All-Time Series: Mountain Pointe leads 4-0

Who to look out for on the Champions:

Mike Rogers is averaging 18 yards per carry, on 14 carries per game against PUHSD schools. You also have to look out for the lob over the top to Tavion Allen, who has 12 TD receptions. He's a big reason why junior QB Chris Russell is averaging 21 yard per completion. Defensively, Cesar Chavez has 73 sacks. Now, I've been critical of Chavez in the past for counting run-pass option tackles of the quarterback as sacks, but on film, guys like sophomore Andrew Blitzke show a real nose for timing the snap count and making plays.

Who to look out for on the Pride:

Offensively, Jaydon Brooks should have a big day. He's already a special teams threat, returning two punts for scores last week and four on the season, but his receiving skills are going to come in handy. Sophomore QB Nick Wallerstedt has had the handcuffs take off a bit, and last week he targeted Brooks repeatedly. On defense, Shomari Hayes and Matthew Pola-Mao are going to need to help collapse the pocket, and absorb blockers so that Chavez doesn't get any momentum in the running game. If Rogers gets going, he's hard to bring down, and could help eat up clock and slow the game down.

Prediction: Mountain Pointe 43, Cesar Chavez 14

All-Time Series: Desert Ridge leads 1-0

Who to look out for on the Knights:

Of course Tyler Vasko and his 4,000 career rushing yards are the topic of conversation, but consider that QB Ryan Martinez is 31-41 (76%) for 8 touchdowns in his last 4 games. Martinez hasn't turned the ball over in over 2 months. If the Knights can take care of the ball and mix it up on offense, they have a real shot to win. Defensively, they need senior Deonsaye Dean to have a monster game, much like he did against Highland earlier this year, to keep the Jaguars at bay.

Who to look out for on the Jaguars:

With the quarterback situation not necessarily nailed down, you have to look to the backfield. Westview isn't the best team when it comes to run defense, and I think that's something that can help Tyrese Allen and the offensive line right the ship. Allen hasn't had a run longer than 14 yards in over a month, and the 1,300+ yard rusher, if healthy, is due for a big game. Defensively it'll be interesting to see how Jalen and Jason Harris play the run. If Westview is tiring out Desert Ridge defenders, it'll be tough for them to be fully energized when playing on the offensive side of the ball. I expect Christian Allen to have his third double-digit tackle night of the season.

Prediction: Desert Ridge 27, Westview 24

All-Time Series: Brophy leads 4-1

Who to look out for on the Pioneers:

Offensively, Noah Pittenger might be the state's most valuable player to his team. He didn;t play against Chandler, and Brophy had no way to stretch out possessions. It's easy to see why they fell behind 56-0 by the time a few plays had been run in the second half against the Wolves. They need to find a way for one of their quarterbacks to get Matthew Kempton the ball- he gave Hamilton fits, but only has 7 catches in their three games since beating the Huskies.

Who to look out for on the Broncos:

There was no Spencer Rattler when these teams faced off in zero week, but Rattler's presence only matters if the Pioneers are taking care of the football. After switching to defense, Hunter Griggs is no longer the running back, and Kaleb Covington seems to be getting the carries instead. Pinnacle will need some production from that role to keep from putting too much responsibility on the passing game. On Defense, if Dylan Stevenson can help get Pinnacle an extra possession, it'd go a long way in an upset effort.

Prediction: Brophy 34, Pinnacle 31

All-Time Series: Red Mountain leads 9-2

Who to look out for on the Mountain Lions:

Lance Lawson got the week off after getting banged up against Skyline in their 17-14 loss on 10/21, and he should be back Friday, with a larger part in the offense than the 13 touches he had last time around. Austin Duffy has had 4 games where he had equal to or more turnovers than TD passes, and 4 games where he was dominant. The one that shows up against Skyline will dictate the outcome. On defense, you have a guy in Gerald Wilbon who has forced three fumbles this year. You have to hope he can cause one of Skyline's running backs to cough the ball up.

Who to look out for on the Coyotes:

After Aaron Wood's breakout game against Skyline you'd think the torch was passed, but Kaleb Hardin put up another 100 yard game in his return from injury, and now you have two bigtime running threats. Jonathan Jackson is also healthy, and will add a threat in the passing game. Defensively, Jacob Scott is coming off a big game, and could give Skyline an edge.

Prediction: Skyline 24, Red Mountain 17

All-Time Series: 0-0

Who to look out for on the Monsoon:

Brock Purdy has turned the ball over 25 times in 18 games , so if Valley Vista wants to stay in this game, they need ballhawks Darrien Sikahema, Ivan Hinson, Vodrey Gates and Christian Alvarado to show why they've generated a combined 15 takeaways.

Who to look out for on the Pumas:

All of the sudden, Perry is giving carries to Clayson Conrad (42 in the last 3 weeks, 22 in his Perry career before that), and I think he's set for his first 100 yard game against the Monsoon. The Brock Purdy to Nate James connection is also one to look out for- James had 10 TD catches in the month of October.

Prediction: Perry 45, Valley Vista 28

All-Time Series: 1-0 Hamilton

Who to look out for on the Badgers:

Hamilton just gave up 500+ yards rushing in a single game. I'd think Tucson would rely heavily on RB DJ Hinton in this contest. The Huskies also have given the ball away an average of twice per game this year, so Badgers defensive leader Bryan Lopez should be able to come up with an interception or fumble recovery.

Who to look out for on the Huskies:

I think it's time for Tyler Alexander to break out. He's never had more than 10 touches in a game, and he's a sparkplug on offense that can open things up for other players if they lean on him a bit more. Defensively, Lad Hervey has impressed me all year long as someone who's trying to maintain the old-world Hamilton defensive attitude despite their struggles.

Prediction: Hamilton 34, Tucson 21

All-Time Series: 6-4 Mountain View

Who to look out for on the Thunder:

Some of my favorites were all interviewed by our very own Chilly after their huge win over Desert Ridge, including DB Alijah Gammage, QB Nick Thomas, and RB Lelon Dillard. Click the links to watch the videos.

Who to look out for on the Toros:

If Wheeler Harris is completing passes, the Toros are winning, and he's been on a roll in the second half of the season. If WR Jacobby Dinwiddie and DB Devin Waite play as well as they did against Red Mountain earlier this year, I think the Toros get their first playoff win since 2009.

Prediction: Desert Vista 28, Mesa Mountain View 24

All-Time Series: 7-1 Chandler

Who to look out for on the Bears:

Wide Receiver Terrell Brown is 133 receiving yards away from the 6A single season record held by Mark Andrews. Ryan Kelley is 224 yards passing away from Dalton Sneed's career mark for 6A. That's definitely worth looking out for.

Who to look out for on the Wolves:

TJ Green has been dominant as of late, and it's put one of the state's most cherished records- total TDs at the highest division, within reach. Bobby Wade had 41 for Desert Vista in 1998. Green needs to average 4 scores per game through the playoffs to beat it. Considering he already has four 4 TD games, it could actually happen.

Prediction: Chandler 56, Basha 28