2026 Zone Wars: West Valley OL vs East Valley - South DL

<p>We're on to part three of the Zone Wars series, and this one might be the most physical matchup yet. We've got the big boys in the trenches: West Valley offensive linemen facing off against East Valley – South defensive linemen. If you like leverage battles, hand fighting, and raw power, this is the one.</p>   <p>There's some real star power on both sides, too. The West Valley brings length, size, and experience up front, with multiple linemen already attracting college attention. But they're not getting a break — the East Valley's defensive front is aggressive, athletic, and full of guys who know how to get off blocks and cause problems. This matchup feels like one that would be won inch by inch, and every snap would come with some serious noise.</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">West Valley OL</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">There aren't many offensive linemen in Arizona — or nationally — built like [player_tooltip player_id='401165' first='Jalayne' last='Miller']. At 6'5” and 325 pounds, he's already physically imposing, but what really sets him apart is how refined his game is for a player his age. He plays with a calm, confident presence and rarely looks rushed. His footwork is surprisingly clean, allowing him to mirror edge rushers and hold his ground without overcommitting. He's got strong hands that shoot quickly and a natural ability to re-anchor when challenged. Whether it's sliding out in pass pro or down-blocking in the run game, Miller brings consistency and effort every snap.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gates is a massive presence on the line at 6'6” and 280 pounds, and he knows exactly how to use that frame to his advantage. His length and upper body strength allow him to control defenders from the moment he makes contact. There are reps where he extends with one arm and completely neutralizes a rusher — and once he gets a grip on you, good luck trying to shake free. His hands are strong, his base is solid, and he plays with the kind of leverage that keeps defenders off balance. The raw tools are all there, and when he locks in, he can dominate a rep with power alone. Gates has the frame, upside, and physicality that college coaches love to mold. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Diaz is exactly the kind of lineman you want anchoring your front in today's game — big, athletic, and technically sound. At 6'4” and 285 pounds, he's got the size to hold his ground against power rushers, but it's his mobility that really stands out. He's light on his feet and moves well laterally, allowing him to mirror defenders and climb to the second and even third levels on run plays. That ability to stay connected through movement is rare and makes him incredibly valuable in a modern scheme. Whether he's pulling, down-blocking, or working out in front on a screen, Diaz shows great balance. He's still developing, but the tools are in place for him to be a high-level interior prospect with real upside.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">As a Group</h3>   <p>This West Valley group is just massive — averaging 6'5" and tipping the scales around 300-305 pounds. But it's not just size for the sake of it. You've got Miller, who's as polished and steady as they come. Gates brings an unreal wingspan and strength that makes him a nightmare to disengage from, and Diaz moves like a guy 75 pounds lighter, with the agility to pull and block in space. There's a lot of raw ability here, but it's backed by technique and effort. It's hard to picture many defensive lines finding consistent success against a unit built like this and moving this well. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Valley - South DL</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='212377' first='Keytrin' last='Harris'] is the type of defensive lineman who makes his presence felt from the first snap. At 6'4” and a lean 300 pounds, he's built like a classic interior disruptor, but he moves with the quickness and aggression of an edge rusher. His first step is explosive — not just fast, but violent — and those initial strides carry so much force that even when he's redirecting or adjusting, it feels like he's still going full speed. He plays with controlled chaos, making life tough for anyone lined up across from him. Already committed to Arizona , Harris has proven he's more than just a big body. He's a complete defensive lineman who can win with speed, strength, or technique — and he's only getting better. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jones brings a ton of physicality to the interior and plays with the kind of motor that wears offensive linemen down over four quarters. At 6'2” and 285 pounds, he's built low to the ground with natural leverage and surprising quickness for his size. He's constantly redirecting and finding his way to the football — whether he's fighting through double teams or chasing from the backside. His hands are sharp, and he shows real power. What makes him especially tough is how hard he goes every snap. He doesn't just take up space — he actively collapses pockets and disrupts rhythm.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Rhodes is one of those defensive linemen who might not jump off the screen because of size alone, but when you watch the tape, you can see that he can produce at a high level. At 6'3” and 240 pounds, he wins with burst, hand quickness, and a great sense of timing. He's got a quick first step that lets him slip past blockers before they're even set, and he knows how to finish plays when he gets there. He rarely overruns his target and shows great control when breaking down in space, which helps him land clean, impactful hits. What really stands out is his motor and how technically sharp he is — he sets the edge, sheds blocks with active hands, and plays with a kind of disciplined aggression that's hard to teach.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">As a Group</h3>   <p>This is a well-balanced group with complementary skill sets that mesh in a way you don't always see. Harris is a force on his own — the kind of guy who demands double teams and still finds ways to cause havoc. But what makes this unit dangerous is how the rest of the group plays off that. Jones brings relentless energy and physicality, while Rhodes adds speed, technique, and edge control. Together, they're an aggressive, high-motor bunch that could overwhelm opponents with steady pressure all game long. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Matchup</h2>   <p>It might not be possible in a real game with one team in the AIA and the other in the CAA, but man — watching Miller go head-to-head with Harris would be a dream for anyone who loves trench battles. The contrast in styles would be electric: Miller's patience and control against Harris's raw power and burst. </p>   <p>But when you zoom out and look at these groups as a whole, it's tough to bet against the size, depth, and polish of the West Valley offensive line. They've got the length, the experience, and enough technique across the board to hold up against even a disruptive front like this one. For me, the edge goes to the West OL in a physical, hard-fought matchup.</p>

We're on to part three of the Zone Wars series, and this one might be the most physical matchup yet. We've got the big boys in the trenches: West Valley offensive linemen facing off against East Valley – South defensive linemen. If you like leverage battles, hand fighting, and raw power, this is the one.