Every local team has now knocked the dust off their cleats and have at least one game under their belts. This week starts the grind with some big games in and around the Gila Valley.
Pima (1-0) at Safford (1-0)
On paper this game is the most intriguing of any this week. The two teams haven’t played since 1945 and Safford holds the overall series record 6-1. Pima’s lone win came by a 6-0 shutout in 1937.
Safford beat Blue Ridge in overtime on the road last week. They had to score on 4th down at the end of regulation and overtime to get the victory. Both of those are impressive for first year Head Coach Bob Park.
Pima rolled up 56 points in their opener on the road at Miami. The ‘Riders have the tallest skill position players in the Gila Valley with Quarterback Seth Russell listed at 6’6 and twin receivers, Grant and Pierce Ashby, listed at 6’4 and 6’6.
This game will come down to offensive line play. Whichever team can give their QB time to run the offense will come out on top. A low scoring game favors the Bulldogs, if it is a track meet, go with the Riders.
You can hear this game live on KATO 1230 AM in the Gila Valley or online by clicking here.
Thatcher (1-0) at Florence (0-1)
Thatcher scored in every facet of the game last week against Sahuarita in a 53-7 win. Florence gave up 55 points to Mohave in a loss.
The Eagles offensive line might be the biggest in the 3A South and gave QB Wyatt Larson plenty of time to throw in game one. If they can do that again this week, Thatcher will put up big numbers again.
Morenci (1-0) at Round Valley (1-0)
The Wildcats rushed for 410 yards in their season opener against Sequoia Pathways. Sophomore RB Michael Casillas produced half of those with 220 yards on 19 carries and three scores.
The ‘Cats will have to corral Round Valley’s Seth Wiltbank, which is a tough task. The Senior ran for 106 yards last week in a shutout win over Phoenix Christian.
This one could turn into the highest scoring game on the schedule this week with the two high powered offenses.
Duncan (1-1) at San Manuel (1-0)
Duncan was able to get in the win column last week with a shutout win at Superior. The Wildkats had their preseason shortened with a stint on the COVID quarantine list and are just now getting into game shape.
The will be on the road again this week at San Manuel. The Miners beat Ray 66-6 in their season opener.
The Duncan defense is solid and with the playmakers on offense of Diego Montoya and Ben Harris, the Wildkats will need to click on the road for the second week.
