The aligning of new regions, the scheduling and the re-scheduling is complete.
The official 2023 high school football schedules were released by the AIA this week.
The season starts Aug. 18 with schools from 1A, 2A and 3A competing. The 4A, 5A and 6A schools start their seasons Aug. 25.
The following are the schedules of teams from Southern Arizona (including some not in Southern Arizona but were placed in regions with teams from this area):
6A CENTRAL
— Marana is the only team from Southern Arizona on Salpointe’s schedule. Only one other time has that happened — in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season when the Lancers played only Buena among their six regular-season games.
— The Lancers will play a California school (Bishop Alemany in Mission Hills in the second week on the road) for the first time since they played at Crespi in Encino on Sept. 7, 2013. The Lancers won the Division II state championship that year with a 14-0 record.
— Salpointe, under fourth-year coach Eric Rogers, plays three of its four 6A Central games at home, but in between that slate, the Lancers will play non-region games at Peoria Liberty and Scottsdale Saguaro. Those schools played each other in the Open Division semifinals last year with Saguaro beating Liberty 43-42 before the Sabercats lost to Chandler Basha in the championship.
SALPOINTE (7-5)
Head coach: Pat Ryden (15-8, second year at Salpointe; 21-22, fourth year overall)Lancers compete in the 6A Southern. *Region game. +Playoff game.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Sal | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Marana | W | 20 | 18 |
| 9/5 | at Tucson | W | 30 | 17 |
| 9/12 | Saguaro | W | 34 | 31 |
| 9/19 | at Red Mountain | L | 0 | 36 |
| 9/26 | at ALA-Queen Creek | W | 21 | 17 |
| 10/3 | Mesa* | L | 14 | 23 |
| 10/17 | at Basha* | L | 7 | 58 |
| 10/24 | Westwood* | W | 34 | 30 |
| 10/31 | Perry* | L | 7 | 21 |
| 11/7 | at Pinnacle | L | 21 | 28 |
| 11/14 | at Queen Creek+ | W | 23 | 8 |
| 11/21 | at Pinnacle+ | W | 10 | 7 |
| 11/28 | at Casteel+ |
5A SOUTHERN
— Buena is coming off a 7-3 season but did not qualify for the 5A state playoffs. How the Colts handle a stretch of three straight road games against 5A Southern foes Desert View, Cienega and Sunnyside in October will go a long way to determining if they can reach the postseason this year.
BUENA (2-0)
Head coach: Joe Thomas (49-50, 11th year at Buena; 60-69, 14th year overall)Colts compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Bue | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Cienega | W | 38 | 31 |
| 9/5 | at Skyline | W | 52 | 20 |
| 9/12 | ALA-Gilbert North | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Tucson* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Marana* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Mesa Mtn View | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Vista Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Casa Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | CDO* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Ironwood Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
— Casa Grande, part of the 4A Kino in 2021, is back to a regional with Southern Arizona schools after playing Phoenix-area schools last season.
— Former Arizona and Denver Broncos standout cornerback Randy Robbins has returned to his alma mater to be the athletic director after stepping down before the recently-completed school year for family reasons.
CASA GRANDE (1-1)
Head coach: Mark Luna (18-16, fourth year at Casa Grande and overall)Cougars compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | CG | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at ALA-Gilbert North | L | 28 | 30 |
| 9/5 | North | W | 56 | 13 |
| 9/11 | at Maricopa | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Ironwood Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Central | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Tucson* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Marana* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Buena* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Vista Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at CDO* | -- | -- | -- |
— Cienega will try to return to the state playoffs in Justin Argraves’ third year at the school.
— Three of the Bobcats’ non-region games are against Phoenix-area schools — Mesa Desert Ridge (coached by former Sunnyside coach Roy Lopez), Phoenix Paradise Valley and Tempe McClintock. Paradise Valley went 9-2 last season while Desert Ridge and McClintock were each 3-7.
CIENEGA (0-2)
Head coach: Justin Argraves (23-22, fifth year at Cienega; 79-72, 16th year overall)Bobcats compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Cie | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Buena | L | 31 | 38 |
| 9/5 | Desert Edge | L | 0 | 26 |
| 9/12 | at Ironwood Ridge | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Nogales* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Mountain View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Desert Ridge | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Sunnyside* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Flowing Wells* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Desert View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Maricopa* | -- | -- | -- |
— Desert View opens its season not against Sunnyside as has been the case in recent years. The Jaguars will host Phoenix-area schools Surprise Willow Canyon (7-3 last season) and Phoenix North (3-7) in the first two weeks.
— The Jaguars and Blue Devils are regional foes for the first time since 2014. The Sunnyside Unified School District rivals will conclude the season at Desert View on Nov. 3. Hard to believe — they have never concluded the regular season against each other. They have played each other in the season opener 14 times.
— Robert Bonillas, entering his 12th season at Desert View, will coach at his alma mater Nogales on Sept. 15.
DESERT VIEW (11-0)
Head coach: Robert Bonillas (62-73, 14th year at Desert View; 68-87, 16th year overall)Jaguars compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. +Playoff game
| Date | Opponent | W/L | DV | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Sunrise Mountain | W | 38 | 15 |
| 9/5 | at Sahuaro | W | 45 | 7 |
| 9/12 | Camelback | W | 38 | 15 |
| 9/19 | at Mountain View* | W | 54 | 26 |
| 9/26 | Maricopa* | W | 37 | 0 |
| 10/3 | Sunnyside* | W | 35 | 14 |
| 10/10 | Nogales* | W | 57 | 0 |
| 10/17 | at CDO | W | 48 | 7 |
| 10/24 | at Cienega* | W | 70 | 35 |
| 10/31 | Flowing Wells* | W | 41 | 23 |
| 11/14 | Mountain Pointe+ | W | 37 | 21 |
| 11/21 | Canyon View+ |
— Phillip Steward goes into his third season leading one of the most respected programs in Southern Arizona, evidenced by non-region road games against Salpointe to start the season and Gilbert Higley on Sept. 8. Higley won the 5A state championship last season with a 12-2 record.
MARANA (10-1)
Head coach: Phillip Steward (42-12, fifth year at Marana and overall)Tigers compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. +Playoff games.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Mar | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Salpointe | L | 18 | 20 |
| 9/5 | Canyon View | W | 42 | 29 |
| 9/12 | at Yuma Catholic | W | 47 | 14 |
| 9/19 | CDO* | W | 24 | 3 |
| 9/26 | Buena* | W | 52 | 25 |
| 10/3 | at Ironwood Ridge* | W | 49 | 0 |
| 10/10 | Casa Grande* | W | 51 | 27 |
| 10/17 | Tucson* | W | 17 | 9 |
| 10/24 | at Mountain View | W | 48 | 20 |
| 10/31 | at Vista Grande* | W | 47 | 0 |
| 11/14 | Yuma Catholic+ | W | 34 | 27 |
| 11/21 | Horizon+ |
— Thomas Romack coached the Blue Devils to a 7-3 record in his first season but did not make the state playoffs last year despite not playing one game at home because of turf being installed on the field.
— Go figure: Sunnyside will play its first three games on the road this season before finally playing a game on its new turf Sept. 15 against Mica Mountain.
SUNNYSIDE (2-0)
Head coach: Thomas Romack (17-15, fourth year at Sunnyside and overall)Blue Devils compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | SS | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Vista Grande | W | 27 | 16 |
| 9/5 | Pueblo | W | 40 | 12 |
| 9/12 | Campo Verde | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Mica Mountain | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/25 | at Nogales* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Desert View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Cienega* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Maricopa* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Flowing Wells* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/30 | Mountain View* | -- | -- | -- |
5A SONORAN
— Flowing Wells’ two non-region road games are against schools outside this area — Avondale Agua Fria and Barry Goldwater. Agua Fria was 1-9 last season and Goldwater 7-3.
FLOWING WELLS (2-0)
Head coach: Brian Hook (13-19, fourth year at Flowing Wells and overall)Caballeros compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | FW | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Douglas | W | 56 | 10 |
| 9/5 | at Amphi | W | 56 | 0 |
| 9/12 | at North | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Maricopa* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Carl Hayden | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Nogales* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Mountain View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Cienega* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Sunnyside* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Desert View* | -- | -- | -- |
— Ironwood Ridge was in a serious rebuilding phase last year with nearly every starter gone from the year before and finished 1-9 in Dale Stott’s first season. The Nighthawks open on the road against Chandler Seton Catholic, which was 2-8 last season.
IRONWOOD RIDGE (0-2)
Head coach: Dale Stott (17-17, fourth year at Ironwood Ridge and overall in high school)Nighthawks compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | IR | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28 | at Catalina Foothills | L | 17 | 21 |
| 9/5 | at Campo Verde | L | 6 | 36 |
| 9/12 | Cienega | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Casa Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | CDO* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Marana* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Desert Mountain | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Vista Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Tucson* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Buena* | -- | -- | -- |
— Matt Johnson’s program traditionally plays top teams from the Phoenix area during the non-region schedule, and this year will be no different.
— The Mountain Lions open at Gilbert, which went to the 5A state playoffs last year. Gilbert was eliminated by Scottsdale Horizon, which will visit Mountain View in Week 2 on Sept. 1. The game will mark the return of Horizon coach Andy Litten to Marana, where he coached the Tigers before moving to the Phoenix area. Litten is a Mountain View grad who walked on to Dick Tomey’s program at Arizona. Mountain View will then play at Peoria Sunrise Mountain (3-7 last year).
MOUNTAIN VIEW (4-3, 2-2)
Head coach: Matt Johnson (29-32, seventh year at Mountain View; 142-93, 22nd year overall)Mountain Lions compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | MV | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Tucson | W, OT | 21 | 20 |
| 9/5 | at Trevor Browne | W | 36 | 0 |
| 9/11 | at Desert Mountain | L | 0 | 42 |
| 9/19 | Desert View* | L | 26 | 54 |
| 9/26 | Cienega* | W | 27 | 6 |
| 10/3 | at Maricopa* | L | 6 | 17 |
| 10/10 | Flowing Wells* | W | 47 | 14 |
| 10/17 | Nogales* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Marana | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/30 | at Sunnyside* | -- | -- | -- |
— Nogales will transition to Joshua Jetton as head coach after alum Jake Teyechea was not retained. Teyechea is now the offensive coordinator at Sahuarita. Jetton comes to Nogales from being a line coach at Steilacoom (Wash.) High School. He served as a head coach of a middle school in Tacoma.
NOGALES (2-0)
Head coach: Warren Smith (2-0, first year at Nogales; 2-5, second year overall)Apaches compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Nog | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Amphi | W | 29 | 6 |
| 9/5 | at Rio Rico | W | 38 | 18 |
| 9/12 | Sahuarita | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Cienega* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/25 | Sunnyside* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Flowing Wells* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Desert View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Mountain View* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Maricopa* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Desert Vista | -- | -- | -- |
— The Badgers have turned to former Salpointe running backs coach Zachary Neveleff as their head coach. Neveleff is young and aggressive, and his name is well-known among youths in Southern Arizona, a perfect mix for Tucson.
— For the third consecutive year, Tucson will host Phoenix South Mountain, which has former Arizona linebacker great Byron Evans as head coach.
TUCSON (0-2)
Head coach: Zachary Neveleff (14-10, third year at Tucson and overall)Badgers compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | THS | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Mountain View | L, OT | 20 | 21 |
| 9/5 | Salpointe | L | 17 | 30 |
| 9/12 | at Walden Grove | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Buena* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Vista Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Casa Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | CDO* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Marana* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Ironwood Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/30 | at Cactus Shadows | -- | -- | -- |
4A KINO
— Dustin Peace’s team nearly reached the 4A state championship game last year despite off-the-field issues.
— The Dorados will host Mesa Eastmark to open the season Aug. 25. Eastmark was elevated to 4A this season after winning the 3A state championship last year with a 13-1 record. They will then travel to Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, which finished 8-4 last season, advancing to the 4A state quarterfinals.
CANYON DEL ORO (1-1)
Head coach: Scott McKee (7-6, second year at CDO; 90-108, 20th year overall)Dorados compete in the 5A Sonoran. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | CDO | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Trevor Browne | W | 49 | 0 |
| 9/5 | Mica Mountain | L | 7 | 37 |
| 9/11 | South Mountain | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Marana* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Ironwood Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Vista Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Tucson* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Desert View | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Buena* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Casa Grande* | -- | -- | -- |
— After playing at San Tan Valley Combs (6-4 last year) to open the season, the Falcons will host perennial 3A power Yuma Catholic in Week 2. The Shamrocks are also now at the 4A level.
— Interesting: Daniel Sainz’s team plays four of its five non-region games on the road but hosts four of its five games against 4A Kino opponents.
CATALINA FOOTHILLS (2-0)
Head coach: Daniel Sainz (18-14, fourth year at Catalina Foothills and overall)Falcons compete in the 4A Kino. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | CF | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28 | Ironwood Ridge | W | 21 | 17 |
| 9/5 | North Canyon | W | 45 | 6 |
| 9/11 | at Pusch Ridge | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Snowflake | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Pueblo | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Amphi* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Sahuaro* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Walden Grove* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Mica Mountain* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/30 | Douglas* | -- | -- | -- |
— Pat Nugent’s third season at Mica Mountain will start at San Tan Valley Poston Butte (6-5 last season) on Aug. 25. The Thunderbolts host Gilbert Mesquite in Week 2. Mesquite was 1-9 last season after going 9-4 with a loss in the semifinals to eventual 4A state champion Casa Grande in 2021.
MICA MOUNTAIN (11-2)
Head coach: Jay Campos (11-2, first year at Mica Mountain; 144-37, 15th year overall)Thunderbolts compete in the 4A Kino. *Region game. +Playoff game. &ASU's Mountain America Stadium.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | MM | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28 | Poston Butte | W | 41 | 8 |
| 9/5 | at CDO | W | 37 | 7 |
| 9/12 | at ALA-West Foothills | L | 14 | 21 |
| 9/19 | at Sunnyside | L | 10 | 14 |
| 9/26 | Sahuarita | W | 31 | 0 |
| 10/3 | Douglas* | W | 40 | 0 |
| 10/10 | at Walden Grove* | W | 20 | 14 |
| 10/17 | Amphi* | W | 43 | 0 |
| 10/24 | Catalina Foothills* | W | 56 | 6 |
| 10/31 | at Sahuaro* | W | 21 | 0 |
| 11/14 | Lake Havasu+ | W | 35 | 0 |
| 11/21 | at Snowflake+ | W | 21 | 14 |
| 11/28 | at Gila Ridge+ | W | 31 | 3 |
| 12/5 | Arcadia+& |
— Pueblo, under third-year coach Jake Allen, plays all Southern Arizona foes, except Vista Grande, which went 7-4 last season.
PUEBLO (0-2)
Head coach: Sly Lewis (2-10, second year at Pueblo and overall)Warriors compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Pue | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Youngker | L | 28 | 39 |
| 9/5 | at Sunnyside | L | 12 | 40 |
| 9/12 | at Douglas | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Copper Canyon | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Catalina Foothills | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Rincon/UHS* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Cholla* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Rio Rico* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
— Al Alexander’s second year as Sahuaro’s coach will include four of five non-region games at home but four of five 4A Kino games on the road to close the season. In a brutal stretch, the Cougars must play Catalina Foothills, Walden Grove, Mica Mountain and Canyon del Oro on the road before hosting Pueblo in the regular-season finale.
SAHUARO (1-1)
Head coach: Al Alexander (13-19, fourth year at Sahuaro and overall)Cougars compete in the 4A Kino. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Sah | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Empire | W | 41 | 3 |
| 9/5 | Desert View | L | 7 | 45 |
| 9/12 | Peoria | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Sahuarita | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Sabino | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Walden Grove* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Catalina Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Douglas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Amphi* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Mica Mountain* | -- | -- | -- |
— Walden Grove coach Corey Noble is bent on making the 4A state playoffs after not qualifying last season despite an 8-2 record. The Red Wolves will open against two Phoenix-area schools that played in the 4A state playoffs last year — at Phoenix Northwest Christian (8-3 last year) and Phoenix Arcadia (6-5) at home. They then play three straight 5A schools from Southern Arizona — Cienega, Desert View and Mountain View.
WALDEN GROVE (1-1)
Head coach: Corey Noble (56-28, ninth year at Walden Grove and overall)Red Wolves compete in the 4A Kino. *Region games. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | WG | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28 | Sahuarita | W | 36 | 10 |
| 9/4 | at Eastmark | L | 13 | 16 |
| 9/12 | Tucson | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Vista Grande | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Empire | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Sahuaro* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Mica Mountain* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Catalina Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Douglas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Amphi* | -- | -- | -- |
4A GILA
— Amphi has consecutive rivalry games in the non-region portion of the schedule — at Flowing Wells on Sept. 8 and at home against Amphi School District counterpart CDO on Sept. 15.
AMPHI (0-2)
Head coach: Stanley Richardson (0-2, first year at Amphi; 6-27, fourth year overall)Panthers compete in the 4A Kino. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Amp | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Nogales | L | 6 | 29 |
| 9/5 | Flowing Wells | L | 0 | 56 |
| 9/12 | at Somerton | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Rio Rico | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Cholla | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Catalina Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Douglas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Mica Mountain* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Sahuaro* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Walden Grove* | -- | -- | -- |
— Cholla has gone from 5A to 4A this season after not winning more than two games in a season the previous five years.
CHOLLA (2-0)
Head coach: Roland Youngling (2-0, first year at Cholla and overall)Chargers compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Cho | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Yuma | W | 21 | 6 |
| 9/5 | Maryvale | W | 26 | 18 |
| 9/12 | Combs | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Kofa | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Amphi | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Pueblo* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Rincon/UHS* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Rio Rico* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
— The prestigious “Pick Trophy” went to Douglas for the second consecutive year after the Bulldogs won at Bisbee last year. The longtime rivals meet again in Douglas on Sept. 1.
DOUGLAS (1-1)
Head coach: Hunter Long (21-30, seventh year at Douglas and overall)Bulldogs compete in the 4A Kino. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Dou | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Flowing Wells | L | 10 | 56 |
| 9/5 | Bisbee | W | 25 | 0 |
| 9/12 | Pueblo | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Empire | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Rincon/UHS | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Mica Mountain* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Amphi* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Sahuaro* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Walden Grove* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/30 | at Catalina Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
— Aiming to start strong, George Kelly’s team opens at Phoenix Sierra Linda (4-6 last season) and then at home against Avondale La Joya (2-8).
EMPIRE (0-2)
Head coach: George Kelly (21-33, seventh season at Empire and overall)Ravens compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games are at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Emp | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Sahuaro | L | 3 | 41 |
| 9/5 | at Maricopa | L | 7 | 35 |
| 9/12 | at St. Mary's | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Douglas | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Walden Grove | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Cholla* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Rio Rico* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Rincon/UHS* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Pueblo* | -- | -- | -- |
— Rincon/University is joining Cholla with the move from 5A to 4A to hopefully become more competitive. The Rangers have gone 1-9 the last two seasons and have only one winning record out of the last 10 years.
RINCON/UNIVERSITY (0-2)
Head coach: Johnny Chan (2-10, second year at Rincon/University and overall)Rangers compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Rin | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | Cibola | L | 6 | 42 |
| 9/5 | Combs | L | 0 | 52 |
| 9/12 | Palo Verde | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Somerton | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Douglas | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Pueblo* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Cholla* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Rio Rico* | -- | -- | -- |
— Jeff Scurran, making great strides with the program in only his second season at Rio Rico, appears to have a manageable schedule with Vista Grande (7-4 last season) and Florence (8-3) as the only schools coming off winning seasons.
RIO RICO (0-2)
Head coach: Dominik Bonilla (0-2, first year at Rio Rico; 21-22, fifth year overall)Hawks compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | RR | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/29 | at Combs | L | 0 | 56 |
| 9/5 | Nogales | L | 18 | 38 |
| 9/12 | at Sierra Linda | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Amphi | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | North Canyon | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Pueblo* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Cholla* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Rincon/UHS* | -- | -- | -- |
— Sahuarita almost moved back to the 3A level after going 0-10 last season in 4A, but the school lobbied to stay in 4A to avoid the long travel involved with 3A schools playing in outpost areas. Also, the 3A South, with Sabino, Pusch Ridge, Thatcher, etc., is tougher than some 4A regions.
SAHUARITA (0-2)
Head coach: Jake Allen (7-5, second year at Sahuarita, 22-20, sixth year overall).Mustangs compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Sah | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28 | at Walden Grove | L | 10 | 36 |
| 9/5 | Desert Sunrise | L | 38 | 40 |
| 9/12 | at Nogales | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Sahuaro | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Mica Mountain | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Rio Rico* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Rincon/UHS* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Pueblo* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Cholla* | -- | -- | -- |
3A SOUTH
— Morenci, long a 2A power, is moving up to 3A this season with Rishard Davis taking over the program. Davis is the former Arizona walk-on who was an assistant at Flowing Wells and Pusch Ridge before taking over at Santa Cruz Valley and leading the Dust Devils to the 2020 state championship.
MORENCI
Head coach: Frankie Gonzalez (first year at Morenci and overall).Wildcats compete in the 3A South. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Ovr | Reg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/23 | ALA - Ironwood | -- | -- | -- |
| 8/30 | Round Valley | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/6 | Benson | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/13 | Pima | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/20 | at Blue Ridge | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/4 | at Safford* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/11 | Pusch Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/18 | at Fountain Hills | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/25 | at Sabino* | -- | -- | -- |
| 11/1 | Thatcher* | -- | -- | -- |
— Kent Middleton’s team will open against Show Low (11-2 last season, reaching the 3A semifinals) at NAU’s Walkup Skydome on Aug. 25. The Lions will host Catalina Foothills, a 4A program, on Sept. 15.
PUSCH RIDGE (10-2)
Head coach: Kent Middleton (57-14, sixth year at Pusch Ridge and overall)Lions compete in the 3A East. *Region game. +Playoff game
&-at Mesa Westwood
| Date | Opponent | W/L | PR | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/23 | San Tan Foothills* | W | 53 | 10 |
| 8/29 | at ALA-Ironwood | W | 41 | 14 |
| 9/5 | at Crismon | W | 28 | 27 |
| 9/11 | Catalina Foothills | W | 35 | 0 |
| 9/19 | Florence* | W | 39 | 27 |
| 9/26 | at Thatcher* | L | 14 | 28 |
| 10/3 | at Sabino* | W | 27 | 8 |
| 10/10 | Coolidge* | W | 45 | 6 |
| 10/17 | at Safford* | W | 48 | 0 |
| 10/31 | Benjamin Franklin | L | 14 | 35 |
| 11/7 | Page+ | W | 42 | 14 |
| 11/14 | Florence+ | W | 51 | 38 |
| 11/22 | Benjamin Franklin+& |
— Sabino faces an arduous start of the season with four of five games on the road against the likes of Coolidge, Sahuaro, Mica Mountain and Safford. In between those games is a home game against Queen Creek Crismon, which is coached by the late Larry Smith’s son Corbin. Crismon is only in its second season and its athletic director is former Walden Grove athletic director Barry Cromer. On the flipside, Sabino hosts four of its last five games, including the annually anticipated game with Pusch Ridge Sept. 29.
SABINO (1-2)
Head coach: Ryan McBrayer (61-29, ninth year at Sabino and overall)Sabercats compete in the 3A East. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | SHS | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Valley Christian | L | 14 | 18 |
| 8/29 | Gilbert Christian | L | 20 | 28 |
| 9/5 | Dysart | W | 38 | 24 |
| 9/12 | Coolidge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/18 | at San Tan Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Sahuaro | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Pusch Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Florence* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at Thatcher* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | Safford* | -- | -- | -- |
— Safford will travel to Tucson to play at 4A school Rincon/University on Sept. 8, a week before opening 3A south play against Sabino at home.
SAFFORD (0-3)
Head coach: Ishmael MacNeil (0-3, first year at Safford; 14-20, fourth year overall)Bulldogs compete in the 3A East. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Opp | SHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Morenci | L | 20 | 14 |
| 8/29 | Blue Ridge | L | 30 | 14 |
| 9/5 | Seton Catholic | L | 36 | 8 |
| 9/12 | at Winslow | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/18 | at Coolidge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | San Tan Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Thatcher* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Pusch Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Florence* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Sabino* | -- | -- | -- |
— Thatcher went 13-0 before losing to Eastmark in the 3A state championship game. The Eagles also host Crismon. They will also play Sept. 15 at former 3A power Yuma Catholic, which is now a 4A school.
THATCHER (2-1)
Head coach: Daniel Jones (45-18, sixth season at Thatcher and overall.)Eagles compete in the 3A East. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | THS | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | ALA-Ironwood | W | 41 | 29 |
| 8/28 | at Apache Junction | W | 47 | 0 |
| 9/5 | at Benjamin Franklin | L | 12 | 27 |
| 9/12 | at Florence* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Pusch Ridge* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Safford* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at San Tan Foothills* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Payson | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | Sabino* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/31 | at Coolidge* | -- | -- | -- |
2A SAN PEDRO
— Benson is back to the 2A level after going 5-6 last season as part of the 3A South.
BENSON (2-1)
Head coach: Chris Rasmussen (7-6, second year at Benson and overall)Bobcats compete in the 2A South II. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Ben | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Bisbee | W | 34 | 0 |
| 8/29 | at Phoenix Christian | L | 14 | 49 |
| 9/5 | Tombstone | W | 61 | 14 |
| 9/12 | Tanque Verde | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Veritas Prep | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Morenci | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Santa Cruz Valley* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Desert Christian* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Willcox* | -- | -- | -- |
— Shawn Holley, who was a PE teacher and assistant coach at Holbrook High School the last three years, is the new coach at Bisbee. Holley also has a background of coaching in North Carolina and at Mohave Valley River Valley High School.
BISBEE (1-2)
Head coach: Carlos Lopez (11-4, second year at Bisbee and overall)Pumas compete in the 2A South I. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Opp | Bis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | Benson | L | 34 | 0 |
| 8/29 | at Cortez | W | 20 | 26 |
| 9/5 | at Douglas | L | 25 | 0 |
| 9/12 | at Morenci | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Santa Rita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Chandler Prep | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Tanque Verde* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Tombstone* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Palo Verde* | -- | -- | -- |
— Greg McKinstry II enters his third season as Catalina’s coach with the hope of stringing wins together. The Trojans have not won more than one game in a season since going 2-8 in 2018.
CATALINA (2-0)
Head coach: Virgil Henderson (2-0, first year at Catalina; 19-44, eighth year overall)Trojans compete in the 2A Independent. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Cat | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Santa Rita | W | 36 | 6 |
| 9/5 | NFL Yet | W | 24 | 0 |
| 9/12 | at Desert Christian | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Lincoln Prep | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at St. John Paul II* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Palo Verde | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Coronado* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Globe | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/24 | at San Carlos* | -- | -- | -- |
— The Titans have gone from 4A to 3A and now 2A in the last three years because of dwindling participation rates and competitiveness. The school hopes enhanced equipment in its weight room can help spur student interest in playing football. The Titans have not had a winning season since going 11-2 and reaching the state semifinals in 2009 under Todd Mayfield.
PALO VERDE (1-2, 0-1)
Head coach: Jamal Chatman (9-24, fourth year at Palo Verde and overall)Titans compete in the 2A South I. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | PV | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | Willcox | L | 0 | 49 |
| 8/29 | at ALA-Anthem South | W | 28 | 14 |
| 9/5 | at Tanque Verde* | L | 0 | 69 |
| 9/12 | at Rincon/UHS | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Coronado | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Tombstone* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Catalina | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Santa Rita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Bisbee* | -- | -- | -- |
— Another coaching change with former Cienega and Sahuarita defensive coordinator Jeffrey Bollnow taking over for the Hawks, who earned their first state playoff appearance in program history under coach Jay Dobyns last season. Dobyns left after three seasons citing he needed a break from coaching after being a longtime assistant at Salpointe before taking the Tanque Verde job.
TANQUE VERDE (11-2)
Head coach: Jeffrey Bollnow (26-9, third year at Tanque Verde and overall)Hawks compete in the 2A South I. *Region games. +Playoffs
&-at Tempe McClintock High School
| Date | Opponent | W/L | TV | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | Phoenix Christian | L | 7 | 47 |
| 8/29 | at Morenci | W | 24 | 16 |
| 9/5 | Palo Verde* | W | 69 | 0 |
| 9/12 | at Benson | L | 21 | 30 |
| 9/18 | at Trivium Prep | W | 38 | 0 |
| 9/26 | at Santa Rita* | W | 59 | 6 |
| 10/3 | Bisbee* | W | 62 | 8 |
| 10/10 | Highland Prep | W | 57 | 0 |
| 10/17 | at Tombstone* | W | 64 | 0 |
| 10/24 | Willcox* | W | 42 | 14 |
| 10/31 | Tonopah Valley+ | W | 43 | 6 |
| 11/7 | at Camp Verde+ | W | 39 | 15 |
| 11/14 | at Veritas Prep+ | W | 28 | 23 |
| 11/22 | vs. St. Johns+& |
— Tombstone is in its third season under alum Dominic Bonilla, who has led the Yellow Jackets to records of 2-7 in 2021 and 4-6 last year.
TOMBSTONE (0-2)
Head coach: Jerry Rhoades (2-17, third year at Tombstone; 30-45, ninth year overall)Yellow Jackets of the 2A South I have decided to forfeit their season. *Region game.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | THS | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Miami | L | 7 | 28 |
| 8/29 | Pima | CCD | -- | -- |
| 9/5 | at Benson | L | 14 | 61 |
| 9/12 | Santa Cruz Valley | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Willcox | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Palo Verde* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Santa Rita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Bisbee* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | Tanque Verde* | -- | -- | -- |
— Willcox loses its two-headed monster of Ayden Fuentes and Cristian Pando to graduation but coach Eric Hjalmarson has established consistent success with the program.
WILLCOX (10-2)
Head coach: Jeston Lotts (17-6, second year at Willcox; 78-46, 12th year overall).Cowboys compete in the 2A South II. *Region game. +Playoff games.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Wil | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Palo Verde | W | 49 | 0 |
| 8/29 | at Arizona Lutheran | L | 0 | 19 |
| 9/5 | Morenci | W | 23 | 14 |
| 9/12 | at Pima | W | 7 | 0 |
| 9/19 | Tombstone | W | 49 | 0 |
| 9/26 | Scottsdale Prep | W | 48 | 14 |
| 10/3 | Desert Christian* | W | 58 | 0 |
| 10/10 | at Santa Cruz Valley* | W | 42 | 23 |
| 10/17 | Benson* | W | 26 | 17 |
| 10/24 | at Tanque Verde* | L | 14 | 42 |
| 11/7 | Trivium Prep+ | W | 55 | 6 |
| 11/14 | Benson+ | W | 26 | 6 |
| 11/22 | Scottsdale Christian& |
1A SOUTH
— Cody Garcia, an assistant coach to Pete Delgado since Delgado became the football coach in 2019, is taking over the Warriors’ program. Delgado has moved on to be Tanque Verde’s line coach. Baboquivari is traditionally strapped for number of students who play football. Garcia knows how to work through that situation. It will be difficult early with the Warriors playing three of their first four games on the road.
BABOQUIVARI (0-3, 0-2)
Head coach: Cody Garcia (6-15, third year at Baboquivari and overall)Warriors compete in the 1A South (8-man football). *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Bab | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at Fort Thomas* | L | 0 | 38 |
| 8/29 | St. David* | L | 0 | 59 |
| 9/6 | at Mohave Accelerated | L | 6 | 56 |
| 9/12 | Superior | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Valley Union* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Duncan* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Desert Heights | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | San Manuel |
— San Manuel hopes to make another push to a state playoff appearance under alum Ernest Ivy, who has coached his program to at least eight wins the last two seasons.
SAN MANUEL (1-2, 0-1)
Head coach: Ernest Ivy (33-25, seventh year at San Manuel and overall)Miners compete in the 1A East (8-man football). *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | SM | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | Valley Lutheran | W | 54 | 24 |
| 8/29 | Ray* | L | 26 | 28 |
| 9/5 | St. David | L | 6 | 63 |
| 9/12 | at Desert Heights | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Hayden* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | at Cicero Prep* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | at Superior* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Duncan | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Baboquivari | -- | -- | -- |
— St. David plays its first three games on the road, including the first four of five overall. Three of the last four are at home, including a rematch showdown with Hayden in the regular-season finale. The Lobos beat visiting St. David 28-19 to close the 2022 regular season, only one of two losses for the Tigers.
ST. DAVID (3-0, 2-0)
Head coach: Braden Davis (53-27, ninth year at St. David and overall)Tigers compete in the 1A South (8-man football). *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | StD | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | Valley Union* | W | 58 | 0 |
| 8/29 | at Baboquivari* | W | 59 | 0 |
| 9/5 | at San Manuel | W | 63 | 6 |
| 9/12 | Duncan* | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | at Salome | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/26 | Superior | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Hayden | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | at Fort Thomas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Bagdad | -- | -- | -- |
— Valley Union, under second-year coach Skyler Hill, is in search of its first winning season since 2017.
VALLEY UNION (2-1, 1-1)
Head coach: Skyler Hill (13-15, fourth year at Valley Union and overall)Blue Devils compete in the 1A South (8-man football). *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | VU | Opp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | at St. David* | L | 0 | 58 |
| 8/29 | at Desert Heights | W | 36 | 16 |
| 9/5 | Duncan* | W | 52 | 6 |
| 9/12 | at Ray | -- | -- | -- |
| 9/19 | Baboquivari* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/3 | Fort Thomas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/10 | Mayer | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/17 | at Valley Lutheran | -- | -- | -- |
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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. He became an educator five years ago and is presently a special education teacher at Gallego Fine Arts Intermediate in the Sunnyside Unified School District.
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