It’s the final week of the 2A regular season, and playoff spots are on the line across the Gila Valley. Thatcher and Safford each have one more week left on their regular-season slate, while Pima, Morenci, and Willcox wrap things up Friday night. Here’s how this week’s matchups shape up.
Sabino (3–5) at Thatcher (7–1)
Thursday, Oct. 23 – Eastern Arizona College
Broadcast: KATO 1230 AM & GilaValleyCentral.net/kato-sports-broadcasts
Thatcher celebrates Senior Night under the lights Thursday, hosting a Sabino team that’s better than its 3–5 record looks. The Sabercats can score in bunches behind sophomore quarterback Bodhi Sanford, who’s thrown for 1,782 yards and 19 touchdowns. His favorite targets include senior Ty Cassidy (474 yards, 5 TDs) and Zachari Haley (406 yards, 6 TDs), while Haley also leads the ground game with 798 rushing yards and 8 scores.
Thatcher’s defense will have its hands full, but the Eagles have proven they can handle high-powered offenses. Senior quarterback Chad Johnson has been efficient all year, completing 66% of his passes for 784 yards and 5 touchdowns, while adding 280 rushing yards and 7 scores. Running backs Smith Mangum, Jackson Bryce, and Ryan Jones have combined for over 860 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
This will be the fifth meeting since 2021, with Thatcher holding a 4–0 record in the series. Expect a physical and disciplined approach from the Eagles as they prepare for the postseason.
Chandler Prep (7–2) at Pima (5–4)
Friday, Oct. 24
Broadcast: KATO 1230 AM & GilaValleyCentral.net/kato-sports-broadcasts
The first-ever 2A crossover games take place this week, and Pima has drawn a tough opponent in Chandler Prep, the runners-up in the Metro 1 Region. The Titans have outscored opponents 408–123 this season, while Pima finished second in the 2A East at 3–1.
It’s the first 11-man meeting between the programs — their last games came in 1A 8-man back in 2011. Chandler Prep averages nearly 390 yards of offense per game, led by quarterback Kody Dodson (221 passing YPG) and running back Avery Hamler (55 rushing YPG).
Pima’s physical ground game and sturdy defense have carried them all year, and they’ll try to impose their will to slow down the Titans’ up-tempo attack. The Roughriders’ blue-collar style should make for a great contrast against Chandler Prep’s spread system.
Florence (4–4) at Safford (2–6)
Friday, Oct. 24 – Safford High School
It’s the final home game for Safford, and they’ll look to send their seniors out on a high note against a solid Florence squad. The Bulldogs have battled through a tough 3A schedule and have one more chance to build momentum before finishing at Sabino next week.
Florence has been competitive all season, led by quarterback Brody Ramirez (135 passing YPG) and running back Dayron Neal (59 rushing YPG). The Gophers’ defense allows just 21 points per game and features linebacker Zayden Cundiff (15 tackles per game).
Safford doesn’t submit individual stats, but the Bulldogs’ effort hasn’t been in question — they’ve played hard in every game. A home win here would be a bright finish to an otherwise rebuilding season.
Arete Prep (3–6) at Morenci (5–4)
Friday, Oct. 24 – Lawson Stadium, Morenci
Morenci wraps up its regular season hosting Arete Prep in another 2A crossover matchup.
The Wildcats are led by senior Julien Aragon, who’s averaging 110 rushing yards per game with 11 touchdowns, Derick Lytle adds 68 rushing yards per game and leads the defense with 6.5 tackles per night. Senior Jaymz Guzzo is a two-way playmaker with five interceptions and three total touchdowns.
Arete Prep brings an explosive passing attack behind junior quarterback Case Morris (12 TD passes, 58% completions) and senior wideout Lucas Allgood (54 receiving YPG, 7 TDs). Running back Nhattan Pham adds 79 rushing yards and 8 total touchdowns.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the programs — and a great playoff test for both.
Willcox (8–1) at Tanque Verde (7–2)
Friday, Oct. 24 – Tanque Verde High School
The best matchup of the week might be in Tucson. Willcox, the 2A South 2 champs, faces Tanque Verde, the 2A South 1 champs, in a Super Regional crossover where the winner locks up a guaranteed playoff berth.
Willcox is averaging 344 total yards per game, paced by senior Kaleb Cooke (105 rushing YPG, 9 TDs) and quarterback Robert Hill Jr. (77 passing YPG). Linebacker Ismael Cuevas leads the defense with 8 tackles per game.
Tanque Verde’s balanced attack features quarterback Rocco Haggard (108 passing YPG) and running back Cooper Payne (60 rushing YPG). The Hawks’ defense has allowed just 107 total points all season.
Willcox leads the series 10–1, with Tanque Verde’s only win coming back in 2015.
Catalina (3–5) at San Carlos (5–3)
Friday, Oct. 24 – San Carlos High School
History in the making. San Carlos will finish above .500 for the first time in school history, no matter the result Friday night, but the Braves would love to end the home slate with another win.
Running back Brian Valentino has been electric, averaging 128 rushing yards per game and over 140 total yards. Quarterback Leshawn Browning and receiver Leandro Simbolo round out a balanced offense averaging 32 points per game.
Catalina’s Levi Samuels (46.5 rushing YPG) leads the Trojan offense, and linebacker Aaron Campas (5.7 tackles per game) anchors the defense. Catalina shut out Coronado 20–0 earlier this month and will try to spoil the Braves’ big night.
