Photo: Josiah Peoples is congratulated by Johann Gundermann after Peoples’ touchdown catch in the first quarter at Thunderbird
#17 Prescott Badgers (1-1) at #7 Northwest Christian Crusaders (2-0), Phoenix, 7 pm
This will be another real test for the Prescott Badgers as they travel down to Phoenix to face their second consecutive top ten opponent in Northwest Christian.
The Badgers were able to learn more about themselves after a full game at Thunderbird. Game one was a slaughter over La Joya Community that saw the starters play barely in the first half. Now that they have had a whole game under their belt, it should translate into more productivity.
Quarterback Uriah Tenette used all of the backfield to try and escape the pressuring Titan defense a week ago, and will need some more protection in order to work his magic effectively with the football. The offense scored only two touchdowns last week, both in the beginning of each half. Jacob Chamberlain was the leading rusher against Thunderbird with 44 yards. Adam Lloyd leads the team with 84 yards. Johann Gundermann is the receiving leader with five catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Josiah Peoples has caught a pass in both games, both for touchdowns. Cooper Kasun, Adam Lloyd, Gunnar Parra, and Brody Hanna are the leaders for the Badgers in tackles. Gundermann is a perfect ten of ten on extra points.
Northwest Christian beat Walden Grove 21-16 in their season opener and Sahuaro 42-7 last week. Junior quarterback Laki Wallwork 5-11, 165, has competed 66% of his passes for 326 yards and five touchdowns. The ground game is led by another junior, Nathan Johannes, 6-0, 175, who is averaging 6.6 yards per carry with 190 yards and a TD on the season. Devon Helmer, senior 6-2, 180, leads the receivers with nine catches.
Coach Dave Inness runs a quality program that has had great success over the years. In his 15th season his overall record is 127-38, with three state championships in 2010, 2012 and 2018.
Last year the Badgers lost 48-28 in Prescott in their first ever meeting.
#25 Moon Valley Rockets (0-1) at #16 Bradshaw Mountain Bears (0-2), Prescott Valley, 7 pm
Tonight Bradshaw Mountain comes home looking to get their first win of the season after playing their first two games on the road against 4A powers Snowflake and Canyon Del Oro.
Moon Valley is the first of three straight opponents ranked lower than Bradshaw Mountain.
Nevertheless, the Bears can’t take this game lightly against a Moon Valley team that lost their season opener 34-0 to #6 Thunderbird. Bradshaw Mountain has been outscored 86-34 in their first two games but should be able to get back on track tonight.
Dylyn Garrett leads Bradshaw Mountain in rushing with 98 yards. Quarterback Mike Sanford has competed 51% of his passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. Desmond Tolbert has caught six passes for 87 yards and TD.
Last year the Bears beat the Rockets 38-6
Chino Valley Cougars (2-1) at Maryvale Panthers (0-2), Phoenix, 7 pm
The Cougars have a winning record for the first time during a season in many years and look to get their third win in a row when they travel to Phoenix to face the winless Panthers of Maryvale.
Senior quarterback Ben Sibole has completed nearly 50% of his passes for 680 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Levi Akans averages 6.4 yards per carry and leads the team in rushing with 274 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Freddy Garcia has caught eight passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns. Kai Holmes is averaging 9.3 tackles per game.
Last year Chino Valley lost a wild game at home to Maryvale 35-31. This is a much improved Cougar football team from a year ago and look for the Chino Valley team to pull this one out.
