2026 High School Football

Marana hosts Salpointe in game of Southern Arizona’s finest; CDO opens against Trevor Browne

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NO. 20 SALPOINTE VS. NO. 25 MARANA

Time: 7 p.m.

Site: Marana’s Tiger Field

Series record: Salpointe leads 4-2. Lancers won 20-18 last year at Salpointe. Marana beat Salpointe 27-24 at Marana in 2024.

TV: Arizona’s Family Sports and in the Arizona’s Family Sports app.

Storylines: Both teams will break in new quarterbacks — Colten Meyer exhausted his eligibility at Marana and Salpointe lost Matthew Avelar as a transfer to Walden Grove and Rayce Alvarez to graduation. Salpointe will start senior Aiden Robinson. Marana will likely go with junior Trenton Hicks. … Marana lost returning All-5A first-team wide receiver Sean Roebuck Jr. to severe injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Salpointe suffered losses with transfers — receiver R.J. Gory to Chandler Casteel and running back Chris Chaney to Chandler Basha. … Marana stopped Salpointe’s 27-game winning streak against Southern Arizona schools with its 2024 victory. The Lancers have since defeated Marana and Tucson High. … Marana coach Phillip Steward will coach his first game since his resignation and rescinding of his resignation earlier this month after differences with the school’s administration were resolved. He is 42-14 entering his sixth season. … Pat Ryden is 15-9 in his third year at Salpointe.

TOP PLAYER INTERVIEWS

SALPOINTE

MARANA

TOP RETURNERS

Jeffrey Smith III — RB, Marana — Junior

Smith was one of the most productive all-around players in Southern Arizona in 2025. He played running back and linebacker and was particularly explosive during the second half of Marana’s season. His breakout stretch included 210 yards and two TDs on 12 carries against Casa Grande, followed by 198 yards against Vista Grande and 135 against Tucson.

2025 stats

  • 154 carries
  • 1,094 rushing yards
  • 7.1 yards per carry
  • 91.2 rushing yards per game
  • 13 rushing TDs
  • 16 total TDs
  • 294 receiving yards
  • 108 tackles
  • 61 solo tackles
  • 47 assists
  • 4 tackles for loss
  • 2 interceptions

David Rushing — WR, Salpointe — Senior

His 589 yards ranked 7th in the 6A Southern Region. He also led Salpointe in total touchdowns and tied Gory for the team lead with six receiving TDs. The 17.3-yard average is particularly notable. Rushing can be a high-volume receiver.

2025 stats

  • 34 receptions
  • 589 yards
  • 17.3 yards per catch
  • 45.3 yards per game
  • 6 receiving touchdowns

NOTABLE

TREVOR BROWNE VS. CANYON DEL ORO

— CDO coach Scott McKee is eight wins shy of career win 100.

— CDO returns two All-5A Southern players:

Jayden Smith — DFLEX — Junior

Smith is a two-way athlete who played wide receiver and cornerback for CDO. He was particularly dangerous as a receiver while also producing interceptions on defense. His 24.8 yards per catch shows his big-play ability, while his two interceptions demonstrate his defensive impact.

2025 stats

  • 13 receptions
  • 323 receiving yards
  • 24.8 yards per catch
  • 40.4 receiving yards per game
  • 2 receiving TDs
  • 2 interceptions
  • 334 all-purpose yards

Diego Torres — LB — Senior

Torres was one of CDO’s leading defensive players in 2025. His three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries particularly stand out. He led CDO in tackles per game at 4.3 and was second on the team in sacks.

2025 stats

  • 43 total tackles
  • 32 solo, 11 assists
  • 6 tackles for loss
  • 2 sacks
  • 3 caused fumbles
  • 3 fumble recoveries
  • 2 QB hurries
  • 1 interception
  • 76 receiving yards

NOGALES VS. AMPHITHEATER AT FLOWING WELLS

— Construction around Amphi’s field has forced the game to be switched to Flowing Wells. Both of these programs look get out of their recent doldrums. Nogales has not had a winning season since 2015. Amphi lost its last five games of last season.

SAN TAN VALLEY COMBS AT RIO RICO

— Dominik Bonilla begins his second season at Rio Rico and sixth overall after coaching his alma mater Tombstone for four seasons. His team was 2-8 last year after losing the season opener 56-0 at Combs.

FLORENCE ALA-ANTHEM SOUTH AT PALO VERDE

— Ala-Anthem South traveled to Tucson last Friday and defeated Desert Christian 9-7. Palo Verde lost 56-0 in its season opener last week at Willcox. The Titans beat ALA-Anthem South 28-14 last year on the road.

SAN MANUEL AT KEARNY RAY

— San Manuel looks to build off last week’s 58-6 win on the road at Valley Lutheran with another road trip against Ray. The Miners can get off to a 2-0 start for only the third time in the last 14 years.

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