BJ's 3A Preseason Rankings

In last season’s 3A preseason rankings, I correctly predicted 14 out of 16 playoff teams with only 1 of my preseason top 16 teams exceeding their ceiling and 2 not meeting their floor.

Ben Franklin

Rank: 1

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 13-1, lost in 3A championship

Returning Offensive Yards %: 45.4

Returning TDs %: 40.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 52.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 49.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 55

The Chargers were so close to the 3A title last season and it just makes this group even hungrier.

'27 QB Gavin Wyler is among the best returning players in 3A, but will be throwing to a lot of new targets. Wyler completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,350 yards, 30 TDs (1 rush), and just 4 INTs as a junior last season.

The team's top 2 rushers and top 2 receivers from last season all graduate as well as 3-star left tackle Ammon Alexander, who is now at Stanford. But '27 WR/LB Christian Sorenson and several others are ready for their time to shine and step up for this offense.

Defensively, the Chargers return Sorenson, leading tackler and '28 LB Tillman Grant, '27 LB Ashton Goddard, '28 DB/WR Trey Sather, and '27 DB/WR Ayden Stebnicki-Snower, who all made big contributions last season.

In the gauntlet 3A Metro region, there are no weeks off even as the preseason #1, but the toughest opponents will likely be Valley Christian, Pusch Ridge, Crismon, River Valley, and Thatcher. I would be surprised if they don't run the table.

Round Valley

Rank: 2

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 13-1, won 3A title

Returning Offensive Yards %: 81.9

Returning TDs %: 85.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 61.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 64.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 64.5

What a year 2025 was for Round Valley as they were one score away from a perfect season and played perfect football at the right time in the playoffs.

The crowd was into it the entire year and then the atmosphere at the 3A championship was incredible. Not only did several folks make the trip from Eagar to Mountain Pointe, but their neighbors from St. John's, who played in the 2A championship, also stayed for their game and made some noise in games of White Tanks vs Valley Private/Charter schools.

But enough about last year, because the Elks will be right back in the 3A title conversation in 2026. Senior WR/DB Jeffrey Cochran will be greatly missed after a fantastic high school career, but almost everyone else returns, especially on offense.

'27 QB Kage Finch is coming off a solid junior year in which he completed 62.8% of his passes for 2,092 yards, 30 TDs, and 9 INTs while rushing 109 times for 732 yards and 9 TDs.

'27 RB/DB Brody Crick is coming off a great junior year with 170 carries for 1,193 yards and 15 TDs and 21 receptions for 413 yards and 11 TDs.

Defensively, '29 DE/RB Jaxon Crick had a great freshman season with 82 tackles, 13 TFLs, 11 sacks, 3 blocked kicks, and 1 fumble force.

Other key returners on defense include '27 OLB/OG Brody Kelepolo, '27 DE/OT Joah Brown, '27 LB/OG Tanner Finch, and '28 DL/RB Peyton Tucker.

The tough games for the Elks include Show Low, Blue Ridge, 2A #5 Pima, and 2A #9 St. John's. I would be very surprised if they don't run the table as well in the regular season

Valley Christian

Rank: 3

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 11-2, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 52.5

Returning TDs %: 48.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 44.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 28.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 57.1

Last season was a nice "we're back statement" for Valley Christian, but the Trojans will have a lot to replace. '27 QB Austin Schuder will have an entirely new offense around him with '28 TE/DE Caden Palmquest moving to Texas and most other key contributors graduating.

Schuder completed 60.2% of his passes for 2,043 yards, 28 TDs, and 12 INTs while rushing 94 times for 964 yards and 9 TDs as a junior.

Defensively, '28 LB Porter Cross is the leading returning tackler with 34 tackles as a sophomore.

Also being in the 3A Metro region gauntlet, Valley Christian is going to have to find their new identity quickly as they have tough games with #1 Ben Franklin, Crismon, Sabino, Show Low, Blue Ridge, and Gilbert Christian. This team has the potential to win up to 9 games, but in this region if you get into a slump, you can blink and be 5-5.

Pusch Ridge

Rank: 4

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 10-3, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 70.3

Returning TDs %: 79

Returning Tackle Production %: 48.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 42.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 46.2

The 2024 3A champs always find themselves in the conversation at the top of 3A.

Offensively, the Lions return a solid core of '27 QB/DB Race Pinneo, '27 QB/DB MJ Buckner, '27 RB/LB Dylan Shoaff, '27 WR/DB Levi Adcock, and '28 RB/LB Cameron Shoaff.

Defensively, Cameron Shoaff returns as the leading tackler and the Lions defense will also by led by Adcock and '28 LB Vincent Plimpton.

The Lions have a manageable schedule with their toughest games coming against #1 Ben Franklin, Crismon, Thatcher, and Sabino. You can expect a typical 8 or 9 win regular season from this group and another deep playoff run.

Crismon

Rank: 5

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 88.5

Returning TDs %: 90

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

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

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

The surprise team of 3A last season was the Crismon Rattlers, who went from missing the playoffs in 2024 to the state quarterfinals in 2025.

The only stats they have entered from last season is on offense, so that is what I will discuss.

All key contributors are back. '27 WR/DB Asher Vance caught 39 passes for 650 yards and 9 TDs last season. '27 ATH Cameron Pope caught 41 passes for 574 yards and 3 TDs. '28 RB/DB Walker Higbee rushed 196 times for 1,129 yards and 20 TDs.

Their toughest games will come against #1 Ben Franklin, #3 Valley Christian, #4 Pusch Ridge, River Valley, Gilbert Christian, and Blue Ridge. Despite a tough 3A Metro region schedule, I expect this team to take the next step and be a top 5 team in 3A with at least 7 regular season wins.

River Valley

Rank: 6

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 69.1

Returning TDs %: 68.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 51.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 49.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.1

River Valley is once again going to be one of the better teams in 3A this season.

The Dust Devils return star '27 RB Aden Montgomery, who rushed 156 times for 1,322 yards and 21 TDs as a junior. They also return '28 RB/LB Brodee Abell, who rushed 111 times for 779 yards and 10 TDs.

Defensively, Abell leads all returners with 53 tackles and 13 TFLs last season and has a solid group that returns about half of 2025 production.

The toughest games for the Dust Devils will come against #1 Ben Franklin and #5 Crismon right off the bat before hosting 4A rival Mohave in Week 4 in their only home game outside of Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse. I think an 8 or 9 win season is likely for the Dust Devils.

Thatcher

Rank: 7

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 9-2, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.9

Returning TDs %: 9.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 25.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 28.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 40.9

Thatcher will look very different in 2026 after graduating a massive senior class from last season. But those that have been around Arizona HS football for a while know that this program is always in the mix.

'27 WR/DB Hudson Conrad has the most tackles (23), interceptions (2), PBUs (11), and receiving yards (177) out of returning players.

While their schedule may not be as tough as Ben Franklin's, Valley Christian's, or Crismon's, there is plenty of tough games that the Eagles will need to dig deep for. They'll face #1 Ben Franklin, #4 Pusch Ridge, Sabino, and Florence.

Sabino

Rank: 8

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 4-7, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 54.3

Returning TDs %: 56.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 66.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 59.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 75.9

After graduating a massive senior class from their 2023 3A state title team, the last two seasons have been about building for Sabino.

Graduated senior RB Zachari Haley will be missed, but the Sabercats return a good core group in 2026.

'28 QB Bodhi Sanford is coming off a solid second year as starter in which he completed 55.3% of his passes for 2,340 yards, 26 TDs, and 14 INTs.

On defense, leading tackler and '27 LB/FB Christopher Yslas returns after recording 71 total tackles last season. '28 LB/RB Shaundon Harris and '27 ATH Patrick Polanco were also key contributors last season while '27 DB/WR Anthony Dimas led the team with 4 interceptions and 3 PBUs as a junior.

The Sabercats have a tough schedule though, with tilts against #3 Valley Christian, #4 Pusch Ridge, #7 Thatcher, Gilbert Christian, Florence, and 4A rival Sahuaro.

Gilbert Christian

Rank: 9

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 8-4, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 44.7

Returning TDs %: 37.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 32.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 54.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 39.3

The Knights graduate a significant portion of their production from last year's quarterfinals team.

'27 WR/DB Malachi Ahlman led the team with 32 receptions for 561 yards and 7 TDs last season while '27 RB/LB Camden Gorsline led the team with 120 carries for 591 yards and 4 TDs. '28 RB/DB Pierson Scott did a little bit of both, rushing for 252 yards and 6 TDs while catching 23 passes for 259 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively, leading tackler and '27 OLB/WR Evan Scott leads a returning casts that also includes Pierson Scott, '28 OLB/QB Alijah Jarles, and '29 DB/RB Dusty Cook.

The Knights are also in the gauntlet 3A Metro region with their toughest games coming against #1 Ben Franklin, #3 Valley Christian, #5 Crismon, and #8 Sabino.

Show Low

Rank: 10

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 8-4, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 8.9

Returning TDs %: 11.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 55

Returning Sack/TFL %: 59.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 44.8

The Cougars' offense will be hitting the factory reset button with pretty much all of their skill position starters graduating.

Defensively, they return a solid core, led by their 4 leading tacklers: '28 LB/RB Corbin Wood, '27 LB/RB Karter Alexander, '27 LB/TE Talen Slone, and '27 DE/RB Luke Smith.

Show Low's schedule has plenty of challenges, including #2 Round Valley, #3 Valley Christian, Blue Ridge, Florence, Page, and Payson.

Blue Ridge

Rank: 11

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 6-5, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 13.4

Returning TDs %: 37.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 37.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 63.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 31.3

The Yellowjackets will have a lot of new faces making plays this season after graduating a big senior class, led by two-way superstar Karlo Harris, who led the team in both rushing and tackles.

'27 DB/RB Tank Hamblin will be the key to success on defense as the only returner with significant snaps played.

Blue Ridge has another sneaky schedule with tests against #2 Round Valley, #3 Valley Christian, #5 Crismon, #10 Show Low, Payson, and Chinle. I expect the Yellowjackets to be back in the playoffs, but making a deep run will be tough.

Florence

Rank: 12

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 52.3

Returning TDs %: 51.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 30

Returning Sack/TFL %: 18.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 45.8

'27 QB/DB Brody Ramirez will be tasked with leading an offense with a lot of new faces this season after completing 65.6% of his passes for 1,788 yards, 17 TDs, and just 2 INTs last season.

On defense, '27 LB/RB Keith Miyahira, '28 DB/QB Keantum Greeley, and '27 DB/RB Darrius Samuels will be the centerpieces for the Gophers.

The Gophers will also have quite the schedule to run through. They'll face #2 Round Valley, #4 Pusch Ridge, #7 Thatcher, #8 Sabino, #10 Show Low, ALA Ironwood, and Coolidge.

Seton Catholic

Rank: 13

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 2-8

‘25 record: 4-7, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 68.1

Returning TDs %: 58.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 41.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 32.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 43.5

After having lots of success in their final year in 4A, last year's first season in 3A did not go as planned for the Sentinels.

But new head coach Matt Hanshaw, who comes from the illustrious Dana Zupke coaching tree, hopes to get Seton Catholic "up to the standard of all the other schools in Chandler".

That is a tall task given that Basha and Chandler just played in the Open championship, Hamilton is the only program in the state to make every single Open quarterfinal since its inception in 2020, ACP played for a 4A title 2 years ago, Casteel won the 6A title last year, Perry is a consistently good team, and Valley Christian is almost a perennial top 5 team in 3A.

But he's got a good core returning to get that goal started and they've been competing with the big dogs all summer long.

Offensively, '28 RB Coree Edwards is one of the best returning players in 3A. Edwards rushed 175 times for 1,020 yards and 11 TDs (2 rec) as a sophomore.

Defensively, '28 FS/TE Lucas Jimenez is due for another big year after recording 95 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 PBUs as a sophomore.

The Sentinels have arguably the toughest schedule in 3A. They'll face #1 Ben Franklin, #2 Round Valley, #3 Valley Christian, #5 Crismon, #6 River Valley, #9 Gilbert Christian, ALA Ironwood, and 2A #2 San Tan Charter as their 8 opponents that I project to be in the postseason. If they can have an above .500 season, that will be a massive step in building up this program.

ALA Ironwood

Rank: 14

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 2-8

‘25 record: 2-8, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 88.1

Returning TDs %: 96.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 42.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 53.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 25

ALA Ironwood is the only team that missed the playoffs last season that I project to get back in and for good reason. Pretty much their entire offense is back, including several key linemen and they hope to make last season a distant memory.

'27 RB Shawn Hinchcliff rushed 170 times for 1,227 yards and 16 TDs last season to catapult the Warrior offense. '28 WR/DBs Rylon Bradford and Nehemiah Armstrong also will be a big part of the offensive gameplan this season.

Defensively, they return about half of their production.

But in order to get better, they're going to have to win tough games. Their gauntlet includes #1 Ben Franklin, #3 Valley Christian, #4 Pusch Ridge, #5 Crismon, #7 Thatcher, #9 Gilbert Christian, #12 Florence, and #13 Seton Catholic make up their 8 total 2025 playoff opponents. If they can win just 1 or 2 of these games and defeat Apache Junction and ALA Vistancia, the Warriors should be in the postseason.

Page

Rank: 15

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 8-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 41.3

Returning TDs %:  41.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 37.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 24.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 56.9

The Sand Devils will have a new QB, but '27 WR/DB Lorin John and '28 WR/DB Braylon Rupp should both have big years again after combining for 1,006 yards and 13 TDs last season.

Starting '27 RB/LB Renato Littleman also returns after rushing for 468 yards and 8 TDs in 9 games.

On defense, John led the team with 6 interceptions and they return sack leader '29 DE/WR Mason Hansen.

It's not often that you project a 7-9 win team to be a 15 seed, but with the schedule that the Sand Devils have compared to the rest of these teams, they are likely going to have to win 8 games to get into the postseason. #10 Show Low and Payson are their only opponents that I project to make the postseason.

Payson

Rank: 16

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 22.5

Returning TDs %: 16.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 35.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 28.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 18.9

Payson is another team that will have lots of new faces making key plays for them this season.

On offense, leading rusher '27 RB/LB Nathan Tsosie makes up the majority of the returning production with the 609 yards and 5 TDs he totaled during his junior season.

On defense, they'll need some role players to step up and become starts if they're going to be successful this season.

The Longhorns have tough schedule with #2 Round Valley, #6 River Valley, #7 Thatcher, #10 Show Low, #11 Blue Ridge, #15 Page, and 2A #16 Fountain Hills mostly loaded up in the back of the schedule. Those first two games against Page and Fountain Hills will tell us a lot about this team and are going to be crucial towards getting back to the postseason.

In the Hunt

Chinle

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 7-3, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 81.7

Returning TDs %: 89.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 60.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 64.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 57.3

Dysart

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 5-6, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 42.6

Returning TDs %: 46

Returning Tackle Production %: 73.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 54.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 67.4

Coolidge

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 68.9

Returning TDs %: 79.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 51.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 33.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.5

Ganado

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-3, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 68.9

Returning TDs %: 79.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 51.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 33.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.5