2026 Zone Wars: SoAZ Off. Trio vs East Valley - North Def. Trio

<p>The Zone Wars series is back, and this one's got a fun twist. We're pitting a trio of offensive talent from Southern Arizona — the top ranked quarterback, wide receiver, and running back — against a gritty trio of defenders from the East Valley – North region. These six players are all standouts in their own right, and this breakdown takes a look at how their styles clash and who might have the edge in this three-on-three spotlight.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/PRZ-Coverage-Region-Count-w-Logos.png?w=1024" alt="PRZ AZ Coverage Region Count w Logos" class="wp-image-1707475" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southern AZ Offensive Trio</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1587237' first='Colten' last='Meyer'] plays the game with a calmness you can't teach. He's steady in the pocket, never rushing his reads, and makes smart, on-time throws with a smooth release that gives the offense a real sense of rhythm. What stands out is how easily he can shift gears — one moment he's managing the drive, the next he's ripping a 50-yard shot downfield that hits his guy in stride. He's accurate at all levels and isn't afraid to test tight windows. That ability to keep his cool while still taking calculated deep shots gives Marana a big-time boost. And beyond the arm talent, he brings real leadership to the field — the kind of presence that keeps everyone steady, even when the game gets chaotic.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jaden Rodgers doesn't need much to turn a short gain into something big. He's got that smooth, deceptive speed where you blink and he's already past the safety. At 6'3”, he's a long, athletic target who knows how to find soft spots in coverage and then hit another gear once the ball's in his hands. He's confident at the catch point and has a knack for adjusting mid-route to make tough grabs look routine. Rodgers can contribute in a bunch of ways, but his ability to stay under control and then explode out of his breaks gives him real value as a deep threat or security blanket. He's got the tools to be a really reliable playmaker this year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401178' first='Van' last='Birchak'] might not jump off the page with measurables, but once the ball's in his hands, it's clear he belongs. He's the type of back that just keeps moving — agile enough to sidestep defenders in tight spaces and strong enough to drag them for a few extra yards. There's a lot of willpower in his runs, especially between the tackles where he keeps his legs churning through contact. He's also a factor in the passing game, showing soft hands and a willingness to step up as a blocker. He's just one of those guys who does everything well, even if he doesn't check every box physically. The production speaks for itself, and the toughness is easy to spot on tape.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">As a Group</h3>   <p>There's a lot to like about this group. Between the three of them, you've got versatility, athleticism, and just a good sense of how to make plays. Both Rogers and Birchak do more than just contribute on offense — they're full-time impact guys who know how to get things done in all three phases. And when it comes to moving the ball, this trio brings a little bit of everything: explosiveness, balance, and the kind of physical edge that can wear down a defense. Whether it's ripping off chunk plays or grinding out tough yards on the ground, this group can hit you in different ways and keep drives alive. That mix of versatility and grit makes them a tough trio to match up with. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Valley - North Defensive Trio</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='992822' first='Kydel' last='Stone'] plays with a poise and polish that you don't always see at this level. He's a smooth mover with great footwork, and he knows how to stay in a receiver's hip pocket without getting grabby or overcommitting. There's a physical edge to his game that shows up early in routes — he's not afraid to get hands-on and throw off timing, especially when he can use his length. What separates him, though, is how natural he is when flipping his hips and closing on the ball. You can tell he studies film and understands route concepts, because he jumps throws with real confidence. Just a clean, technically sound corner who backs it up with athleticism and effort.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='739444' first='Jameson' last='Wade'] is one of those linebackers who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He's got a really natural feel for the flow of the game — trusting his eyes, staying patient, and then attacking downhill with purpose. Against the run, he's more than just a thumper. He reads things quickly and adjusts on the fly, which lets him avoid getting caught out of position. He's also a solid tackler who doesn't waste movement. While he'll occasionally have to work to keep up with quicker backs in space, his lateral movement and football IQ help him close gaps and take smart angles. In a trio setting like this, where the offense has more flexibility, Wade's ability to impact both the run and the pass will be a huge asset.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='992816' first='Preston' last='Atwood'] brings a combination of brute strength and surprising quickness that makes him a tough assignment for any offensive lineman. He gets off the ball fast and uses that initial burst to either gain leverage or force a reaction, and then he's quick to counter that. Whether he's facing a pass set or someone firing off for a run play, he has a good sense of timing and uses his hands well to fight through contact. Atwood's motor stands out — he doesn't give up on plays, even when doubled, and his ability to stay low and drive through contact allows him to keep pressing the pocket or crash down and disrupt the backfield. You can tell he's comfortable in the trenches and embraces the physicality that comes with it.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">As a Group</h3>   <p>This defensive trio is built to shut things down, plain and simple. Against the run, they're physical, disciplined, and know how to fill gaps with authority — it's not easy to find daylight when you've got this much size and motor coming at you. But they're not just tough in the trenches. Each of them brings really sound footwork and awareness against the pass too. Whether it's sticking with receivers downfield, breaking on a throw, or quickly collapsing the pocket, this group has the fundamentals and instincts to make life miserable for opposing offenses. Their ability to cover ground and stay technically sharp across all three levels makes them a headache to scheme against. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Matchup</h2>   <p>I've got to hand this one to the East Valley - North defensive trio. The way they impact the game across the board — against both the pass and the run — just makes it incredibly tough to find any real advantages. They're smart, physical, and technically sound, and that kind of balance makes it hard to find a consistent rhythm against them. Now, if this was a two-way battle and both sides had to play offense and defense, Southern AZ might have a slight edge in versatility. But since this is all about what they bring to the table on their primary side of the ball, I don't see a clear path for the offense to consistently win out here. </p>

The Zone Wars series is back, and this one's got a fun twist. We're pitting a trio of offensive talent from Southern Arizona — the top ranked quarterback, wide receiver, and running back — against a gritty trio of defenders from the East Valley – North region. These six players are all standouts in their own right, and this breakdown takes a look at how their styles clash and who might have the edge in this three-on-three spotlight.