BJ's 2A Preseason Rankings

In last season’s 2A preseason rankings, I correctly predicted 19 out of 24 playoff teams with only 9 of my preseason top 24 either exceeding their ceiling or not meeting their floor.

Scottsdale Christian

Rank: 1

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 7-2

‘25 record: 13-1, won 3rd consecutive 2A title

Returning Offensive Yards %: 37

Returning TDs %: 30

Returning Tackle Production %: 52.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 37.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 67.1

When you 3-peat as 2A champs, you get to keep that #1 preseason ranking until somebody knocks you off. The Eagles graduate a solid senior class led by QB Sean Helgeson and RB/LB Everett Salazar, but they have plenty of returning talent ready to step up to the plate.

'27 ATH Dom Dickerson is coming off of a phenomenal junior campaign, where he caught 49 passes for 855 yards and 13 TDs while recording 53 tackles, 4 INTs (1 pick six), and 17 PBUs on defense and returning 20 kick & punts for 488 yards and 2 more TDs.

Another key returner is '27 ATH Caleb Murphy, who caught 32 passes for 565 yards and 6 TDs while recording 52 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 10 PBUs. Murphy picked up a D-I offer from Nevada this spring, but remains uncommitted headed into his senior season.

The talented returning core also includes '27 WR Kyle Olafson, '27 DE/OG London Olsen, '28 LB/RB Nathaniel Elrod, '28 LB Jayce Reeter, and '28 DE/OT Luke White.

The toughest games on the schedule for the Eagles would be against Pima and Phoenix Christian. I think this team will likely run the table in the regular season again and eventually win the 2A title before their inevitable move up to 3A in 2027.

San Tan Charter

Rank: 2

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 7-2

‘25 record: 9-3, lost in 2A quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 67

Returning TDs %: 65.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 65.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 70

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.8

What HC Chase Cartwright has done with this San Tan Charter program is truly remarkable. And the school has become a hotbed for athletics in general, not just football. Their boys basketball team is coming off of a Copper Division State Title.

It has been a great offseason for the Roadrunners as the team has gone toe to toe with big schools during 7s as well as alumnus Uriah Neloms currently competing for a starting WR job at Arizona State.

On their current roster they have a D-I player in 3-star NAU commit Henry Tauscher. At tight end last season, Tauscher caught 22 passes for 315 yards and 7 TDs (1 rush) while recording 61 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 INTs, 3 PBUs, and 3 fumble recoveries on defense and being one of the best long snappers in the state.

Another key returner for the Roadrunners is '28 QB Luke Cardis. In his sophomore season, Cardis completed 76.1% of his passes for 1,969 yards, 30 TDs (1 rush), and just 3 INTs.

In the run game, '28 RB/LB Porter Smith is coming off a solid sophomore campaign in which he totaled 8.7 yards per carry for a total of 555 yards and 5 TDs. I expect him to go for over 1,000 this fall with a much higher share of the carries. Smith is also the team's 2nd leading tackler after recording 60 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Another player in the Roadrunners' loaded '28 class that is intriguing is ATH Isaiah Neloms, the younger brother of Uriah. Neloms missed significant time with injuries last season but has looked sharp throughout the spring and summer.

3A Seton Catholic, Chandler Prep, and Arizona Lutheran will be the toughest games on the San Tan Charter schedule and I expect them to head into the region crossover game with an 8-1 or 9-0 record.

Chandler Prep

Rank: 3

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 7-2

‘25 record: 8-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 92.1

Returning TDs %: 89.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 81

Returning Sack/TFL %: 51.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 82.6

I caught a lot of flack for how high I ranked Chandler Prep last year in the preseason rankings. While the Titans didn't finish as high as I predicted, they still won a school-record 8 games and recorded the program's first-ever playoff appearance and win.

'27 WR/DB Aaron Crawford is just over 1,000 yards away from the all-time 2A career receiving yards record after catching 51 passes for 1,015 yards and 16 TDs as a junior. Crawford also led the team with 6 INTs at safety.

The offense will look very similar to last season with star '27 QB Kody Dodson, '27 WR Oliver Rodriguez, and '28 WR/OLB Logan Kelley all returning and '28 RB/DB Marshawn Britt stepping into a bigger role.

Defensively, they'll lean on Crawford, Rodriguez, '27 LB/RB Joey Busanni, and '27 DE/OT Jackson Erwin to shut down the oppositions.

A favorable schedule has #2 San Tan Charter and Trivium Prep as the toughest 2 games, and I expect the Titans to finish in the 7-9 win range heading into region crossover.

Phoenix Christian

Rank: 4

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 7-2

‘25 record: 8-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 51.8

Returning TDs %: 52.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 69.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 75.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 63

After a promising 7-0 start, Phoenix Christian did not finish the 2025 season the way it wanted. The Cougars finished the regular season with 7 and 13-point losses to Scottsdale Christian and Veritas Prep, respectively, before blanking Tonopah in the region crossover game and then losing in the Round of 16 of playoffs to 14-seeded Benson after a first-round bye.

But when you return a player like '28 DE/RB Aaron Whitten, there's always optimism for the next season. Whitten led the Cougars with 112 carries for 960 yards and 16 TDs (1 rec) while also leading the team with 13 sacks, 18 TFLs, and 37 total tackles as a sophomore.

'27 DB Jude House is also coming off a great junior year in which he recorded 7 INTs. Leading tacklers '28 LB Damignon Danger and '27 LB Daniel Pacheco also return from a loaded defense.

The toughest games on the schedule for the Cougars will come against #1 Scottsdale Christian, Trivium Prep, and reigning region champion Veritas Prep. I would expect another 7+ win season from Phoenix Christian.

Pima

Rank: 5

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 67.7

Returning TDs %: 43.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 63.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 60.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 44.4

Defensively, the Roughriders return a ton of talent, especially in their front seven.

'27 LB/RB Joe Palmer is going to be a huge key to their success on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense, where he led the team with 107 tackles while adding 22 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and 2 PBUs.

Offensively, Palmer finished second on the team with 77 carries for 469 yards and 13 TDs while also catching 16 passes for 164 yards and 1 TD. With senior Aiden Alder graduated, the offensive workload for Palmer should see a significant increase.

Other key returners on defense for the Roughriders include '27 LB/RB Adam Bryce, '28 OLB Keegan Espinoza, '27 DT/OG Hollen Hoopes, and '28 DB/WR Mason Skinner.

Willcox

Rank: 6

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 7-2

‘25 record: 10-3, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 74.9

Returning TDs %: 66.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 54.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 61.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 64.9

Two-way star '27 RB/LB Kaleb Cooke leads a solid group of returning talent. Cooke rushed 149 times for a team-leading 1,577 yards and 18 TDs. Defensively, Cooke recorded 102 tackles (77 solo), 7 TFLs, and led the Cowboys with 7 sacks.

Other key returners on offense including starting '28 QB Robert Hill Jr and leading '27 WR Da'Marion Jackson.

Defensively, Jackson, '27 LB/RB Anthony Morales, '27 DT/OG Alan Allred, and '28 LB/RB Asher Ward will be the keys to their success this season.

After giving Scottsdale Christian a scare in the semifinals and returning a good core group, the expectations will be high for this Willcox squad.

The Cowboys' toughest games will come against #4 Pima and Arizona Lutheran. Running the table in the regular season is very possible for this group and at worst I expect them to head into crossover week at 7-2.

Trivium Prep

Rank: 7

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 6-3

‘25 record: 8-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 87.3

Returning TDs %: 89.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 77.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 84.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 81.3

When you return 2025 BJ Media Small Ball Player of the Year Benjamin Wolfley, you're in pretty good hands. To call his junior season a success would be an understatement.

Wolfley rushed 165 times for a whopping 1,848 yards (11.2 YPC) and 21 TDs while also leading the the Knights with 14 receptions for 204 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively, Wolfley led the team with 99 tackles and 6 interceptions (2 pick sixes). And just for good measures, he returned 14 kickoffs for 467 yards and 4 TDs.

And Wolfley is far from the only key player returning for the Knights. '27 LB/TE Billy Phillips, '27 ATH Thomas Wodrich, and '27 LB/OG Xander Lecky headline a big returning core on defense as well as a massive 2027 graduating class.

This season is do or die for the Knights with so many seniors. The toughest games include #3 Chandler Prep, #4 Phoenix Christian, and Veritas Prep. I expect this team to head into crossover week exactly at the 7-2 mark and they could be very dangerous in the postseason.

Camp Verde

Rank: 8

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 44.9

Returning TDs %: 42.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 62.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 69.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 50.7

In 2025, the Cowboys dropped their opener to eventual 1-seed Veritas Prep before ripping off 7 wins in a row. However, that would be all they would win as Scottsdale Christian beat them handedly in the finale, Parker pulled off the upset in the crossover game, and then Tanque Verde came up the mountain and dominated them in the first round of playoffs.

Graduating star QB Brayden Walsworth will be missed, but the Cowboys return plenty of talent in 2026.

'27 RB Justin Smith is coming off a big junior season in which he rushed 176 times for 1,115 yards and 14 TDs while catching 37 passes for 311 yards and 1 TD.

The offense also returns a trio of '28 WRs: Wyatt Loveall, Kayle Sapp, & Gage Selting.

Defensively, they return their top 3 tacklers from 2025: '27 LB Chase Dugan, '27 DE/OG Jamin Roderick, and '28 LB/OG Braydon Rodriguez.

The Cowboys toughest games will once again come against #1 Scottsdale Christian and Veritas Prep. Another 7-2 or 6-3 season seems in the cards.

St. John's

Rank: 9

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 12-2, lost in championship

Returning Offensive Yards %: 29.9 

Returning TDs %: 32

Returning Tackle Production %: 24.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 10

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 29.5

It sounds crazy to rank a team that was a goaline stand from a 2A title last season this low, but the Redskins graduate a ton of a talent.

'27 QB/DB Kaden Waite makes up a huge chunk of the returning production after completing 48.8% of his passes for 932 yards, 14 TDs, and 7 INTs while rushing 62 times for 258 yards and 5 TDs. Waite also recorded 37 tackles, 2 TFLs, 6 interceptions, and 5 PBUs on defense last season.

Outside of Waite, '27 LB/TE Brigden Heap is the only returning player with significant production last season.

The Redskins schedule is not super daunting, but they will have to hosting defending 3A champion Round Valley and #5 Pima while making tough road trips to Santa Cruz Valley, Globe, and Morenci. Those 4 games will mostly decide how their season will go.

Santa Cruz Valley

Rank: 10

Ceiling: 7-2

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 6-6, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 69.2

Returning TDs %: 73.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 74.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 90.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 70.4

The Dust Devils were very young last season and it showed at times. With a massive returning cast, they should make a big leap in the 2026.

That group is led by '29 DE/TE Layne James who was absolutely phenomenal as a freshman. James led the team with 124 tackles (86 solo), 20 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 fumble forces, and 4 fumble recoveries.

'28 RB Diego Ibarra is also coming off a big season in which he led the team with 129 carries for 1,282 yards and 13 TDs.

'27 RB/LB Richard Reyes Jr also rushed 71 times for 747 yards and 10 TDs while recording 90 tackles (65 solo), 2 interceptions, and 6 PBUs on defense.

The toughest games for the Dust Devils will come against #4 Phoenix Christian, #9 St. John's, and Arizona Lutheran. I expect this team to take that next step and get to 6 or 7 wins before crossover week.

Veritas Prep

Rank: 11

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 11-1, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 31.5

Returning TDs %: 22.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 57.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 35.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 43.3

The Falcons absolutely ripped through their schedule in 2025 before going down in a shocking upset to Tanque Verde in the quarterfinals.

The Falcons will look very different in 2026, but return some key contributors as well. '27 RB/LB Will Young, '27 WR/DB Aidan Bailey, '27 TE/LB Miles Perry, and '27 DB/WR Brayden Barrows should all have big years as the young guys coming up lean on them.

The toughest games of the season will come against #4 Phoenix Christian, #7 Trivium Prep, #8 Camp Verde, and Benson. If their '27 class can elevate the way last year's senior class did, the Falcons will have a shot at repeating as region champs and first-round bye. If there are growing pains, this team could lose as many as 4 games with the schedule they have lined up.

AZ Lutheran

Rank: 12

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 10-2, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 17.1

Returning TDs %: 21.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 37.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 32.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 43.2

2026 is going to be a hard reset for the Coyotes, who graduate nearly all their skill position starters from a season ago.

The defense returns significantly more production than the offense, though, headlined by '27 DT/OG Justin Schmidt and '29 DT/RB Braeden Goudeau.

The new-look Arizona Lutheran squad will have tough matchups with #2 San Tan Charter, #6 Willcox, #10 Santa Cruz Valley, and Parker. Not sure what to expect this season, but I think 5-7 wins is a reasonable prediction.

Benson

Rank: 13

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 8-5, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 33.2

Returning TDs %: 32.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 61.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 65.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 62.5

The upset of the 2025 2A playoffs belonged to the 14-seeded Benson Bobcats when they knocked off #3 Phoenix Christian in the Round of 16.

Offensively, '27 RB/LB Rene Lorta will be the centerpiece after rushing 144 times for 785 yards and 8 TDs and catching 12 passes for 118 yards and 2 TDs last season. '27 WR/DBs Jason Santo and Wayne Stark will also have a big role after combining for 1,147 yards and 12 TDs.

Defensively, '27 LB/TE Jake Scouten, '27 LB/RB Kolttin Deskins, and '27 DE/TE Tyson Kilpatrick lead a big group of returning starters.

The Bobcats have a relatively difficult schedule with the biggest tests coming against #4 Phoenix Christian, #6 Willcox, #10 Santa Cruz Valley, and #11 Veritas Prep.

Parker

Rank: 14

Ceiling: 9-0

Floor: 6-3

‘25 record: 9-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 40

Returning TDs %: 40

Returning Tackle Production %: 52.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 53.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 56

A big chunk of the returning production comes from star '27 RB/LB Vic Aguilar, who led the team with 144 carries for 1,145 yards and 16 TDs while recording 52 tackles, 9 TFLs, 4 fumble forces, and 4 fumble recoveries.

A few other key starters from last season return, such as leading tackler and '27 DB Daviano Fisher.

The Broncs have a favorable schedule with their toughest tilts coming against #12 Arizona Lutheran and Needles (CA).

Tanque Verde

Rank: 15

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 11-3, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 6.8

Returning TDs %: 2.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 27

Returning Sack/TFL %: 26.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 24.7

The Hawks graduate almost every starter from last year's semifinal team. '27 QB/DB Nathan Hallums, '27 ATH Alex Page, '28 LB Gabe Torgeson will lead an almost entirely new squad in 2026.

We will find out alot about this team right off the bat in Friday's season opener at #4 Phoenix Christian. The Hawks will also have tough tilts with #7 Trivium Prep, #13 Benson, and Morenci.

Fountain Hills

Rank: 16

Ceiling: 7-2

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 93.3

Returning TDs %: 80

Returning Tackle Production %: 83.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 76.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 73.3

Fountain Hills is my first team from outside of last season's playoffs that I am predicting to make some noise this season.

With virtually the entire team coming back, Nick Rock's squad could be dangerous this year.

Although last season's stats were incomplete, the vast majority of their roster was made up of players from the '27-29 classes with a high percentage being '28s and '29s. Last year was a learning curve for the young Falcons team, but with this year's schedule easing up a bit, this is where they can go on a run.

Their toughest tests will come against 3A Payson and Coolidge, #1 Scottsdale Christian, #8 Camp Verde, Cortez, and Chino Valley. A first above .500 season since 2017 and first playoff appearance since 2018 is very much in the cards for this Falcon team.

Cortez

Rank: 17

Ceiling: 7-2

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 3-7, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 70.8

Returning TDs %: 84.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 47.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 42.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 55.6

New HC Brian Cole is back where it all started in 1992, coaching football as Cortez. Now he's the head coach with a long history of success as multiple schools.

Known around the state for his Wing-T offense that he's never deviated from, Cole won multiple state titles at Joy Christian, now known as Phoenix Christian, before going to North Canyon and winning their lone state title in 2005.

Cole most recently spent a long time at Sandra Day O'Connor, where he led the Eagles to an Open Division playoff appearance for the first time in school history.

He walks into a program that has a lot more talent than folks in 2A may realize. '27 QB/DB Jamerrius Anthony rushed 164 times for 1,168 yards and 15 TDs while completing 44% of his passes for 464 yards, 6 TDs, and 2 INTs. On defense, he leads all returners with 50 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries last season.

He will also be happy to have a healthy '27 WR Bruce Austin, who caught 7 passes for 229 yards and 3 TDs as well as a 48-yard pick six in just 4 games last season.

The Colts' toughest games will come against #1 Scottsdale Christian, #7 Trivium Prep, #8 Camp Verde, and #16 Fountain Hills. Don't be surprised if Coach Cole gets this thing rolling in Year One and gets the Colts back to the playoffs.

Globe

Rank: 18

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 6-5, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 59.6

Returning TDs %: 73.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 82

Returning Sack/TFL %: 81.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 88.5

Pretty much everybody is back from last year's playoff team besides their starting QB. The defense will likely hit the ground running with well over 80% of his production back in 2026 and the offense will rely on the returning running backs and wide receivers to get the new QB acclimated.

The Tigers' toughest games will come against #5 Pima, #9 St. John's, #10 Santa Cruz Valley, and Morenci. I expected another above .500 season and playoff appearances for Globe.

Morenci

Rank: 19

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 3-6

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 31.7

Returning TDs %: 23.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 22.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 19.2

The Wildcats do not return a lot from last year's playoff team and will be looking for a lot of new players to step up. Among those key returners is '28 QB Deegan Miller, '28 LB/FB Joshwa Sandoval, and '28 LB OT James Davis.

The schedule is also not very forgiving for the Wildcats. They'll face 3A Safford, #5 Pima, #7 Willcox, #9 St. John's, #13 Benson, #15 Tanque Verde, and #18 Globe. If the new starters take a while to get acclimated, wins could be hard to come by.

Scottsdale Prep

Rank: 20

Ceiling: 6-3

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 5-6, lost first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 42.5

Returning TDs %: 30

Returning Tackle Production %: 85.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 69.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 78.4

Last year's Scottsdale Prep squad did not have a ton of seniors, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but a ton of key returners are no longer with the program after the coaching change.

'28 DL/OL Asher Hesse has transferred to Notre Dame Prep, '29 LB/RB Jonathan Joffe moved to North Carolina, '29 QB Tradd Slovan transferred to Horizon, '29 WR/OLB Gavin Blumhoff transferred to Pinnacle, and '27 OLB/WR Jacob Lee transferred to Chaparral.

First year head coach Andrew Gamboa, who comes from 8-man dynasty Mongollon, has his hands full with getting this program back to rolling again and he'll lean heavily on '27 WR/DB Braxton Whittington, who has had a fantastic offseason.

'27 DE/TE Connor Gust and '27 DB/WR Jaeden Weiss should also make significant contributions on both sides of the ball while '27 ATH Jack Larson makes the transition to QB. Leading tackler and '27 LB Josh Ajamie will also be a player that the Spartans will lean heavy on.

There's no hiding with the schedule that the Spartans have. After opening with #3 Chandler Prep, they'll face #6 Willcox, #11 Veritas Prep, #12 AZ Lutheran, and #14 Parker throughout the year. 4-6 wins and a playoff appearance is likely a reasonable expectation for this Scottsdale Prep team.

Tonopah Valley

Rank: 21

Ceiling: 5-3

Floor: 3-5

‘25 record: 4-7, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 39.6

Returning TDs %: 51.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 40.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 32.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 51.6

Last year was not the season that Tonopah Valley was hoping to have, a lot of it having to do with the passing game struggles. The Phoenix averaged under 100 yards per game through the air with a 3-11 TD-INT ratio.

I'm not sure what the QB position will look like, but this offense will be centered around '27 ATH Xavier Facio, who led all returning players in both rushing and receiving yards last season.

Defensively, '27 DE Damian Acosta and '27 LB Adrien Jenniges will be the focal points. Acosta is coming off an 11.5-sack season while Jenniges leads returners with 88 tackles last season.

With Glendale Prep dropping varsity football this season, the Phoenix currently only have 8 games in the schedule that include tough games with 3A Odyssey Institute, #1 Scottsdale Christian, #2 San Tan Charter, #8 Camp Verde, and Antelope Union.

Tuba City

Rank: 22

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 6-3

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 65.8

Returning TDs %: 78.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 41.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 32.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 56.9

Although they're known for their defending Copper Division champion girls basketball team, Tuba City will likely again be the best Navajo Nation football team in 2A.

'28 RB Charles Bright III is just scratching the surface of becoming a Tuba City legend. As a sophomore, he led the team with 70 carries for a whopping 1,000 yards (14.3 YPC) and 16 TDs while catching 8 passes for 173 yards and 1 TD.

'27 LB Teton Martinez also returns after leading the team with 71 tackles in just 9 games last season.

The toughest games for Tuba City will all come against 3A squads in Ganado, Chinle, and Page. If they win any of those games, we're likely talking about a 7-8 win season for the Warriors.

Chino Valley

Rank: 23

Ceiling: 6-3

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 29.6

Returning TDs %: 29.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 80.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 88.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 50

The Cougars narrowly missed the playoffs last season with a ton of underclassmen starting on defense. '29 LB/RB Finn Statton led the team with 94 tackles and 7 TFLs last season as a freshman.

'28 LBs Jax Pesarchic and Nick Schoeneman also made significant contributions and will help lead this defensive group.

Offensively, '27 WR/DB Maddux Brashier will be the focal point after hauling in 21 passes for 506 yards and 11 TDs as a junior.

The toughest games will come against #1 Scottsdale Christian, #8 Camp Verde, #12 AZ Lutheran, #16 Fountain Hills, #17 Cortez, and Bourgade Catholic. I expect this team to hover right around .500 and get back to the playoffs.

Santa Rita

Rank: 24

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 2-7

‘25 record: 0-10, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 100

Returning TDs %: 100

Returning Tackle Production %: N/A (no stats for defense) 

Returning Sack/TFL %: N/A (no stats for defense)

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: N/A (no stats for defense)

In 2025, this was arguably the worst 11-man football team in the state. With the program starving for success, Santa Rita went out and made a big splash hire, bringing in local legend and trainer Cam Gaddis as their new head coach.

Right off the bat, Gaddis went out and recruited his hallways and has gotten his program participation numbers to absolutely skyrocket. The Eagles have listed 38 players on their 2026 roster with only 2 of them being seniors, setting the program up for stability they haven't had in a long time.

The team has also increased its social media presence and players are learning a lot more about the game of football than they ever have before.

The Eagles have a very reasonable schedule with #15 Tanque Verde being the only 2025 playoff team on their schedule. Palo Verde Magnet and Bisbee are additional games that could pose challenges, but if Gaddis can get this train rolling, I can see anywhere from 4-8 wins being a realistic goal.

There may be some growing pains, but I do think Gaddis will lead this program back to the playoffs within the next 3 seasons.

In the Hunt

Bourgade Catholic

Ceiling: 6-3

Floor: 4-5

‘25 record: 6-4, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 54.2

Returning TDs %: 46.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 69.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 74.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 73.5

Palo Verde Magnet

Ceiling: 7-2

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 6-4, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 50.3

Returning TDs %: 54.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 51

Returning Sack/TFL %: 49.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 51.1

Antelope Union

Ceiling: 6-3

Floor: 3-6

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 63

Returning TDs %: 63.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 41.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 53.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.3

Mountainside

Ceiling: 6-3

Floor: 3-6

‘25 record: 6-5, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 35.3

Returning TDs %: 29.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 20.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 8.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 26

Alchesay

Ceiling: 8-1

Floor: 5-4

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in first round

No returning production stats available

Holbrook

Ceiling: 5-3

Floor: 1-7

‘25 record: 6-5, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 18.6

Returning TDs %: 19.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 28

Returning Sack/TFL %: 8.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 17.5