2026 SEASON PREVIEW INFORMATION
SCHEDULES:
— Salpointe Catholic in the 6A Southern
— 4A Kino
— 4A Gila
— 3A East
TOP RETURNERS

RETURNING FIRST-TEAM SELECTIONS
DL Derek Anaya — San Manuel, Senior
Anaya returns as one of the leaders of San Manuel’s defensive front after earning 1A East First Team honors entering his senior season. A physical defensive lineman and standout wrestler, Anaya has been a two-year varsity contributor and is known for his toughness at the point of attack.
2025 Defensive Stats
- 36 total tackles
- 15 solo tackles
- 21 assists
- 2 sacks
- 1 pass defended
- Averaged 5.1 tackles per game
Strengths
- Strong leverage and hand usage.
- Plays with a relentless motor.
- Tough run defender who can collapse the pocket.
- Wrestling background translates well to line play.
DB Emmitt Etter — St. David, Senior
Etter is one of Arizona’s top returning small-school defensive backs after earning 1A First Team All-State honors. A versatile athlete, he also contributes offensively and on special teams for perennial contender St. David.
2025 Defensive Stats
- 16 total tackles
- 5 solo tackles
- 11 assisted tackles
- 1.8 tackles per game
- 1 interception
- 30 interception return yards
- 2 passes defended
Strengths
- Excellent size for a defensive back.
- Physical tackler.
- Outstanding ball skills.
- Versatility on both sides of the football.
DB/WR Logan Flake — St. David, Senior
Flake is one of the most versatile seniors in Southern Arizona, earning 1A South First Team honors at defensive back and Second Team recognition at wide receiver.
Strengths
- Excellent instincts in the secondary.
- Reliable receiver with strong hands.
- Athletic enough to contribute in multiple phases.
- Veteran leader on a championship-caliber program.

LB/WR Daniel Najera — San Manuel, Senior
Najera is San Manuel’s top returning defensive player after earning First Team honors at linebacker and Second Team honors at wide receiver.
2025 Defensive Stats
- 112 total tackles
- 49 solo tackles
- 63 assisted tackles
- 11.2 tackles per game
- 2 sacks
- 2 interceptions
- 1 interception returned for a touchdown
- 1 fumble recovery
- 2 forced fumbles
- 2 passes defended
2025 Receiving Stats
- 31 receptions
- 664 receiving yards
- 21.4 yards per catch
- 8 receiving touchdowns
- 66.4 receiving yards per game
Strengths
- Excellent instincts.
- Sure tackler.
- High football IQ.
- Reliable possession receiver.
- Emotional leader for the Miners.
DL Keston Richardson — St. David, Senior
Richardson returns as one of the anchors of St. David’s defensive line after receiving 1A South First Team recognition.
2025 Defensive Stats
- 47 total tackles
- 26 solo tackles
- 21 assisted tackles
- 7.5 sacks
- 14 quarterback hurries
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery
- 1 pass defended
- 4.7 tackles per game
Strengths
- Physical run stopper.
- Strong at shedding blocks.
- High-effort player.
- Brings leadership and experience to the Tigers’ front seven.
OL Damien Cervantes — San Manuel, Junior
Cervantes is one of the top returning underclassmen in Southern Arizona. The junior earned 1A East First Team honors after helping anchor San Manuel’s offensive line.
Strengths
- Strong run blocker.
- Good footwork in pass protection.
- Physical finisher.
- High upside because of his age.
OL Luke Gorman — St. David, Senior
Gorman enters his senior season as one of the top offensive linemen in Arizona’s 1A Conference. A 1A South First Team selection, he has been a key piece of St. David’s consistently successful offense.
Strengths
- Physical at the point of attack.
- Consistent technique.
- Strong run blocker.
- Experienced leader who helps set the tone for the Tigers’ offensive front.











