Flagstaff-Kickoff Preview: Arbor View (NV) vs. Pinnacle (AZ)
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Previewing a featured matchup between the Arbor View Aggies (Las Vegas, NV) and the Pinnacle Pioneers (Phoenix, AZ) in Friday’s Flagstaff-Kickoff at NAU’s Skydome (4pm). Arbor View struggled to get points on the board in their 27-2 opening loss to…
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Continue ReadingPreviewing a featured matchup between the Arbor View Aggies (Las Vegas, NV) and the Pinnacle Pioneers (Phoenix, AZ) in Friday’s Flagstaff-Kickoff at NAU’s Skydome (4pm). Arbor View struggled to get points on the board in their 27-2 opening loss to Cajon (San Bernardino, CA) in week 0- they’re led by a talented pair of brothers that are some of the top prospects in the state at their respective positions. It’s the season-opener for Pinnacle after finishing as runner-up in the 6A State Championship last season. They feature one of the top 2025 QBs in Arizona and plenty of D-I talent on both sides of the ball heading into this season.
Arbor View
Offense
2027 QB Thaddeus Thatcher Thaddeus Thatcher 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Arbor View | 2027 State NV won the starting QB job for Arbor View after picking up his first offer from UNLV in late June. He presents elite traits in his explosive arm strength and accuracy at all three levels. The offense struggled to find it’s rhythm in week 0 after facing long lightning delays and shortened quarters- they’ll look to be more prolific in game two. 2026 ATH Jayden Williams Jayden Williams 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Arbor View | 2026 State NV was the top target last week, catching 4 passes for 38 yards- he’s a primary playmaker for this offense that should continue to see plenty of opportunities. Look for other pass-catchers to get more involved this week including senior WR Dominic Griese. 2025 RB Sean Moore led the backfield with 10 carries for 30 yards and added 2 receptions. The OL unit brings a solid mix of talent and experience with seniors Shaheem Jackson, Alex Bobbera Alex Bobbera 6'6" | 315 lbs | OL Arbor View | 2024 State NV , and Ethan Medcalf Ethan Medcalf 6'2" | 285 lbs | OL Arbor View | 2024 State NV , and junior Daniel Boyd Daniel Boyd 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Arbor View | 2025 State NV .
Defense
2025 LB Christian Thatcher Christian Thatcher 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Arbor View | 2025 State NV leads the Aggies defense as one of the top overall prospects in the state. He’s a physical tone-setter that totaled 6 tackles and 1 TFL in week 0 vs. Cajon. He holds 15+ offers from some of the elite programs in the country. 2024 CB Adrian Peterson Adrian Peterson 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Arbor View | 2024 State NV is a reliable defender in the secondary that’ll look to make an impact against Pinnacle’s strong passing game. Senior TE/DE Jackson Miller-Carpenter Jackson Miller-Carpenter 6'5" | 240 lbs | TE Arbor View | 2024 State NV is an athletically versatile player on both sides of the ball that had 2 tackles and 1 TFL last week. AV’s defense will need to contain talented QB Wyatt Horton Wyatt Horton 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Pinnacle | 2025 State AZ or risk getting into a shootout in Flagstaff.
Pinnacle
Offense
2025 QB Wyatt Horton Wyatt Horton 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Pinnacle | 2025 State AZ leads Pinnacle’s offense in his second year as starter- 2800 yards, 31 TDs, 12 INTs and a 65% completion percentage as a sophomore. He’s a talented passer and a tough athlete that can stretch the defense vertically with the deep ball and runs strong with the ball when plays break down. Horton picked up offers from Utah Tech and USD this offseason. Senior RB Mason O’Rourke returns to the backfield after rushing for 300+ yards and 4 TDs on 61 carries as the back-up last season. The offense also added 2025 RB Victor Valdivia from Chandler, who offers major playmaking upside. Senior WR Mac Richards Mac Richards 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Pinnacle | 2024 State AZ is a sure-handed receiver that can make contested catches with a pair of strong, natural hands. Senior IOL Krush Sowers Krush Sowers 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Pinnacle | 2024 State AZ was a recent addition to the PRZ-AZ 2024 rankings. He shows great feel for the C position and sets a physical tone in both the run and pass games. Sowers picked up his first offer from Southern Utah in June.
Defense
Senior LB/SS Spencer Halvorson Spencer Halvorson 6'2" | 195 lbs | ATH Pinnacle | 2024 State AZ is a talented, athletic defender that can make plays in the box or out on the perimeter. He’s a physical tackler that can stick ball-carriers at the LOS and shows great closing speed in space. Halvorson picked up offers from Idaho and Fort Lewis over the summer. Senior DE Jack Franklin Jack Franklin 6'5" | 225 lbs | DL Pinnacle | 2024 State AZ committed to Air Force in May after picking up an offer in February. Creating pressure up front against a freshman QB could be the difference for Pinnacle’s defense, but Arbor View presents an experienced OL group with size and continuity.