It’s mid-October, the temperatures are dipping, and the playoff picture is heating up across the Gila Valley. Several local teams are looking to strengthen their postseason chances — while others are wrapping up seasons built on grit and growth.
#5 Thatcher (6-1) vs #6 Payson (6-1)
It’s the game of the week and the first-ever meeting between these two 3A powerhouses. Thatcher, out of the 3A East, hosts Payson of the 3A Mountain at Eastern Arizona College Friday night at 7 p.m.
The Eagles are coming off a 61-0 win over San Tan Foothills — a performance that featured six interceptions and touchdowns from nearly every unit.
Head coach Dan Jones said the win was a total team effort.
“Last week was a total team effort,” Jones said. “The defense played very well — six interceptions and we scored in nearly every facet of the game. Huge showdown with Payson this week. They’re a very strong program. We’re improving every week and are excited for this week’s challenge.”
Payson, led by quarterback Nolan Keeney and running back Nathan Tsosie, has averaged nearly 45 points per game and brings plenty of speed. Thatcher’s balance and home-field advantage could make for one of the state’s best matchups of the week.
You can hear this game live on KATO 1230AM in the Gila Valley or online anywhere at gilavalleycentral.net/kato-sports-broadcasts.
#11 Morenci (5-3) at #4 St. Johns (7-1)
Two blue-collar 2A East teams meet in a late-season clash loaded with playoff implications.
Morenci fell 13-6 at Pima last week in a hard-hitting game where all four red-zone turnovers — two by each team — proved costly. Julien Aragon ran 30 times for 188 yards, while Derrick Lytle added 39 yards and the Wildcats’ lone touchdown.
Head coach Frankie Gonzalez said it was the kind of contest that defines small-school Arizona football.
“We lost a very physical game to a good Pima team,” Gonzalez said. “Really fun to always play those dudes — feels like it always comes down to the last possession. We have to rebound and find a way to get a good St. Johns team. I think we’re battle-tested; we just have to find a way to clean up the little mistakes.”
St. Johns has rolled to 7-1 behind quarterback Kaden Waite and running back Trace Nielsen, outscoring opponents 365-69. Morenci will need another monster night from Aragon to hand the Redskins their first league loss.
#11 Pima (4-4) at Madison #46 Highland Prep (1-5)
Fresh off an emotional Senior Night win over Morenci, the Roughriders hit the road to face Madison Highland Prep in Phoenix.
Pima has now won five straight over Morenci and evened its record at .500 after a slow start. Running back Rooster Alder carried 18 times for 148 yards and a touchdown last week, while quarterback Cedrick Grimes, returning from a preseason injury, managed the game efficiently.
Head coach Josh Wilkins said his players rose to the moment.
“You just have to love the Pima–Morenci game,” Wilkins said. “So much emotion. The boys played with so much pride — lots of hard hitting, full effort the whole game. We really have respect for Morenci. Me personally, I have a lot of respect for Coach Gonzalez over there and what he does. This week we hope to work on the little things and continue to get better.”
The Roughriders will try to maintain momentum and climb the playoff seeding ladder this week.
#16 Benson (5-3) at #6 Willcox (7-1)
One of southern Arizona’s longest-running rivalries renews Friday night when the Cowboys host the Bobcats.
Willcox holds a 40-34-2 edge in the all-time series dating back to 1949. Quarterback Robert Hill Jr. and running back Ismael Cuevas lead a balanced Cowboy offense averaging over 34 points per game, while Kaleb Cooke is a two-way standout.
Benson, coming off a 67-7 win over Desert Christian, will rely on quarterback Dawson Judd, who averages more than 200 yards through the air per game. Expect plenty of fireworks between two playoff-bound 2A South teams.
#4 Pusch Ridge Christian (7-1) at #24 Safford (2-5)
After a bye week, Safford returns home to host perennial contender Pusch Ridge.
The Bulldogs will look to start strong and sustain energy after flashes of solid play early against Thatcher.
Head coach Ishmael MacNeil said his focus is on consistency.
“We came out and played well for a quarter but couldn’t keep it sustained versus Thatcher,” MacNeil said. “This week we’re looking to compete and come out with the same energy — but this time, go through the entire game.”
Pusch Ridge’s high-powered offense, led by Race Pinneo and Dominic Painter, has scored 282 points this season and will test Safford’s improving defense.
#14 Duncan (3-5) at #17 Mayer (1-5)
It’s the first regular-season meeting between these two small-school programs, though Mayer holds a 2-0 edge from past playoff encounters.
Duncan continues to show flashes behind quarterback Pablo Ruiz and receiver Dayton Penry, who have connected for big plays all season. The Wildkats will try to finish drives more consistently after red-zone turnovers hurt them in recent weeks.
#50 Santa Rita (0-8) at San Carlos (4-3)
San Carlos continues its independent schedule this year and will not be playoff-eligible, but that hasn’t stopped the Braves from making noise.
Running back Brian Valentino has been electric, averaging more than 130 yards per game, and the Braves defense has posted multiple shutouts.
Santa Rita, still seeking its first win, will have its hands full on the road.
Fort Thomas (1-7) — Season Complete
The Fort Thomas Apaches wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a 1-7 record but gained valuable experience for the future.
Head coach Evan Stringfellow said his team stayed committed through adversity.
“The season didn’t go as we planned,” Stringfellow said. “But we continued executing our plans every week. We have a lot of young kids, and I’m excited for what next year can bring.”
