Thatcher at Morenci
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Morenci High School, Morenci, Ariz.
Broadcast: Live on KATO 1230AM; streamed online at GilaValleyCentral.net
Game Overview: No. 2 Thatcher (7-2) heads to Morenci (3-6) for a regular-season finale in their long-standing rivalry. After a 22-7 loss to Pusch Ridge Christian Academy last week, Thatcher is eager to regain momentum and solidify its playoff seeding. Morenci, coming off a 31-0 shutout loss to Sabino, aims to end the season on a high note with a season-ending upset, a feat they achieved against Thatcher in 2008, 2013, and 2023.
Key Matchup: Thatcher’s ground game, led by Tristun Brown and Kody Bingham, vs. Morenci’s defense. Morenci will need a strong defensive showing to contain Thatcher’s run-heavy offense and force them into passing situations.
What’s at Stake: A win secures Thatcher’s playoff positioning, while Morenci looks to play spoiler and end their season with a statement victory at home.
Safford at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Tucson, Ariz.
Game Overview: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (8-1) hosts Safford (4-5) in a regular-season finale that could impact playoff seeding for PRCA. The Lions are riding high after upsetting then-No. 1 Thatcher 22-7 last week, showcasing a dominant performance by quarterback Jacob Newborn, who threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Safford, on the other hand, is coming off of a bye week.
Key Matchup: PRCA quarterback Jacob Newborn and his high-powered passing game vs. Safford’s secondary. Newborn connected for multiple long plays last week, including a 72-yard touchdown, and will look to test Safford’s defensive backs early and often.
What’s at Stake: A win for Pusch Ridge could secure a top playoff position, while Safford aims to end their season on a strong note and potentially improve their postseason outlook with a road upset.
Pima at Santa Cruz Valley
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, Eloy, Ariz.
Game Overview: In a marquee matchup to close out the regular season, No. 5-ranked Pima (8-1) travels to Eloy to face No. 3 Santa Cruz Valley (8-1). Both teams have dominated this season, with Pima undefeated in section play (6-0) and Santa Cruz Valley posting a strong 5-1 section record. This game not only carries weight as the final regular-season contest but also holds significant playoff implications for both teams, with each vying for the best possible seed.
Key Matchup: Pima’s run-first offense, led by standout Jeremiah Martinez, who averages 154.1 rushing yards per game, will challenge Santa Cruz Valley’s defense. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz Valley’s versatile offense, led by quarterback Nathan Harris (197.7 passing yards per game) and receiver Juan Diego Juarez (93.6 receiving yards per game), will look to test Pima’s defense, which has allowed only 66 points all season. Santa Cruz Valley’s high-octane offense averages 44.7 points per game, and how Pima’s defense handles this explosive unit could determine the outcome.
What’s at Stake: As the last game of the regular season, this matchup will heavily influence playoff seeding. Santa Cruz Valley seeks to defend its ranking and home field, while Pima aims to end their season with a statement win on the road.
