Week 9: Arizona high school football spotlight games
A look at my weekly fab four football games in Arizona this Friday night, using the star system.
Five stars
Show Low (8-0) at Snowflake (8-0), 7 p.m.
This 3A East Region game is all the buzz in the White Mountains. It is for the East crown and White Mountains supremacy. Snowflake is looking for revenge after losing its only regular-season game last year to Show Low, 35-27. Snowflake is ranked No. 1 in the AIA/MaxPreps playoff seedings, Show Low fifth. Snowflake running back Zach Solomon has had limited carries the past few games, nursing a sore ankle. But he'll be ready and running on adrenaline. Expect another close game.
Prediction: Snowflake 28, Show Low 27
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Four stars
Gilbert Perry (7-1) at Chandler Hamilton (6-2), 7 p.m.
Whenever Hamilton loses two games in the same season, it feels like the sky is falling along Arizona Avenue. But Hamilton still is a feared team, especially this time of the year. Perry, on the other hand, wants to show why this might be the best team it ever has had under coach Preston Jones. Quarterback Brock Purdy can show why he might be the best passing quarterback in the state. He'll try to find his speedy targets in what is the biggest game in Perry history. It has never beaten Hamilton.
Prediction: Hamilton 49, Perry 46
SUPER 10: Perry makes debut
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Phoenix Brophy Prep (7-2) at Chandler (6-2), 7 p.m.
This is huge on a personal level for Brophy defensive coordinator Thurmond Moore, who was the DC at Chandler two years ago, when the Wolves won the 6A crown. It also is important for Moore to get his defense back swarming the ball and making plays after Brophy has lost its last two games since creating six turnovers in a win over Hamilton. Brophy doesn't want to stagger entering the playoffs. But it will have an extra week to get ready with next week off. This is my upset special.
Prediction: Brophy 28, Chandler 25
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Three stars
Phoenix Christian (7-1) at Scottsdale Christian (7-1), 7 p.m.
This is homecoming for Scottsdale Christian, and a chance for freshman quarterback Jack Miller to prove he can continue his prolific season against maybe the hottest team in 2A, one that refueled at midseason with transfers turned loose, particularly running back/linebacker Tyller Graham, who has run for 292 yards and five TDs and has 20 tackles in three games since he became eligible.
Prediction: Phoenix Christian 42, Scottsdale Christian 34
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert. Listen to Richard Obert with Dan Manucci on the Which Wich Arizona High School Football Preview Show on Friday night 6-7 on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
