18 Games, 18 Game-Changers: 3A’s Friday Night Watchlist

<p>Man, it just feels right to have football back. Sure, it's only the small‑school side of things right now with 1A through 3A kicking off, but that's more than enough for me. I've been itching all offseason to hear the crack of pads on a Friday night again, and now we finally get it. To celebrate, I've pulled together one player to keep an eye on in every 3A game being played on Friday night.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apache Junction @ San Tan Charter</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1688012' first='Henry' last='Tauscher'] does a little bit of everything for San Tan Charter, and it shows up in the stat sheet. Last year he finished with 4 TFL, 2 sacks, and an interception on defense while also hauling in 265 yards and 2 touchdowns as a pass‑catcher. What makes him stand out is the way he blends toughness on defense with finesse when he gets the ball in his hands, giving his team a true two‑way weapon.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALA – Mesa North @ Shadow Mountain</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Stephen Ramella was a force for Shadow Mountain last season, racking up 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks while even chipping in on offense at running back — averaging six yards a carry. He's the type of guy who doesn't think twice about shooting gaps and filling lanes, and when he hits you, you feel it. What stands out is the mix of raw strength and just enough lateral quickness to move with ball carriers instead of only blowing straight through them. He's a tone‑setter who plays with an edge every snap.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fountain Hills @ Payson</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1615924' first='Marco' last='Guereque'] was all over the field for Payson last year, piling up over 1,000 all‑purpose yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. On top of that, he added 54 tackles and picked off three passes, showing how valuable he is on both sides of the ball. He's not the smoothest route‑runner you'll ever see, but his size, athleticism, and strong hands make him a matchup problem. He's the kind of player who can go up and win contested catches and refuses to go down on first contact. His athleticism consistently finds ways to shine — it truly shouldn't be understated. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monument Valley @ St. Johns</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Sam Winters was flat‑out everywhere for St. Johns last season. He put up 365 yards and 9 touchdowns through the air, added another 235 yards rushing, and still found time to rack up 20 tackles for loss on defense. He's a three‑sport athlete who brings real juice after the catch and has the speed to run plays down from the edge. Don't let the smaller frame fool you — he plays with plenty of strength and isn't afraid to mix it up.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tonopah Valley @ Odyssey Institute</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Robert Escarcega was everywhere for Tonopah Valley last year, living in the backfield with 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. He even added a pair of interceptions to his stat line, showing he's more than just a pass rusher. What makes him so valuable is his ability to cover ground like a defensive back while still packing the size and strength of a linebacker. He's a true hybrid piece who gives his team flexibility on defense.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Seton Catholic Prep @ Round Valley</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1603449' first='Brody' last='Crick'] carried a huge load for Round Valley last season, handling 113 carries as a sophomore and racking up 821 yards with 17 total touchdowns. He averaged 129 all‑purpose yards a game and was the clear engine of the offense. What sets him apart is his quick feet and balance through contact, which make him dangerous in Round Valley's misdirection run game. He's got the vision and burst to hit holes with authority and the motor to keep defenses on their heels all night.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">River Valley @ Crismon</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1190654' first='Cameron' last='Pope'] has been a steady presence for Crismon's defense the past two years, piling up 140 tackles while also getting some looks on offense at receiver. He's long and covers ground fast, which lets him read and jump passing lanes from the safety spot. That basketball athleticism really shows when he goes up for the ball, and he isn't shy about sticking his nose in against the run. He's the kind of versatile defender every coach wants in the back end.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Show Low @ Florence</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cundiff was the heartbeat of Florence's defense last season, finishing with an incredible 180 total tackles while even helping out on offense with a couple hundred rushing yards. He's not the biggest linebacker out there, but he plays like it doesn't bother him at all — flying sideline to sideline and bringing real pop when he makes contact. What makes him special is that mix of range and toughness, allowing him to be just as effective against the run as he is dropping into coverage.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Safford @ Morenci</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Julian Aragon was the workhorse for Morenci last season, carrying the ball 126 times and averaging more than 100 yards a night. He's that steady back who pounds defenses and keeps the chains moving. His one‑cut style and natural pad level let him fall forward and grind out extra yards. He's the kind of runner who wears on you as the game goes on.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Santa Cruz Valley @ Coolidge</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1682301' first='Daniel' last='Contreras'] has really stepped into his own as Santa Cruz Valley's go‑to wideout, piling up 1,081 yards and 18 touchdowns over the past two years. He's the kind of receiver who can win through contact and still make plays downfield, which makes him a nightmare in the red zone. Contreras also shows good speed and body control when tracking the ball in the air. He's physical, dependable, and gives his team a true difference‑maker outside.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Many Farms @ Ganado</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Peshtony did a little bit of everything for Ganado last season, averaging 84 all‑purpose yards a game as just a sophomore. He chipped in 62 tackles and a couple of interceptions on defense, proving he's more than just an offensive threat. What makes him fun to watch is the shiftiness — he's quick, hard to square up, and seems to always find a crease. He's got the kind of vision and burst that turns routine touches into big plays.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hopi @ Window Rock</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Dominic Antonio was a major disruptor for Window Rock last season, finishing with 4 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and a couple of hurries. He's got the kind of size and power that makes life tough on opposing linemen, firing off the ball and using his length to control gaps. While he's still polishing up the finer points with his hands, the natural tools and motor are already there. He's the type of defender who can flip momentum with one big play in the backfield.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wickenburg @ Gilbert Christian</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='739451' first='Hyatt' last='Lang'] is one of those kids you just can't help but notice. He was a true two‑way weapon for Gilbert Christian last season, putting up 460 receiving yards on offense and then flipping around to dominate off the edge on defense. Over the past two years he's stacked up 40 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, and that kind of production doesn't happen by accident — he's relentless. At 6'3", he's long, physical, and tough to bring down after the catch, but that same build and motor also make him a violent, instinctive pass rusher. Lang plays with an edge, the kind of guy who brings energy every snap, and he's a difference‑maker wherever the Knights decide to line him up.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALA – Ironwood @ Thatcher</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1177581' first='Gage' last='Barrett'] might not have put up flashy numbers last year, but he's got the size and tools to break out in a big way as a senior. At 6'0″ and 255 pounds, he's strong enough to toss linemen aside and carve out a straight path to the ball. What stands out is how quick his feet are for that frame, which lets him close gaps and make life easier for the linebackers behind him. He's the type of defensive lineman who can set the tone physically and free up his teammates to fly around.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sabino @ Valley Christian</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1148813' first='Caden' last='Palmquest'] didn't look like your typical freshman last year. He hauled in 21 catches, which is rare trust for a ninth‑grader, and showed he could handle the physical side of the game too. At 6'3" feet with a strong frame, he can set the tone as a blocker, and he embraces that dirty work with no hesitation. What makes him even more exciting is his versatility — he can split out wide, line up in the slot, or stay in tight and be that reliable safety valve. Palmquest plays very mature for his age, with strong hands, a wide catch radius, and the kind of poise that makes you forget he's got a lot of runway to continue developing.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dysart @ Benjamin Franklin</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1603398' first='Gavin' last='Wyler'] put together a monster sophomore season for Benjamin Franklin, throwing for 2,239 yards and 28 touchdowns. He's so smooth in the pocket — the delivery is quick, clean, and comes with plenty of juice. He's got touch on his deep balls too, dropping them in stride so his receivers don't have to break rhythm. Even when the rush gets home, Wyler stays calm, slides away from pressure, and keeps his eyes downfield like a veteran quarterback.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holbrook @ Winslow</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Simeon Shaw was the guy Holbrook leaned on last season, leading the team with 13 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 receiving yards while also cracking triple‑digit tackles on defense. He's the kind of player who just seems to be everywhere, whether it's making a big play after the catch or coming downhill to clean up on defense. Shaw isn't the biggest kid on the field, but his quick change of direction and ability to hit top speed in just a few steps make him tough to bottle up. He's the spark plug that keeps Holbrook going on both sides of the ball. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Page @ Kingman</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph Benally was slinging it all over the field last season, throwing for 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns. The one knock is you'd like to see him be a touch more consistent with his accuracy and bump that completion rate above 60 percent, but the production speaks for itself. He's got effortless arm strength — the kind of whip where he barely has to wind up and the ball is 40 yards downfield. Benally loves testing defenses outside the numbers, and when he does step into one, he can drive it through tight windows in the middle of the field. He's a natural playmaker who makes the passing game go for Page. </p>

Man, it just feels right to have football back. Sure, it's only the small‑school side of things right now with 1A through 3A kicking off, but that's more than enough for me. I've been itching all offseason to hear the crack of pads on a Friday night again, and now we finally get it. To celebrate, I've pulled together one player to keep an eye on in every 3A game being played on Friday night.