HONOR ROLL
— Salpointe RB Bijan Robinson, 13 rushes for 430 yards with six TDs (also had a 40-yard kickoff return) against Goodyear Desert Edge.
— Cholla RB Russell Adams III, 20 carries for 205 yards with three TDs vs. Vista Grande.
— Benson RB/LB Carson Barney, 170 yards on 17 carries with three TDs. Also had seven tackles with a sack against Morenci.
— Sunnyside QB Deion Conde, 9 of 20 for 226 yards with three TDs and an INT against Rincon.
— Sahuaro RB Izaiah Davis, 177 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns against Sabino.
NOTEWORTHY
— Catalina Foothills coach Darius Kelly and Empire coach George Kelly (no relation) earned their first career head coaching victories.
— Amphi coach Jorge Mendivil earned his 100th career head coaching victory.
— Sunnyside coach Glenn Posey earned his 50th career head coaching victory.
Tucson 43, Phoenix Alhambra 0
Tucson is 3-1 against Alhambra dating back to 2007 including wins of 55-0 and 43-0 the last two years. With 3-4 6A teams predicted to move into the “Open Division,” the Badgers are still in the 6A playoff mix and the team should treat each week as a playoff game from here.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/NFVjajgIkK
— Gary Love (@GARYLOVE2020) August 23, 2018
Tucson:
— QB Ayden Ortiz, 7-15 for 95 yards with a TD and INT with 13 carries for 63 yards.
— RB Gary Love, 16 carries for 152 yards and 3 TDs.
— WR Juan Carlos, 4 receptions for 51 yards.
— DE Andres Gonzalez, 2 sacks
Friday: 6A Tucson (2-1) at 6A Phoeni North (0-3) Region Game
Phoenix Sunnyslope 38, Cienega 10
The teams split in the last two seasons with each winning big on their own field.
Covered a game at Cienega with @CodyTCameron where we stood next to Rich Rod the whole time (who was there to watch Jamarye Joiner), but it was Terrell Hayward who went off. Pretty cool for the Southern AZ native to score a TD in Arizona Stadium as a true freshman. pic.twitter.com/Ql6jKJMGak
— Ralph Amsden (@ralphamsden) September 8, 2019
Friday: 5A Centennial (1-1) at 5A Cienega (1-1)
Goodyear Millenium 35, Ironwood Ridge 20
Ironwood Ridge has lost the last two seasons against Millenium.
Nighthawks lose @millenniumtiger. pic.twitter.com/nHMFKYr1gc
— IRHS Nighthawk Football (@irhsfbbooster) September 7, 2019
Ironwood Ridge:
— RB Brandon Barrios, 26 carries for 115 yards and two TDs.
— WR Ryan Drescher, 4 receptions for 51 yards.
Friday: 5A Campo Verde (3-0) at 5A Ironwood Ridge (1-1)
Nogales 29, Desert View 22
Nogales owns a 22-5 record over Desert View. The Apaches avenged a 21-13 loss to Desert View last season. Desert View coach Robert Bonillas is a Nogales alum.
Friday: 5A Desert View (1-1) at 5A Marana (0-3)
Sunnyside 34, Rincon 26
Sunnyside coach Glenn Posey earned his 50th career head coaching victory. He is 50-38 in his ninth season with the Blue Devils. Sunnyside holds a 27-8-2 advantage over Rincon dating back to 1959. The Rangers opened up with a win for the first time since 2015 and the Blue Devils started 0-2 for the first time since 2003. Richard Sanchez guided that team to 12 straight wins and a state championship after the two losses.
Here’s some pictures from last night’s game vs Rincon.
(Would like to get more “in-action” shots as the season progresses.)
#3 – SR. Hector Aleman
#20 – FR. Carlos Madrid
#13 – SR. Jose “Curly” Acosta
#5 – SO. Nycholas “Brock” McDaniel
#43 – JR. Rey Galaz pic.twitter.com/q5mymfPJE5— SunnysideFootball (@SSBDFootball) September 7, 2019
Sunnyside:
— QB Deion Conde, 9 of 20 for 226 yards with three TDs and an INT.
— RB Mike Delgado, 12 rushes for 67 yards and a TD.
— WR Anthony Galvez, 2 receptions for 132 yards and two TDs.
Next week: 3A Tanque Verde (0-2) at 5A Rincon/UHS (1-1). Sunnyside (1-2) is off.
Empire 45, Douglas 17
Empire coach George Kelly, a former member of Pima’s coaching staff, earns his first career head coaching victory. Empire holds a 6-1 record over Douglas dating back to 2011.
Empire’s Varsity squad got their first win under @coach_GKelly against Douglas on the road! Next week Empire has their first home game as they host the Buena Colts! Kickoff is at 7! pic.twitter.com/1Apy8AI172
— Empire High School Football (@empire_high) September 7, 2019
Friday: 5A Buena (1-1) at 5A Empire (1-1) and 4A Douglas (1-2) at 3A Catalina (0-2)
Palm Desert (CA) 43, Flowing Wells 7
Palm Desert won the last two seasons against Flowing Wells with last year’s game more of a defensive struggle (Caballeros losing 9-7). Flowing Wells is 0-3 for the first time since 2013. The Caballeros finally get their first home game of the season Friday with Amphi visiting.
AZTECS WIN AZTECS WIN: PD 43 FW 7 pic.twitter.com/ZJcfNMmW3I
— Chuck Mazet (@PD_Aztec_Mazet) September 7, 2019
Friday: 4A Amphitheater (2-1) at 5A Flowing Wells (0-3)
Gilbert Higley 38, Mountain View 13
Higley takes the two games against Mountain View (0-2) the last two seasons. The Mountain Lions started 0-5 last year and came on strong last season winning five straight games.
— Mountain View Football (@MtnLionFootball) September 6, 2019
Friday: 5A Casteel (2-1) at 5A Mountain View (0-2)
Cholla 21, Vista Grande 7
The teams split their meetings over the last two seasons with each team winning on the road.
It is Homecoming tonight at Vista Grande and the Spartans are getting ready to take on Cholla. Here we go Spartans! #CGUHSDPRIDE pic.twitter.com/eNwhzE2Mvi
— CGUHSD (@bebee_steve) September 7, 2019
Cholla:
— RB Russell Adams III, 20 carries for 205 yards with three TDs.
— SS Matthew Velador, 12 tackles with three for loss (2 sacks).
— DE Carlos Marquez, 9 tackles with four for loss (3 sacks).
— DE Raul Mireles, 6 tackles with three for loss (2 sacks).
— DT Francisco Rojas, 11 tackles with four for loss (2 sacks)
Friday: 5A Cholla (1-2) at 4A Pueblo (2-0)
Catalina Foothills 38, Marana 0
Catalina Foothills coach Darius Kelly, former player with Buena and Pima before a successful two years at Syracuse, earns his first career head coaching victory. Marana holds an 8-7 lead over Catalina Foothills dating back to 1995. The Tigers are 0-3 for the first time since 2012.
Few Tigers in attendance to see the Wildcats home opener! Also, Jordan Morgan playing TE tonight! #TigerPride🐯 pic.twitter.com/36tGGYv8P0
— Marana Tiger Football (@MaranaFB) September 8, 2019
Catalina Foothills:
— QB Conner Alubowicz, 8 of 12 for 102 yards and three TDs.
— WR Derrick Williams, 4 receptions for 42 yards.
— LB Will Parker, 8 tackles with two for loss.
Friday: 3A Sabino (1-1) at 4A Catalina Foothills (1-2) and 5A Desert View (1-1) at 5A Marana (0-3).
Salpointe 68, Goodyear Desert Edge 34
Salpointe dominated a very good team in Desert Edge for the second year in a row. This game goes a long for Salpointe’s shot at the Open Division come playoff time.
Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic 5-star RB & #Texas commit @Bijan5Robinson was a MONSTER tonight for the Lancers after eclipsing 500+ rushing yards and had 6 rushing TDs… in 3 quarters
Robinson: “Recruitment is shut DOWN. I’m 100% committed.”#HookEmhttps://t.co/gDGpne5o4v pic.twitter.com/DJYGXcoPNF
— Lucas Aguilar (@LucasAguilar247) September 7, 2019
Salpointe:
— RB Bijan Robinson, 13 rushes for 430 yards with six TDs (also had a 40-yard kickoff return).
— RB Anthony Wilhite, 13 rushes for 93 yards and a TD.
— LB Christian Ralls, 13 tackles with one for loss.
— LB Ray Figueroa, 11 tackles with one for loss.
— S Lathan Ransom, 8 tackles with two for loss (one sack).
— DE Luke Regina, 7 tackles with two for loss (one sack) and a fumble recovery.
— S Charlie Raetzman, 2 interceptions
Friday: Salpointe (2-0) is off (scheduled game at El Paso Del Valle cancelled because of schedule conflict).
CDO 35, Apache Junction 9
Canyon del Oro is now 4-0 against Apache Junction. The Dorados are 3-0 for the first time since 2010. Dustin Peace earned his 80th career head coaching victory. He is 80-38 in his 11th season with the Dorados.
Holy hell, Jared Vazquez just found a cheat code or two there. Touchdown CDO on 4th down and 9. They lead Apache Junction 35-9 in the 4th quarter. #AZHSFB pic.twitter.com/9q7bZpUAKf
— Christopher Boan (@cgboan) September 7, 2019
Canyon del Oro:
— QB Montana Neustadter, 10 rushes for 148 yards.
— RB Gavin Davis, 10 rushes for 78 yards.
Friday: 3A Pusch Ridge (1-1) at 4A Canyon del Oro (3-0)
Pueblo 28, Casa Grande 15
Pueblo avenged a loss to Casa Grande last season and is 3-4 against the Cougars since 1988. Former University of Arizona DB standout Brandon Sanders has the Warriors off to a 2-0 start for the second time since 2006. Another former Wildcat, CB Randy Robbins, matched wits against Sanders as Casa Grande’s defensive coordinator.
Proud of the way my guys fought tonight.. big win vs Casa Grande as we continue the Marathon! Stay humble, stay hungry and stay together!! #WarriorBlock #TomeyLegacy
— Brandon Sanders (@coachBSanders18) September 7, 2019
Friday: 5A Cholla (1-2) at 4A Pueblo (2-0)
Rio Rico 41, Catalina 6
Rio Rico turned the tide against Catalina, which now holds an 11-3 record in the series.
Congrats to our Hawk football team as they beat Catalina, 41 to 6. They played with class. pic.twitter.com/O7ZHCuETPK
— Rio Rico Athletics (@RR_Athletics) September 7, 2019
Friday: 4A Rio Rico (2-1) at 5A Nogales (2-0) and 4A Douglas (1-2) at 3A Catalina (0-2)
Sahuarita 53, Palo Verde 14
Sahuarita holds a 6-4 lead over Palo Verde dating to 2007.
Mustangs beat Palo Verde 53-14! #BTDB pic.twitter.com/u8Zxfq6p4B
— Sahuarita Mustang Football (@SahuaritaFBall) September 7, 2019
Friday: 3A Sahuarita (1-1) at 3A Coolidge (3-0) and Palo Verde (1-2) is off.
Amphi 51, Tanque Verde 7
Amphi coach Jorge Mendivil earned his 100th career head coaching victory. He is 100-82 in his 18th season with stops previously with Empire and San Manuel. The Panthers are 2-0 against Tanque Verde 45-0 in the brief series between the teams.
Amphi head coach Jorge Mendivil picks up 100th career win; Southern Arizona recap #azpreps365 #azhs https://t.co/vw3SmLDjM3
— AZPreps365 (@AZPreps365) September 7, 2019
Hawks football action tonight vs. Amphi pic.twitter.com/GXJRrFjAdL
— Tanque Verde HS (@TanqVerdeHS) September 7, 2019
Friday: 4A Amphitheater (2-1) at 5A Flowing Wells (0-3) and 3A Tanque Verde (0-2) at 5A Rincon/UHS (1-1)
Sahuaro 47, Sabino 13
Sabino now holds a 26-16 record over Sahuaro in this rivalry. The Cougars have defeated Sabino in consecutive years. The Cougars won for only the third time against the Sabercats since 2003. This game was the 41st Annual Rick Botkin Memorial Football Game for Sahuaro.
“Blue-collar kids in a blue-collar organization,” is how @SahuaroFB2019 coach Scott McKee (who played under Dick Tomey at UA) called the Cougars after their 47-13 win over rival Sabino. McKee’s team mirroring him and what he learned from Tomey. The story: https://t.co/3qStSDCd1Z pic.twitter.com/1CkRTlzHZB
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) September 7, 2019
Sahuaro
— RB Izaiah Davis, 177 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns
— RB Trevion Watkins, 69 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns
— RB Jamir Gasaway, 66 yards on three carries with a TD
— RB Jordan Bunting, 2 rushes for 55 yards.
— S Calen McFarland, pick-6 (37 yards) and fumble recovery.
Sabino
— QB A.J. Skaggs, 13-21 for 124 yards with two TDs and an INT
— RB Andrew Owen, 22 rushes for 62 yards
— WR Diego Armijo, 4 receptions for 24 yards and two TDs.
— TE Jayson Petty, 4 receptions for 48 yards
Friday: 3A Sabino (1-1) at 4A Catalina Foothills (1-2) and 4A Marcos de Niza (1-1) at 4A Sahuaro (3-0)
Walden Grove 27, Pusch Ridge 0
Pusch Ridge is 3-2 against Walden Grove but the Red Wolves have won the last two games in this series.
We love our home crowd!! How many schools in Southern AZ are packing the house like this on Friday night?!! Go Red Wolves!! 🔥🔥🔥🐺🏈 @HSTucson @gridironarizona @CodyTCameron @FootballMediaAZ @AndyMorales8 @sahuaritasun @AZHSFB @FB_RedWolves pic.twitter.com/KQ1vvVrFv9
— Brandon Neilson (@CoachNeilson_WG) September 7, 2019
WG Red 🐺🏈 defeated Pusch Ridge Lions 27-0 it surely was a Defensive showing on our part !! Great job #WolfPack keep it up #waldengrovefootball #football We move up to 2-0 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/fXv71c846Z
— Walden Grove High School Football (@FB_RedWolves) September 7, 2019
Pusch Ridge
— RB Evan Lovett, 19 rushes for 91 yards and four receptions for 86 yards.
Friday: 4A Walden Grove (2-0) at 4A Casa Grande (1-2) and 3A Pusch Ridge (1-1) at 4A Canyon del Oro (3-0)
Benson 49, Morenci 7
Morenci is now 17-14 against Benson dating to 1982. The Bobcats are 2-0 for the first time since the 13-1 season of 2015.
MORENCI — It took just 42 seconds for the momentum to shift away from Morenci to Benson. https://t.co/wo6f5QGXFw
— EACourier.com (@eacourier) September 7, 2019
Benson
— RB/LB Carson Barney, 170 yards on 17 carries with three TDs. Also had seven tackles with a sack.
— RB Dondre Villalobos, 108 yards on 10 carries with two TDs.
Friday: 2A Benson (2-0) at 2A Santa Rita (1-1) Region Game
San Manuel 26, Tombstone 15
Tombstone now holds an 8-7 record over San Manuel dating to 2004.
San Manuel
— QB Caleb Quintero completed four TD passes.
Tombstone
— QB Gustavo Morales, 24-36 for 333 yards with a TD and two INTs.
— TE/DE Jacob Bonilla, 10 catches for 111 yards, and on defense, he had 12 tackles, 1 sack and a fumble recovery.
Friday: 2A Tombstone (1-1) at 2A Antelope Union (1-1) and San Manuel (1-2) is off.
Pima 28, Willcox 24
Willcox is now 17-3 over Pima since 1985.
WILLCOX — A stirring Willcox comeback was stymied by a final gift to Pima as the Roughriders collected the 28-24 victory in Friday night high school football. https://t.co/VAT3YreRB1
— EACourier.com (@eacourier) September 7, 2019
Willcox
— DT Jonathan Garcia recovered a fumble and returned it 20 yards for a TD.
— QB Kaiden Hall completed a 35-yard TD pass to WR Rico Lunt.
Friday: 2A Morenci (1-1) at 2A Willcox (1-1)
Bisbee 36, Globe 8
The series is now tied at 9 dating to 1963. Bisbee last started 2-0 in 2014.
Bisbee
— QB RJ Wright, 9-13 for 176 yards with two TDs
— WR Dano Lopez, 148 yards and TD.
— RB David Ballesteros, seven rushes for 111 yards and two TDs.
Friday: 2A Miami (2-0) at 2A Bisbee (2-0)
Santa Rita 48, San Carlos 0
The Eagles snapped an 0-26 streak with the victory, the first for Richard Sanchez as coach of Santa Rita. He is now 159-69 in his 20-year head coaching career.
Friday: 2A Benson (2-0) at 2A Santa Rita (1-1) Region Game
Round Valley 48, Santa Cruz 13
Santa Cruz now leads the series 2-1.
Santa Cruz
— RB Austin Hukill with a 3-yard TD run.
Friday: 2A Santa Cruz (2-1) at 3A Kingman (2-0)
Arete Prep 40, Baboquivari 24
Baboquivari came up short trying to start 3-0 for the first time since 2003.
Friday: 1A Hayden (2-0) at 1A Baboquivari (2-1)
NFL Yet Academy 48, St. David 40
St. David is now 3-1 against NFL Yet.
St. David
— QB Logan Davis, 23-35 for 337 yards and five TDs.
— WR/DB Reo Larson, 10 receptions for 157 yards and two TDs and 10 tackles.
— WR Roddy Gooding, 9 receptions for 113 yards and two TDs
Friday: 1A St. David (1-1) at 1A Anthem Prep (1-2)
Joseph City 40, Valley Union 18
The series is tied at 2 wins apiece in the last four meetings.
Friday: 1A Mogollon (2-1) at 1A Valley Union (1-2)
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.