The 2025 season is heating up as local and regional teams head into late September with playoff positioning and bragging rights on the line. Here’s a look at this week’s key matchups across the Gila Valley and surrounding regions.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Morenci (3-2) at Benson (3-2), 7 p.m.
Benson High School
Series history: Morenci leads 18–17 (first meeting in 1982).
Both teams come in at 3–2, but they’ve built their records in different ways. Morenci thrives on the ground behind Julien Aragon (117 rushing ypg), while Benson leans on quarterback Dawson Judd, who averages over 227 passing yards per game.
The Bobcats have looked strong against common opponents, while Morenci has been more up-and-down. With the all-time series separated by just one game, this matchup could go either way.
Friday, Sept. 26
Baboquivari (0-5) at Duncan (2-3), 7 p.m.
Duncan High School
Series history: Duncan leads 12–5, though Baboquivari has won the last two.
Baboquivari is still searching for its first win and has struggled on both sides of the ball, scoring just 12 points all season. Duncan, meanwhile, averages nearly 33 points per game, led by quarterback Pablo Ruiz (119.6 passing ypg) and receiver Dayton Penry (56.6 receiving ypg).
The Wildkats also feature defensive standout Ky Coats (8.2 tackles, 2 sacks per game). If Duncan executes, it could snap Baboquivari’s two-game streak in the series.
Ray (4-1) at Fort Thomas (1-4), 7 p.m.
Fort Thomas High School
Series history: Ray leads 7–0 (first meeting in 2011).
Ray has been one of the most explosive teams in 1A, averaging more than 45 points per game behind quarterback Jason Day and versatile playmaker Jesse James. Running back Chase Chester adds another reliable weapon.
Fort Thomas is averaging 28 points per contest and will look to lean on its home field to keep pace. For the Apaches, the key will be limiting Ray’s big-play ability and capitalizing on scoring chances to stay in the fight.
Pima (1-4) at Miami (2-3), 7 p.m.
Miami High School — 2A East game
Series history: First played in 1940, renewed in 2016. Pima leads 8–0.
Pima will try to keep its perfect record in this series intact and pick up momentum heading into the second half of the season. The Roughriders have leaned on quarterback Ryett Mcbiles (113.4 passing ypg, 103.8 total ypg) to move the ball through the air, while linebacker Joe Palmer (10.6 tackles per game) has been a bright spot defensively.
Miami has been stronger at home, but Pima has found ways to rise against the Vandals every time they’ve met. If the Roughriders can finish drives and keep mistakes down, they have a good chance to extend their 8–0 series lead.
Scottsdale Prep (2-3) at Willcox (4-1), 7 p.m.
Willcox High School
Series history: Scottsdale Prep won the only meeting in 2024, 27–21.
Willcox has started hot at 4–1 and is looking for payback after last year’s narrow loss. The Cowboys are led by Ismael Cuevas (75 rushing ypg, 11.8 ppg) and a defense that’s allowed only 33 total points through five games.
The Spartans rely on quarterback Will Ryken, who piles up over 220 total yards per game and accounts for much of their scoring. If Willcox’s defense can contain him, the Cowboys have a strong chance to even the series.
San Tan Foothills (0-5) at Safford (1-4), 7 p.m.
Safford High School — Live on SBNN – 3A East Region game
Series history: Safford leads 2–0 (2009, 2010).
Both teams are trying to climb out of early-season struggles, but Safford has the edge at home. The Bulldogs are averaging 15.4 points per game, compared to San Tan’s 7.4, and they’ve shown flashes of improvement despite a tough schedule.
The Sabercats will need a stronger defensive performance to avoid falling to 0–6. Safford looks to add its third straight win in the series.
Pusch Ridge (5-0) at Thatcher (3-1), 7 p.m.
Eastern Arizona College — Live on KATO 1230 AM and online at gilavalleycentral.net/kato-sports-broadcasts — 3A East Region game
Series history: Thatcher leads 7–3. Pusch Ridge is the defending 3A state champion.
The Lions have stormed out to a perfect 5–0 record, scoring nearly 40 points a game and showcasing balance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback MJ Buckner and wideout Dominic Painter pace an offense that racks up 352 total yards per game, while the defense averages more than 5 sacks a night.
Thatcher has been solid in its own right, led by quarterback Chad Johnson, who contributes both through the air and on the ground for 163.5 total yards per game. With both teams unbeaten in region play, this showdown could go a long way in shaping the 3A East race.
