marcos Moreno for Marcos de Niza.