The calendar has flipped to October, and the games are only getting bigger across the Gila Valley and beyond. Rivalries, first-ever meetings, and key region clashes highlight a loaded Friday night slate. Here’s a look at the matchups:
Safford (2–4) at Thatcher (4–1), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Eastern Arizona College
Series history: Thatcher leads 35–30–5 (first played 1937; last Safford win 2015)
The Bulldogs and Eagles first clashed in 1937, and while Thatcher’s dominance since 2004 (17–4) has tilted the series, the pride and intensity remain. Thatcher has won nine straight, including last year’s 28–0 victory.
The Eagles are rolling again behind quarterback Chad Johnson, who accounts for more than 130 total yards per game, and running back Smith Mangum (55.8 rushing yards per game). The defense allows under 18 points a night.
Safford is still finding its rhythm after a QB change to Dane Jacobson, who took over midway through the Blue Ridge game, but receiver Lamarr Ellis remains a big-play threat. If the Bulldogs want to snap Thatcher’s streak, they’ll need to limit turnovers and capitalize on scoring chances.
San Carlos (3–1) at Coronado (0–5), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Series history: First meeting
San Carlos has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season, riding a ground-heavy attack led by Brian Valentino (200.5 rushing yards per game) and quarterback Leshawn Browning (133 passing yards per game). The Braves average a whopping 434 total yards and 26.6 points per game while holding opponents to just 80 total points across five games.
Coronado is still seeking its first win, having given up 261 points in five contests. The Dons will have their hands full against a San Carlos squad looking to stay unbeaten in region play.
Pima (2–4) at Globe (3–3), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Harbison Field
Series history: Pima leads 3–2 (first played 1946; renewed in 2002)
This old-school matchup was dormant for decades before restarting in the early 2000s, and Pima has controlled it since. The Roughriders are looking to bounce back after a tough start, leaning on quarterback Ryett Mcbiles (95 passing yards per game) and running back Rooster Alder (45.5 rushing yards per game).
Globe has been streaky but dangerous. The Tigers average 150 passing yards per game behind quarterback Jaeger Franco, who also leads them in rushing and total yards. The defense, anchored by Alex Holmes (9.8 tackles per game), will look to contain Pima’s balanced attack.
Expect a hard-fought 2A East contest with playoff positioning on the line.
Miami (2–4) at Morenci (4–2), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Series history: Morenci leads 27–18–1 (first played 1930)
This rivalry stretches back nearly a century, and Morenci has had the upper hand lately, going 6–1 against Miami since 2004. The Wildcats come in at 4–2 with a powerful rushing attack led by Julien Aragon (113 rushing yards per game) and steady QB play from Deegan Miller (58 passing yards, 44 receiving yards per game).
Miami has shown flashes offensively but has struggled in region play, being shut out in its last two conference games. The Vandals will need to find answers quickly against a Morenci defense that allows just 15 points per game.
Fort Thomas (1–5) at Valley Union (3–2), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Series history: Valley Union leads 23–10 (first played 1974)
Fort Thomas snapped a long drought with a win over Baboquivari earlier this season, but the Apaches have faced a gauntlet since. They’ll look to rebound against Valley Union, which boasts one of the 1A South’s most dynamic players in Myles Richardson. The Blue Devils’ star averages 200 rushing yards, 209 total yards, and 21 points per game while also contributing defensively.
Valley Union scores nearly 35 points per game, while Fort Thomas averages 27, so this one could turn into a shootout if the Apaches can keep pace.
Ray (5–1) at Duncan (3–3), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Series history: Ray leads 5–4 (first played 2013)
Ray has won three straight in the series and enters this week riding a high-powered offense that averages 46.7 points and nearly 400 yards per game. Quarterback Jesse James (224.7 total yards per game) and receiver Chase Chester (71 receiving yards per game) headline the attack.
Duncan has been competitive all year behind quarterback Pablo Ruiz, who contributes over 160 total yards per game, and receiver Dayton Penry (64.2 yards per game). The Wildkats also bring defensive punch with Ky Coats (9.7 tackles, 2 sacks per game).
If Duncan can win the turnover battle at home, this could be one of the week’s most entertaining games.
Desert Christian (3–2) at Willcox (5–1), Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Series history: First meeting
Willcox has been rock-solid at 5–1, fueled by a defense that has allowed just 47 total points all season. Quarterback Robert Hill, Jr. and multipurpose standout Ismael Cuevas (75 rushing yards, 7.8 tackles, 11.8 points per game) lead the way for a Cowboys team unbeaten at home.
Desert Christian, however, has firepower of its own. Quarterback Brock Payne does it all, averaging 187 passing yards, 227 total yards, and 12.8 tackles per game while directing an Eagles offense that scores 29 a night. The Eagles also average over 5 sacks per game, giving them the ability to disrupt any opponent.
Both teams are putting up nearly 30 points per game, making this a must-watch clash that could come down to the fourth quarter.
