Bulldogs Bite, Pioneers Plow: Arizona Shines Across State Lines

<p>Arizona football didn't just show up in Week 1 — it traveled. Both Queen Creek and Pinnacle went on the road for out‑of‑state openers, and instead of easing into the season, they made statement wins that turned heads well beyond Arizona.</p>   <p>What stood out most wasn't just the final scores but how different players stepped into the spotlight. Seniors who've been grinding for years showed how far they've come, while younger guys proved they're ready for bigger roles. It was fun football — the kind that makes you excited to see what's next, because if Week 1 was any preview, both of these squads are setting themselves up for successful seasons. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Queen Creek</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Reynolds' night started bumpy when his very first pass was picked despite a good roll out to avoid a free rusher, but from that point on he settled in and looked sharp. He showed how comfortable he is rolling left, which fits with his athletic profile, and every time he decided to tuck and run he did so with a calm, calculated approach like he was mapping out each step. By the time a hamstring injury forced him out, he had gone 8-of-9 for 96 yards with a rushing score, his only incompletion that early interception. It was an efficient, composed showing that matched what people have been raving about with  his development this offseason.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Liles was everywhere and made his presence felt in all three phases, turning in the kind of night that shows he's elevated his game for his senior season. He led the team with 75 receiving yards and two touchdowns on offense, showing reliable hands and the ability to create separation in key moments. On defense, he pulled down an interception and added a pass breakup, jumping routes with confidence and giving the Bulldogs extra possessions. He even flashed on special teams with a punt return score that was called back, a reminder of how dangerous he is with the ball in space. What stood out most was how consistently he tilted the game — whether it was keeping the chains moving, flipping momentum with a defensive play, or threatening to break one in the return game. The mix of explosive athleticism, versatility, and senior leadership made him stand out as the true difference maker on either sideline.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Fisher moves so well for a tight end that it jumps off the tape. Lean, fast, and long, he's got a natural catch radius that makes him an easy target in the passing game, and he's already shown he can be a reliable option for his quarterbacks. In the opener he chipped in with 44 receiving yards while also showing his toughness on the other side of the ball with a tackle for loss. That blend of athleticism and versatility gives him a lot of upside, and as he adds more weight and physicality to his frame, he has the chance to become not just a mismatch in the passing game but a complete player who impacts every snap. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hales came in at quarterback and wasted no time pushing the ball into tight windows, showing off confidence and poise that was perfect for the situation. He looked calm and well prepared, running clean drives where he appeared in complete command of the offense and adjusted comfortably to what the defense gave him. His decision-making kept the ball out of harm's way, and the accuracy he showed in Week 1 — finishing with 110 passing yards and three touchdowns on 64% completions — backed up that confidence in his arm. It was the kind of performance that steadied the Bulldogs after the early injury to their star and proved he can be trusted to run the show when his number is called.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense as a Whole</h3>   <p>The defense as a whole set the tone and really stifled Mojave's offense from the opening quarter. They came up with a huge stand on 4th and short and repeatedly sniffed out plays before they had a chance to fully develop, showing preparation and discipline. The secondary contributed with a pair of interceptions, including a pick-six from [player_tooltip player_id='1682253' first='RJ' last='Jackson'], and the front seven brought pressure that forced hurried throws and bottled up the run game. It was a complete, well‑coached effort that turned the game into a blowout, and they deserve major credit for sealing the out‑of‑state win. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pinnacle</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Varsano opened the season looking patient and composed, clearly working through his reads and trusting his protection. He was willing to throw it deep and showed excellent touch on intermediate routes over the middle, while also being mobile enough to buy time when plays broke down. That composure translated to the statsheet, he threw for 246 yards and four touchdowns against La Cueva with just one interception. It was the kind of efficient, confident outing that set the tone for Pinnacle's 44–0 statement win and underscored his growth as a true leader of the offense.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Fullmer might not be the biggest guy you notice when the teams line up, but he plays with a sturdy strength that pops once the ball geys snapped. He spent the night driving opposing offensive linemen backwards and collapsing running lanes, and whenever he saw daylight, he had the quickness to get after the quarterback. He finished with one and a half sacks but spent much of the night in the backfield making life difficult for a solid La Cueva team. It was part of a defense-wide domination, but Fullmer consistently stood out as the guy making a consistent difference on that end.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hammond really grinds out the tough yards on the ground, and his acceleration jumps off the screen even though he always keeps himself moving north and south. That burst not only helps him hit seams quickly in the run game but also gives him separation when leaking out as a receiver. Against La Cueva he led Pinnacle in rushing and was second in receiving, piling up 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground plus 61 yards and another score through the air; 120 all‑purpose yards and two total TDs. It was the kind of complete performance that showed why the offense leans on him — tough, steady, and explosive enough to change the game when they need a play.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Senior WR Duo</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lugo gave Pinnacle a big-play threat on the outside and showed off the kind of polish that makes him a tough cover. He worked a slick double move to the sideline and then turned it upfield, adjusting to the throw and finishing through contact for a touchdown. Beyond that highlight, he chipped in with 48 receiving yards and added juice on special teams with over 60 return yards, piling up 113 all‑purpose. His ability to stretch the field vertically and contribute in multiple phases made him a spark every time he touched the ball.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Pinder brought a completely different but equally important element to the passing game. At 6'3” with a big frame, he made his living finding space in traffic and using his size to win in contested situations. He finished with a team‑high 73 receiving yards and a score, repeatedly bailing the offense out on third downs and proving deadly in the red zone where his physicality really showed. He gave Varsano a reliable target who could keep drives alive and punish the defense when they tried to match up one‑on‑one.</p>

Arizona football didn't just show up in Week 1 — it traveled. Both Queen Creek and Pinnacle went on the road for out‑of‑state openers, and instead of easing into the season, they made statement wins that turned heads well beyond Arizona.