5A Rematch: Notre Dame Prep @ Desert Edge
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A big rematch from the regular season for a trip to the semi’s on the line for two explosive teams. In a week 2 thriller, Desert Edge nudged out a 35-28 win in Scottsdale over NDP, and I mentioned back…
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Continue ReadingA big rematch from the regular season for a trip to the semi’s on the line for two explosive teams. In a week 2 thriller, Desert Edge nudged out a 35-28 win in Scottsdale over NDP, and I mentioned back then that I wouldn’t be surprised to see these guys meet up again. Offensively, both teams have some electric players that can be sure game changers, so I don’t think a shootout is out of question. Desert Edge’s defense has been solid the past 2 weeks though, so we’ll see what NDP can cook up.
Notre Dame Prep
Don’t let NDP’s record fool you at 4-6. They’ve played a tough schedule a suffered losses to the #1 seed in 6A Brophy, #1 5A Higley, #2 5A Desert Edge, #3 5A Horizon, #6 5A ALA-Gilbert north, and Open Division’s #6 seed Desert Mountain. Their offense has been super impressive all year long, especially watching the Noah Trigueros Noah Trigueros 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Notre Dame Prep | 2024 State AZ to Cooper Perry Cooper Perry 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Notre Dame | 2025 State AZ connection. They are among the top QB/WR duos in the state and never fail to be on the same page and breakout those explosive plays. Defensively, Deacon Shea Deacon Shea 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Notre Dame Prep | 2024 State AZ has been an absolute monster all year, racking up over 140 tackles. I don’t think the talent on this team is appreciated enough, as they have numerous kids who have division 1 potential. NDP is fresh off a round 1 win over Sunnyslope 35-20 where Trigueros out dueled the Oregon commit Moga with Cooper Perry Cooper Perry 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Notre Dame | 2025 State AZ frequently making those plays after the catch. NDP shows a ton of potential moving forward and anything can happen if they stay hot at the right time.
NDP Key Players
Cooper Perry Cooper Perry 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Notre Dame | 2025 State AZ , WR ’24
Deacon Shea Deacon Shea 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Notre Dame Prep | 2024 State AZ , LB ’24
Noah Trigueros Noah Trigueros 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Notre Dame Prep | 2024 State AZ , QB ’24
Jameson Bush, ATH ’24
Brady Meyer, ATH ’24
Desert Edge
Desert Edge rolls into the quarterfinals after an 8-2 regular season and a round 1 playoff win over Buena 58-14. This opponent will be a tougher one, and a familiar one as well. They squared off with NDP during week two and earned their first W of the 2023 season on a close 35-28 game. Desert Edge’s first loss came week 1 against Open Division #2 seed Centennial 13-0, which was the second closest game centennial had all year. Their 2nd loss came to a surprise, as they suffered an upset loss against Cactus 33-27. Although that loss stung them a bit, it might’ve been a perfectly timed loss to stay humble throughout the playoffs, and it looks like it did just that. Since that loss, Desert Edge has outscored their last two opponents 120-21. They have so many guys on that squad that are dangerous, and a kid who I think needs more credit is RB Markhi McKinnon Markhi McKinnon 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Goldwater | 2024 State AZ . Mckinnon transferred over this year from Goldwater, and has been rolling ever since he got his opportunity. In just 6 games played, Mckinnon already leads the DEHS rushing attack in every category, as his yards are sitting at 679 along with 9 TD’s. Mckinnon didn’t play against NDP last time due to the transfer rule, so I think he could be the big difference maker in this one.
Desert Edge Key Players
Deshawn Warner Deshawn Warner 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Desert Edge | 2024 State AZ , LB ’24
Hezekiah Millender Hezekiah Millender 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Desert Edge | 2025 GA , QB ’25
Jamar Beal Jamar Beal 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Desert Edge | 2025 State AZ -Goins, DB ’25
Jonathan Kamara Jonathan Kamara 6'4" | 205 lbs | LB Desert Edge | 2024 State AZ , LB ’24
Kezion Dia-Johnson Kezion Dia-Johnson 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Desert Edge | 2024 State AZ , WR ’24
Markhi McKinnon Markhi McKinnon 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Goldwater | 2024 State AZ , RB ’24
Aundre Gibson Aundre Gibson 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Desert Edge | 2024 State AZ , DB ’24