It’s another packed week of football across the Gila Valley and beyond, with regional races tightening and playoff positioning starting to take shape.
Here’s a look at this week’s key matchups featuring area teams.
Morenci at Pima
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – Pima High School
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The Morenci Wildcats (5–2) travel to face the Pima Roughriders (3–4) in a showdown of familiar 2A East rivals.
Morenci leads the all-time series 19–10, but Pima has taken the last four meetings, and the series is 6–6 since 2009.
Morenci’s attack is powered by Julien Aragon (110 rush yds pg) and quarterback Deegan Miller, while the defense—anchored by Derick Lytle and Isaiah Cook—has allowed only 13 points per game.
Pima counters with Ryett McBiles at QB and Rooster Alder in the backfield, with linebacker Joe Palmer leading the defensive charge.
Expect a hard-hitting, old-fashioned 2A battle in Pima.
Thatcher at San Tan Foothills
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – San Tan Foothills High School
The Thatcher Eagles (5–1) head to Queen Creek to face the San Tan Foothills Sabercats (0–6) in 3A East play.
Thatcher has dominated the region and looks to remain unbeaten in league competition.
Quarterback Chad Johnson averages 93 passing yards and 130 total yards per game, while Smith Mangum and Ryan Jones headline a deep offensive group.
The Eagles’ defense allows just 15 points per game.
San Tan Foothills leans on QB Jordan Farmer and RB Izak Wallis, who continue to produce for the Sabercats.
Thatcher leads the series 2–1 since 2011.
Willcox at Santa Cruz Valley
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – Santa Cruz Valley Union High School
The Willcox Cowboys (6–1) visit the Santa Cruz Valley Dust Devils (3–4) in a 2A clash—their first meeting since 2017.
Santa Cruz still leads the all-time series 15–4.
Willcox’s defense has been lights-out, surrendering just 47 points all season.
Ismael Cuevas leads the offense with 75 rushing yds pg and 12 pts pg, while Robert Hill Jr. keeps the air game steady.
For the Dust Devils, QB Richard Reyes Jr. and WR Daniel Contreras (135 total yds pg) form a dangerous duo capable of testing any secondary.
Duncan at San Manuel
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – San Manuel High School
The Duncan Wildkats (3–4) travel to face the San Manuel Miners (2–5) in non-conference action.
San Manuel leads the all-time series 4–2.
QB Pablo Ruiz fuels Duncan’s offense with 117 passing yds and 145 total yds per game, while Dayton Penry adds 55 receiving yds per game.
On defense, Ky Coats has been a force—averaging 10 tackles and 1.9 sacks per game.
San Manuel’s offense runs through the Deckers—Tanner and Taylor—with Daniel Najera contributing on both sides of the ball.
This one could hinge on turnovers and field position.
St. David at Fort Thomas
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – Fort Thomas High School
The St. David Tigers (6–1) visit the Fort Thomas Apaches (1–6) in 1A South play.
The programs first met in 1951, and St. David holds a commanding 46–16–1 series lead.
St. David averages 51.9 points pg, led by RB Cedar Haynie (121 rush yds, 17 pts pg) and QB Vincent Ciccariello (106 pass yds pg).
Fort Thomas counters with QB Kobe Pearson (136 pass yds pg) and WR Michael Olivar (129 rec yds pg).
Alchesay at San Carlos
Game Time: Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m. – San Carlos High School
The San Carlos Braves (4–2) host the Alchesay Falcons (4–3) in a non-conference matchup between two surging small-school teams.
Alchesay leads the all-time series 19–2, though San Carlos notched one of those wins at home.
The Braves are powered by Brian Valentino (200 rush yds, 241 total yds pg) and QB Leshawn Browning (133 pass yds pg), with WR Leandro Simbolo (86 rec yds pg) adding balance.
Defensively, Anson Kinney and Luka Swift anchor a tough unit, giving up barely two touchdowns per game.
Alchesay enters averaging nearly 40 points per game and will test that Braves defense with speed and depth.
This one has the makings of a classic reservation rivalry night.
