HIGH SCHOOL

Breaking down two big football showdowns: Desert Edge-Paradise Valley, Chandler-Chaparral

Richard Obert
azcentral sports
Phoenix Paradise Valley football players celebrate their second win after their high school football game against Laveen Betty Fairfax in Phoenix on Friday, August 28, 2015.

There are big games everywhere but two stand out. Here are my breakdowns on the two that I'll be at:

No. 1 Goodyear Desert Edge (1-0) at No. 2 Paradise Valley (2-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.

Some believe it is Desert Edge and everybody else in Division III, believing the Scorpions should be chasing a Division II title this season, instead. But this is the division Desert Edge fought to be in, and everybody else in D.III is going to have to step up their games. This is as good a time as any for Paradise Valley, a former D.II team, to state its case as a contender to Desert Edge. Some believe Paradise Valley would be a D.II title contender had  it stayed put. Paradise Valley's offense should be able to move the ball with quarterback Daniel Bridge-Gadd leading a balanced attack. Desert Edge will try to dial up big plays on the ground with RB Roshaun Johnson. Desert Edge has to have QB Tehran Thomas behind the wheel to win. If he isn't shifting gears, running that fast-paced, shotgun option offense, Desert Edge suddenly becomes one-dimensional and Paradise Valley has a chance. Desert Edge's big line that averages 6 feet 4, 290 pounds can make a statement. If it can push PV's defense back, Desert Edge should have a good game. PV's offense has already shown out dynamic it is, scoring more than 50 points in its first two games. Expect an Arena Football League-like score. It's a matter who dials up the most big plays.

Prediction: Paradise Valley 48, Desert Edge 41

PHOTOS: Betty Fairfax at Paradise Valley

No. 1 Chandler (1-1) at  No. 7 Scottsdale Chaparral (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

Chandler's Chase Lucas tries to break a tackle from Pinnacle's Josh Stedman at Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, AZ on August 20, 2015.

Expect a huge turnout for Chaparral's home opener. Chaparral showed it is a legitimate Division I contender with a 23-19 victory over La Mesa (Calif.) Helix in San Diego. Chaparral had five sacks. How it cracks through Chandler's offensive line to try to put pressure on quarterback Mason Moran will be key. Chandler needs to show it has big playmakers other than running back Chase Lucas, who will be out 2-4 weeks after suffering a sprained knee during the opening kickoff at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. Lucas is a huge dimension to Chandler's team. But Chandler has enough skill position players to push the pace and keep Chaparral's defense for keying on big wide receiver N'Keal Harry. Watch for receiver Kolby Taylor and RB T.J. Green to pick up their games. Chaparral's defensive front, led by Brandon Jamison, is impressive. But  those guys up front have to be concerned about Moran taking off with the ball and using his speed to make big plays. Chaparral is no slouch on offense. Strong safety Kurt Shughart contributes to the run game, and Chandler needs to make sure 6-foot-4 wide receiver Ryan Bright doesn't get free. Expect a great game, but in the end Chandler's overall speed will probably be too much for the Firebirds.

Prediction: Chandler 30, Chaparral 24

Reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-460-1710. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert, Listen to the Which Wich High School Football Preview Show every Friday from 6-7 p.m., on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Dan Manucci and Richard Obert.