Power Pairs, Pt. 3: Even More of 6A’s Top Rushing Duos

<p>Over the course of this series, we've highlighted the top six rushing duos in Arizona's 6A division, showcasing some of the most dominant backfield tandems of the season. Now, it's time to shine a spotlight on the final four. These players balled out, leaving everything they had on the field. Some are set to continue their football journeys at the collegiate level, while others still have more high school seasons ahead to add to refine their game. Regardless of their future, each of these players made a lasting impact this year.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/6A-Top-10-Rushing-Duos-Graphic-1.png?w=1024" alt="6A Top-10 Rushing Duos Graphic" class="wp-image-1612489" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Basha</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='883266' first='Noah' last='Roberts'] is the kind of back who makes defenses second-guess their game plan. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he's a powerful runner with the speed to turn a routine carry into a game-breaking play. His vision through the second level is elite, allowing him to find space and quickly burst through the defense. But he's more than just a runner — Roberts is a versatile weapon, contributing as a receiver and making plays all over the field. With over 1,000 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore, he's already cementing himself as one of the nation's top backs in his class.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Josh Gaines is every bit the power runner you want in a backfield. At 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, he's a bruising presence who refuses to go down on first contact. His strength allows him to carry defenders with him, grinding out tough yards even when the defense seems to have him bottled up. But don't let his size fool you — he's got some nice footwork behind the line of scrimmage, making sharp cuts to create running lanes. Paired with Roberts, the two form an incredible duo that punishes defenses with a perfect mix of power, vision, and explosiveness.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Williams Field</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1430235' first='Q' last='Skillings'] brings elite athleticism to the backfield. At 6 feet tall and 206 pounds, he's got the size to absorb contact but also the long strides that give him impressive breakaway speed. Despite that length, he's still shifty enough to make defenders miss in the open field. He does tend to run a little upright, but so far, that hasn't made him any easier to bring down. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a dangerous weapon, and he's only getting better with each game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1369422' first='Courshawn' last='Hill'] is an incredibly effective back, and it all starts with his feet. His footwork behind the line of scrimmage is top-tier, with quick-twitch movements that let him shift and cut effortlessly. It almost looks like his feet move faster than everyone else's on the field. That agility, combined with strong vision, allows him to take full advantage of open space and make defenders miss. With a solid frame at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, he's got the size to withstand contact while still being elusive enough to slip through gaps. His running style makes him a dangerous playmaker every time he touches the ball.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberty</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Dominic Lombardo is an impressive mix of speed and power, though he leans more on the power side. At 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, he's got a stocky frame that punishes defenders, making him a nightmare to bring down in the open field. He thrives on physicality, shedding tackles and churning out extra yards with every carry. What makes him stand out is his patience — he lets his blockers work, reading the field and finding the best path to grind out tough yards. He isn't just a short-yardage back, though; he has the burst to break into the second level and make plays downfield. Whether it's lowering his shoulder to power through defenders or using his vision to slip through narrow gaps, Lombardo's balance, toughness, and football IQ really stood out.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1419979' first='Esteban' last='Demby-Lamas'] is the perfect complement to Lombardo's power game. At 6 feet tall and 189 pounds, he brings a well-rounded skill set to the Liberty backfield. He's got great agility, making sharp cuts and weaving through defenders with ease. His strong base and good size allow him to shed tackles and keep moving downfield. More than anything, Demby-Lamas just plays with a natural feel for the game — his vision, patience, and ability to find the best running lanes make him a consistent threat. Every time I've watched him, he's impressed with his ability to balance finesse and toughness, making him a dynamic playmaker for Liberty.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mesa</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1258650' first='Adrik' last='Reed'] is an incredible athlete who does it all for Mesa. Whether he's throwing the ball, running it, or making plays on defense, his versatility stands out. As a quarterback, he drives the ball down the field with confidence, showing excellent poise in the pocket and a strong arm to hit tight windows. He's just as dangerous when he tucks the ball and takes off, using long, powerful strides to separate from defenders in the open field. His ability to make plays under pressure and extend drives with his legs makes him a constant threat. Defensively, he's just as impactful, using his athleticism to track the ball and disrupt plays. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability makes him a player to keep a close eye on.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Rio Arnett may not be the biggest back on the field, but his skill set makes him a dangerous weapon for Mesa. His quick cuts allow him to turn broken plays into positive gains, and he has a knack for making something out of nothing when the backfield collapses. His balance is a major asset, as he absorbs contact well and keeps his legs churning through defenders. He's a tough runner who refuses to go down easy, using his agility and low center of gravity to slip through tackles. Whether he's weaving through traffic or bouncing off defenders, Arnett's ability to stay on his feet and fight for extra yards makes him an exciting player to watch.</p>

Over the course of this series, we've highlighted the top six rushing duos in Arizona's 6A division, showcasing some of the most dominant backfield tandems of the season. Now, it's time to shine a spotlight on the final four. These players balled out, leaving everything they had on the field. Some are set to continue their football journeys at the collegiate level, while others still have more high school seasons ahead to add to refine their game. Regardless of their future, each of these players made a lasting impact this year.