Homecoming Night at Safford 7pm
Radio: KATO 1230AM or gilavalleycentral.net
TV: SBNN on YouTube
Overview: The stakes are high as the Safford Bulldogs host the Morenci Wildcats for their annual homecoming game. With both teams looking to bounce back after recent losses, the energy in Safford will be electric as the Bulldogs aim to give their home crowd a night to remember. Safford comes into this game at 3-3 but faces significant adversity after losing their starting quarterback Jeyvn Elliott for the season. Meanwhile, Morenci, sitting at 2-3, will look to spoil the festivities with their bruising ground attack.
Safford Bulldogs (3-3)
- Homecoming Atmosphere: It’s homecoming night in Safford, and the Bulldogs will be motivated to put on a strong performance in front of a lively home crowd. Expect emotions to be high as the team looks to bounce back from last week’s tough loss.
- Quarterback Transition: With Elliot out for the season, senior Carlos Arbizo steps in at quarterback. Arbizo’s experience as a rusher and defender gives him versatility, but he’ll need to manage the offense and avoid mistakes in his new role under center.
- Relying on Jurado: Senior running back Jarret Jurado will be the workhorse for Safford, with 333 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. With the offense shifting to a more run-heavy approach, Jurado will need to find success behind a sturdy offensive line.
- Defensive Leaders: The Bulldogs will look to their defensive stalwarts to control Morenci’s run game. Jace Jameson (49 tackles) and Xavier Owens (45 tackles, 12 sacks) will be key in stopping Morenci’s powerful rushing attack, while Carlos Arbizo (5 interceptions) and Cole Yentsch (3 interceptions) are ready to capitalize on any passing mistakes.
Morenci Wildcats (2-3)
- Ground-and-Pound Offense: Morenci will look to control the game through their physical rushing attack. Julian Aragon (491 rushing yards, 2 TDs) and Marcus Lucero (340 rushing yards, 4 TDs) form a dangerous backfield tandem that has powered Morenci’s offense all season.
- Quarterback Play: Senior Chris Lopez has filled in at quarterback since Derick Lytle was injured, and while the Wildcats lean heavily on their running game, Lopez will need to make timely throws to keep Safford’s defense honest.
- Defensive Standouts: The Wildcats’ defense, led by senior linebacker Marcus Lucero (59 tackles) and senior defensive back Xavier Ferandez (4 interceptions), will look to stifle Safford’s offense and force Arbizo into uncomfortable situations. Diddy Lupita (36 tackles, 2 TFL) and Shane Seballos (21 tackles, 4 TFL) will be key in applying pressure.
Key Matchups:
- Safford’s Rushing Attack vs. Morenci’s Run Defense: With Arbizo starting at quarterback, expect Safford to lean heavily on Jurado to carry the offense. Morenci’s front seven, led by M. Lucero and Lupita, will aim to shut down the running lanes and force Arbizo to beat them through the air.
- Morenci’s Ground Game vs. Safford’s Defensive Front: Morenci’s success hinges on their ability to control the clock and grind out yards with Aragon and Lucero. Safford’s defensive line, particularly Owens and Jameson, will need to hold firm at the point of attack to give their offense more opportunities.
Prediction: Both teams will look to dominate the ground game, and the contest could come down to which defense can control the trenches and force the opposition into passing situations. The homecoming atmosphere will provide extra energy for Safford, but Morenci’s more established rushing attack and disciplined defense give them the edge in what is expected to be a tightly fought contest.
