5A Games of the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top 5A matchups of the week: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Desert Mountain @ Cactus</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Desert Mountain enters this one 3-0 with a close 24-21 win last week over 6A Chaparral. The two other wins were blowout wins over Sunrise Mountain and Verrado, and now they'll get a big 5A test this week against a stout and tough Cactus team. Brady Mcdonough and [player_tooltip player_id='169419' first='Dylan' last='Tapley'] have already found their rhythm connecting on 4 TD's in 3 games thus far. Desert Mountain entered the season as one of the favorites to win the 5A championship, but the road to get there isn't going to be an easy one as their remaining schedule consists of at least 4 legit playoff teams. Cactus enters this one 2-1 but they're fresh off a loss last week against O'Connor 55-21. Their other two wins come against some tough opponents in 4A snowflake and week 1 over Sunnyslope. [player_tooltip player_id='704778' first='Nikko' last='Boncore'] has been an absolute warrior for them on both sides of the ball and brings a ton of energy every play. Excellent play strength and play speed with great ball skills on both sides, and possesses a ton of competitive toughness. Really looking forward to this matchup as I think we could see this guys go at it again during the playoffs. <img class="wp-image-964172" style="width: 250px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/PRZStockGraphic-crop-645x424-1691629863-crop-591x388-1692826957.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Higley @ Desert Edge </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big 5A matchup loaded with some impressive prospects all across the board. Desert Edge is fresh off a blowout win over Camelback 54-0 a week ago and enters this contest 2-1. Their lone loss came on a week 1 defensive showdown at Centennial where they lost 13-0 but flashed a ton of potential and energy on the defensive side of the ball. They bring the juice with them everywhere they go, and they'll be looking to bang heads with the defending 5A champs and let them know who they are. [player_tooltip player_id='368922' first='Hezekiah' last='Millender'] has looked noticeable better from a year ago and I think he's about to hit stride here soon and really explode for Desert Edge. Higley enters this one 3-0 and has had some close wins over Marana and Clayton Valley, along with a week 1 win over campo Verde 49-14. Gunnar Fagrell and Daxen Hall have stepped up big for Higley, finding that early season connections and being the two focal points of this explosive offense. WR [player_tooltip player_id='1145497' first='Jaden' last='Taylor'] has also been a big player for Higley, as he holds 20 receptions for 299 yards and 2 TD's in this 3 game span. This is one of the most intriguing games of the week across all conferences, and it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top. Possibly not the last time we see these two compete in 2023. <img class="wp-image-811644" style="width: 320px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/16051497_599f0ac8915c48149dcf68353bd52a93.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunnyslope @ Notre Dame Prep </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunnyslope is looking to bounce back after a loss last week against Brophy, and really needs to avoid going 1-3. Next week they play Desert Edge, so you have to believe they come in with a chip on their shoulder this week. The 1-2 record comes with losses against Brophy and Cactus, and that lone win was a close 38-33 win vs Apollo. Oregon commit [player_tooltip player_id='364214' first='Luke' last='Moga'] will look to put up points in Scottsdale on Friday night against a really impressive NDP squad. Notre Dame Prep is rolling thus far starting the season 2-1 with that lone loss coming on a tight 35-28 game vs Desert Edge. [player_tooltip player_id='115517' first='Noah' last='Trigueros'] and [player_tooltip player_id='368921' first='Cooper' last='Perry'] have that offense dialed in and keep looking better each week as they continue to play against some tough competition. Last week, Notre Dame Prep put themselves on the map here in 2023 with a big win over St. Augustine (CA). Any time an AZ school can go out to Cali and come home with a W sparks up the convo and fires up the state. They're looking like a clear 5A contender with a ton of potential moving forward, so this is a big game for both sides. <img class="wp-image-215425" style="width: 320px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/IMG_6584-rotated.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->