3A Semifinals Preview
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The 3A semifinals consists of the top 4 seeds and two heated rematches from the regular season. These 4 teams are without a doubt the best 4 teams in the state, and all of which seem to be pretty evenly…
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Continue ReadingThe 3A semifinals consists of the top 4 seeds and two heated rematches from the regular season. These 4 teams are without a doubt the best 4 teams in the state, and all of which seem to be pretty evenly matched on paper. ALA-Gilbert North has been the favorite to run the tables in 3A since pre-season, but anything can happen in high school football. Take a look:
#4 Yuma Catholic vs #1 ALA-Gilbert North
A rematch from week 4 when ALA-Gilbert North was able to defeat Yuma Catholic 28-25. Both squads are absolutely stacked on the offensive side of the ball and have some prospects that can change the game on any given play. Yuma Catholic’s standout 2023 QB Richard Stallworth Richard Stallworth 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Yuma Catholic | 2023 State AZ has thrown for 4,449 yards and a massive 65 TD’s in a pass heavy offense that has lit up the scoreboard all season long. Another kid from Yuma Catholic to keep an eye on is WR/DB Austin Rush Austin Rush 5'10" | 185 lbs | WR Yuma Catholic | 2022 State AZ , who joined the 1,000 yard club this season and racked up 20 TD’s and picked off 4 passes. The least amount of points Yuma Catholic has put up this season was against ALA-GN in that week 4 matchup, so it will be interesting to see if Yuma Catholic can get it figured out on offense this time or if ALA-GN will make some more adjustments and contain Stallworth’s arm. ALA-GN also has some big time weapons in dual-threat QB Adam Damante Adam Damante 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2023 State AZ and the promising WR duo Brandon Phelps Brandon Phelps 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR American Leadership Academy - Gilbert North | 2024 State AZ and Johnny Bellino Johnny Bellino 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2022 State AZ . The ALA-GN offense is very dynamic and can put up points in a variety of ways, but the Yuma Catholic defense has also been lights out, pitching 3 consecutive shutouts.
Other names to know:
Dezmend Esquivel Dezmend Esquivel 5'7" | 150 lbs | LB Yuma Catholic | 2022 State AZ , LB, Yuma Catholic ’22
Luc Asay Luc Asay 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR American Leadership Academy - Gilbert North | 2023 AZ , WR, ALA-GN ’23
Mario Martinez Mario Martinez 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH Yuma Catholic | 2022 State AZ , ATH, Yuma Catholic ’22
Spencer Nielson, ATH, ALA-GN ’22
Maddox Matheny, OL/DL, ALA-GN ’22
#3 Valley Christian vs #2 Snowflake
The reigning 3A champs Snowflake Lobos will get a chance to avenge their 24-38 week 1 loss against Valley Christian, which has been their only loss this season as they have gone on to win 11 straight. Valley Christian also posted a 9-1 record in the regular season with their only loss coming against ALA-Gilbert North 7-44. One of the players I like the most in this matchup is Snowlfake ’22 QB Caden Cantrell Caden Cantrell 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Snowflake | 2022 State AZ . Very underrated prospect that possesses a nice frame and build at 6’2″ 210lbs with solid athleticism to make something happen. Last year was his first season as a varsity starter, and all he did was lead snowflake to a state championship victory, and has continued to take major leaps in terms of talent and maturity. Cantrell has thrown for 2,375 yards and 34 TD’s while adding another 6 TD’s on the ground. His favorite target Noah Baum Noah Baum 6'0" | 180 lbs | TE Snowflake | 2022 State AZ will also have to have a big game and continue to put up big numbers on his 1,049 yard 16 TD season. All eyes will be on Valley Christian LB Justin Regehr Justin Regehr 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Valley Christian | 2022 State AZ to have a big game and shut down the Snowflake run, as Regehr has racked up 150 total tackles with 8 sacks. Valley Christian has a dangerus duo in that backfield with QB Hunter Heeringa Hunter Heeringa 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Valley Christian | 2023 State AZ and RB Kaden Majercak Kaden Majercak 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Valley Christian | 2022 State AZ , both of which can get hot and put up points in a split second.
Other names to know:
Rhett Wengert, DB, Snowflake ’22
Austyn Gerard, WR/DB, Valley Christian ’22
Camden Brimhall, RB, Snowflake ’22
Matthew Brimhall, LB, Snowflake ’23
Christian Bell, LB, Valley Christian ’23
Justin Erickson, DB, Valley Christian ’22
Jordan Mowers, OL/DL, Snowflake ’23