9 Elite Talents Ready to Shine in 6A Title Game
In this article:
The 6A playoffs are coming to a close in Arizona with the Red Mountain Mountain Lions get set to face off against the Saguaro Sabercats in the state championship game. The two teams have each faced plenty of adversity to…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 6A playoffs are coming to a close in Arizona with the Red Mountain Mountain Lions get set to face off against the Saguaro Sabercats in the state championship game. The two teams have each faced plenty of adversity to reach this point. Red Mountain having to knock off the top-seeded Brophy Prep, and Saguaro peaking at just the right time through these playoffs, both teams are battle-tested. In this matchup, the spotlight falls on nine standout players who are crucial to their teams’ championship aspirations. These athletes, each with their unique blend of talent and skill, are ready to make a significant impact on the field. Their performances will be key in determining which team lifts the coveted 6A championship trophy. Let’s take a closer look at nine players who are likely to shine in the spotlight.
Red Mountain
Champ Gennicks Champ Gennicks 6’3″ | 215 lbs | LB Red Mountain | 2024 State AZ has distinguished himself as a powerful force against the run. His lateral quickness is a key asset, allowing him to efficiently slide along the line of scrimmage and stay aligned with the play. When Gennicks decides to attack the ballcarrier, it’s strategic and effective; he consistently takes perfect angles, combining his innate strength to push past obstacles with ease. His tackling is not just effective but powerful, leaving a lasting impression on those he brings down. In pass coverage, Gennicks continues to impress with his intelligence and versatility. His decision-making in zone coverage enables him to cover much more ground, while his outstanding athleticism becomes a huge asset in man-to-man situations. Being named the East Valley region’s Defensive Player of the Year is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the field. Gennicks isn’t just a player; he’s a tactician and an athlete whose presence elevates the entire defense.
Bode Wagner
Bode Wagner
Bode Wagner, an explosive and speedy wide receiver, brings an electrifying presence to the field. His deep understanding of leverage and how to use it to his advantage sets him apart from his peers. Wagner possesses the ability to shift gears effortlessly, outpacing double teams with a burst of speed that’s both surprising and impressive. His route running is characterized by sharp, precise cuts, allowing him to create space and get open consistently. Once the ball is in his hands, Wagner’s physicality comes to the forefront. He has exceptionally secure hands, ensuring that once he catches the ball, it stays caught. Not one to shy away from contact, he embraces it, adding an extra layer of toughness to his play. Wagner is not just a deep threat; he’s equally effective in the short passing game, showcasing his versatility as a receiver. His multifaceted skill set makes him a significant threat on the field, capable of turning any catch into a substantial gain and any game into a showcase of his talents.
Isaiah Savoie Isaiah Savoie 5’11” | 175 lbs | RB Red Mountain | 2024 State AZ is a running back who truly embodies the phrase ‘deep bag of tricks.’ His arsenal of moves, including an incredibly well-executed spin move, leaves defenders struggling to keep up. Savoie’s cuts aren’t just quick, they’re sharp enough to shake even the most experienced defenders. This agility extends beyond his running; it makes him a legitimate threat catching the ball out of the backfield. Once the ball’s in his hands, Savoie’s dynamic playmaking abilities take center stage. Once he secures the ball, his agility and vision take over and do the rest. An additional key strength is his incredibly strong base, a factor that makes him really difficult to bring down and extremely effective when running between the tackles. The power in his legs is evident just by looking at him; enabling him to break tackles and power through contact with ease.
Red Mountain’s quarterback, Simon Lopez Simon Lopez 6’2″ | 180 lbs | QB Red Mountain | 2025 State AZ , impresses with his remarkable arm strength, which allows him to deliver long, beautiful bombs downfield and making it look effortless. His accuracy, particularly on deep throws, is a standout feature. He demonstrates not just power but precision and to do so consistently is extremely impressive. Lopez’s footwork during quick dropbacks is impeccable; his technique on three-to-five-step drops is textbook perfect, as he releases the ball cleanly the moment his back foot hits the ground. Beyond his prowess as a passer, Lopez shows some scary speed and elusiveness as a runner. Not the flashiest with his cuts, but he effectively navigates through defenses, often finding success with his natural athleticism. His footwork is impressive, especially along the sidelines and near the goal line, where he shows great balance. Lopez also excels in decision-making, particularly on option plays, where his ability to make the right read consistently is a huge boost for this offense. As a well-rounded player, Lopez presents a multifaceted threat to defenses; he’s not just a quarterback who can throw deep but also a playmaker who can exploit opportunities on the ground.
Saguaro
Garrett Martin Garrett Martin 6’4″ | 245 lbs | DL Saguaro | 2025 State AZ stands out as a defensive end with his tall and lanky build, which he leans on heavily with his play. His impressive reach, combined with long strides, grants him a speed that can be deceiving to opponents. Martin is a physical player through and through, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of the play and never giving up until the whistle blows. His skill in using his hands to disengage from blocks stands out, allowing him to effectively counter offensive linemen. In run defense, Martin excels at working his way down the line, becoming a disruptive force and preventing runners from finding open lanes. His tackling form is spot on; Martin ensures that even the toughest runners are brought to the ground, showcasing his ability to combine technique with physical strength. Discipline is another of Martin’s strong suits, particularly in his ability to stay home and contain the outside edge.
Zeth Theus is the epitome of an explosive athlete on the football field, impressing as a sophomore with stats that speak to his remarkable versatility. Leading his team in solo tackles and pass defenses, tying for the lead in interceptions, and accumulating 5.5 tackles for loss, Theus showcases a level of play typically seen by players with much more experience. His instincts on the field are exceptional; consistently finding himself at the heart of the action, a testament to his ability to read plays and react quickly. Theus uses his elite speed not just to keep up with the play, but to thrust himself into the thick of it, showing a fearless approach to physical situations. Known as a big-hitter, every tackle he makes is a display of his intensity and commitment to the game. In pass coverage, his agility is on full display, allowing him to effortlessly shadow receivers and demonstrate superior footwork. Theus’s natural athleticism, combined with his genuine understanding of the game, makes him a real defensive force; and one that’s only going to get better as he gains valuable experience in these high-pressure moments.
Amarae Taase, an offensive lineman, immediately captures attention with his intimidating size, but it’s his remarkable athleticism that truly stands out once he starts to move around. For someone of his stature, Taase’s quickness and agility are almost unbelievable, setting him apart from his peers on the line. His understanding of the game is clear in how he executes run blocks with fierce aggression, using his power to effectively move and control opponents. Taase’s strength is a key component of his gameplay, as he consistently proves to be a formidable force, pushing the defensive line back. His excellence isn’t limited to run blocking; his footwork in pass protection is equally impressive. Dropping back into his pass sets, he shows great technique and balance. Taase’s hand engagement is another area where he excels, maintaining a firm grasp and controlling defensive players effectively. This combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill makes Taase not just a barrier for the defense, but a proactive player who’s an invaluable asset on the line.
Jadeon Matthews embodies versatility on the field. His agility and shiftiness are immediately apparent, allowing him to weave through defenders with ease. But it’s not just his agility that stands out; Matthews is just as good at powering through for the tough, gritty yards when the situation demands. His talent truly shines in the passing game, where he runs exceptionally crisp routes and demonstrates an impressive ability to catch the ball. Matthews’ catch radius and soft hands are remarkable, especially for a running back, showcasing skills typically found in a wide receiver. His play-making ability is nothing short of spectacular, on full display every time he gets the ball. Matthews has the unique ability to hurdle defenders, juke them out of their shoes, and, when needed, barrel through them with sheer force.
Highlights
Much like the quarterback on the opposing sideline, Saguaro’s gunslinger, Mayson Bray, shows remarkable arm strength that can be jaw-dropping at times. When he breaks out of the pocket, his speed is adequate, but it’s his arm that truly commands attention. Bray possesses next- level strength, capable of launching deep passes with ease. This ability is enhanced by his excellent upper body mechanics; the rotation in his torso and the quickness of his arm motion work in tandem to generate serious power in his throws. His awareness in the pocket is another highlight of his game. Bray demonstrates a keen understanding of pocket dynamics, often stepping up to give his offensive line the chance to maneuver defenders around him. This not only showcases his football IQ but also buys him extra time to scan downfield for open receivers. Bray’s preference for taking shots downfield is a defining aspect of his playstyle, and more often than not, it pays off for the team.