4A Week 4: Defensive Difference-Makers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Week 4 featured several defensive performances that changed the course of games across the 5A landscape. From disruptive pass rushers and playmaking linebackers to lockdown defensive backs, these difference-makers consistently found ways to impact the game.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Saint Lopez, 2027, ATH, Pueblo – </strong>Lopez was a two-way star in the 51-14 win over Copper Canyon. On offense he took just 8 carries for 111 then on defense he had 7 solo tackles, 2 interceptions including one returned for a touchdown, and a PBU.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christopher Eustis, 2028, DL, Empire – </strong>Eustis is having a breakout junior season on the DL. In the loss to Douglas, he racked up 14 tackles with 10 solo and a tackle for loss. He's averaging 10 tackles a game adding 5 total tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Nancarrow, 2027, DB, Paradise Valley – </strong>Nancarrow was the player of the game in tight 27-22 win over Flagstaff when he had 13 total tackles (10 solo), 2 tackles for loss, and a 99 yard pick six. He now has 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns and 3 total with 39 total tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jah'Kiem Gipson, 2029, LB, Marcos De Niza – </strong>The sophomore is having a breakout year as a first year varsity player. Through the first 4 games, he has 30 total tackles (23 solo) with 14 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. In the win over Poston Butte, he posted 12 tackles (8 solo) with 6 tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gabriel Bouie, 2027, DB, Youngker – </strong>In the 43-0 win over Moon Valley, Bouie had 2 interceptions including one returned for a touchdown adding 4 tackles to his impressive night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Easton Shy, 2027, ATH, Prescott – </strong>Shy was a difference maker in the 41-14 win over Lee Williams finishing with 12 tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Robert Caravero, 2027, LB, Eastmark – </strong>Caravero totaled 10 tackles (7 solo) with 2 tackles for loss in the loss to Maryvale. He's hit the double digit tackle mark 3 out of 4 games this season totaling 41 with 4 tackles for loss and a sack to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nic Regina, 2027, DB, Mica Mountain – </strong>Regina was one of the leading tacklers throughout the 5A division in week finishing with 15 total (7 solo) in the 56-17 win over Sunnyside. Mica Mountain is 4-0 with lopsided wins in all 4 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1603428"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab4acfde4c5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong game for Gilbert-Rojas despite the 24-28 loss to Sahuarita finishing with 10 total tackles with 8 solo and a tackle for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->