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The three top interception leaders returning from last season were also highly productive offensive players — Marana senior cornerback Sam Brown, Pusch Ridge junior safety Bubba Mustain and Willcox senior linebacker Cristian Pando.
Brown, Mustain and Pando each had five interceptions last season — most by returning players locally from Class 2A to 6A.
Brown (52 receptions for 883 yards nine touchdowns) and Mustain (64 catches for 876 yards and 11 TDs) were also two of the top receivers in Southern Arizona last season while Pando produced 1,629 yards rushing on 228 carries with 27 touchdowns.
Pando’s teammate, junior Kash Macumber, also a linebacker, had four interceptions last season.
San Manuel senior Ralphie Valencia recorded the fourth-most interceptions in 1A football (eight-man) history last year with 10. He and St. David senior Koy Richardson have the opportunity to reach the second-most at that level in a career. Valencia has the 10 and Richardson has 11 after tallying six last season.
Mayer’s Mike Johnson had 17 from 1974-75. The record is 25 held by Joe Campbell of Seligman from 1973-75.
2023 Southern Arizona Interception Leaders
The 2023 interception leaders in Southern Arizona. Stats compiled from MaxPreps provided by coaches and schools. * - Denotes Class 1A (8-man football) player.| Player | School | Pos | Yr | Int | GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Laux | CDO | FS | Sr | 6 | 9 |
| Nathan Spivey | Salpointe | LB | Jr | 6 | 9 |
| Derrick Scott | Casa Grande | CB | Sr | 6 | 9 |
| Tahj Mease* | Baboquivari | DB | Sr | 6 | 8 |
| Rudy Rios | Amphi | SS | Sr | 6 | 10 |
| Grant Dooling | Ironwood Ridge | CB | Jr | 5 | 9 |
| Aliaz Dyson | Buena | CB | Jr | 5 | 9 |
| Ben Mazzei | Empire | FS | Sr | 5 | 9 |
| Brax Cluff | Benson | FS | So | 5 | 10 |
| Izaiah Alvarado | Safford | CB | Sr | 5 | 10 |
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