BJ's 4A Preseason Rankings

In last season’s 4A preseason rankings, I correctly predicted 17 out of 24 playoff teams with only 7 of my preseason top 24 either exceeding their ceiling or not meeting their floor.

Mica Mountain

Rank: 1

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 12-2, won 2nd straight 4A title

Returning Offensive Yards %: 17

Returning TDs %: 12.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 26.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 28.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.2

What a year 2025 was for Mica Mountain as they captured their 2nd straight 4A title. In 2024, there just simply was nobody hanging with them besides the tight semifinal against Yuma Catholic.

In 2025, they dropped back to back games early in the season and then woke up and went on a tear after the Sunnyside loss, winning their final 10 games and handed Arcadia their only loss of the season in the title game.

The Bolts may have some new starters, but they return a great amount of talent as they try to keep the winning streak going.

'27 Illinois State ATH commit Kaden Watson is among those key returners after having a solid junior year with 2 interceptions, 6 PBUs, 28 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 9 receptions for 211 yards and 3 TDs on offense.

'27 RB Jeremiah Anderson will be the centerpiece of the offense after leading the team with 712 rushing yards and 6 TDs last season.

'27 LB Nick Regina had the most productive season out of last year's defensive returners, recording 56 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, 7 PBUs, and 1 fumble force last season.

But what has been the most impressive this offseason from the Thunderbolts is the guys they have in the trenches.

'28 OL/DL Juan Martinez absolutely dominated summer big man camps, especially at NAU against several 5A & 6A schools.

'29 DE/IOL Roman Leon, the younger brother of UTEP DE Jimmy Leon, has also had a great summer.

'28 OT/DE Lincoln Maggard has also had a great summer and has turned the heads of several D-I coaches.

Maggard picked up his first two offers from NAU and UTSA last week with several other schools showing interest.

'29 DE/TE Jack Andrews also showed flashes of his potential last season, recording 3.5 sacks in 6 games as a freshman.

Mica Mountain's schedule is not super brutal, but Sunnyside, ALA West Foothills, Walden Grove and Sahuarita should pose some challenges to a perfect regular season. If this team stays moderately healthy, I would be surprised if they don't 3-peat as 4A state champs.

Snowflake

Rank: 2

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 10-2, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 84.3

Returning TDs %: 91.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 36.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 50

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 24.3

Even though some people in the White Tanks think Snowflake doesn't belong in 4A, the Lobos have been in the state title conversation every single season since moving up into it. After being the only team to give Mica Mountain a run for their money in the playoffs last season, Snowflake returns a great amount of talent to make another run.

Offensively, it all starts with star '27 RB Brenner Green, who rushed for 1,290 yards and 20 TDs and caught 14 passes for 129 yards and 4 TDs last season.

'27 QB/ATH Jacob LaDuke also returns after completing 52.9% of his passes for 1,693 yards, 18 TDs, and 12 interceptions while rushing for 593 yards and 13 TDs.

Defensively, '27 WR/DB Colter Willis, '27 WR/DB Mason Raban, and '29 DE/TE Ziggy Ulberg all return after productive 2025 seasons.

The Lobos schedule starts off hot with consecutive tough games against Coconino, ALA West Foothills, and Bradshaw Mountain before tough region tilts with Combs and Arcadia in the back end of the schedule. I would expect at least 8 regular season wins out of Snowflake despite one of the tougher schedules in 4A.

St. Mary's

Rank: 3

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 92.7

Returning TDs %: 92.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 35.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 8.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 35.9

There's a lot to be excited about with St. Mary's football in 2026. After an impressive run to the quarterfinals last season with several underclassman starters, the Knights are looking to make that next step and compete for a 4A title.

Their offensive trio of '28 QB Luke Horn, '27 RB Branson Brown, and '27 WR Anthony Canon will be a huge factor on being able to do so.

Horn completed 64.6% of his passes for 2,681 yards, 21 TDs, and 7 INTs while rushing for 347 yards and 2 TDs as a sophomore.

Brown rushed 234 times for 1,277 yards and 23 TDs (1 rec) last season while Canon caught 73 passes for 1,316 yards and 12 TDs.

Defensively, most of the Knights key returners will be in the secondary. '27 FS Billy Lewis led the team with 80 total tackles to go with 3 interceptions and PBUs each last season while '27 CB EJ Hooks III led the team with 4 interceptions and 6 PBUs.

The biggest challenge of their freedom schedule will be a long road trip to 2025 semifinalist Gila Ridge, who beat them in the final seconds at home last season. Their loaded region includes four 2025 playoff teams as well as 3-star '28 WR Daryl Little and Thunderbird.

Despite the tough schedule, I expect the Knights to pick 8 or 9 wins this regular season and comfortably secure a first round bye.

Arcadia

Rank: 4

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 13-1, lost in state championship

Returning Offensive Yards %: 14.8

Returning TDs %: 17.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 40.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 51

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 38.1

The Titans graduate a lot of production from last year's team, especially on offense between QB Zach Smith, RB Ryan Jimenez, and WR Ian Slater.

However, '27 WR Konner Kammes, who caught 41 passes for 687 yards and 13 TDs last season, will look to fill those shoes alongside new starting QB Erik Delord, and '27 RB Malakai Wilder.

Defensively, leading tackler and '27 LB Braden Knaub, sack leader and '28 DE/TE Greyson Stauff, and interception/PBU leader and '28 DB Jordan Barnes will lead the charge in each position group.

The Titans have another tricky schedule with freedom games against Bradshaw Mountain, 5A Camelback, and ALA West Foothills as well as region games against Combs and #2 Snowflake.

Depending on how the key returners perform and gel with the several Saguaro transfers they have, this team could have another undefeated regular season and top seed, but they could also end up missing out on a bye week if those tough games don't go their way.

Gila Ridge

Rank: 5

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 11-2, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 52.5

Returning TDs %: 52.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 35.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 36.1

2025 was a storybook year for Gila Ridge, their first above .500 season since 2020 and their first playoff appearance since 2019.

The Hawks went 9-1 during the regular season and advanced to the 4A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Mica Mountain. After dropping the season opener to Lake Havasu, Gila Ridge won 11 straight games before the semifinal loss.

Jessica Slaughter's squad returns some key pieces from last year's historical run, led by '27 QB Isaac Soliz, who completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,455 yards, 33 TDs, and 9 INTs.

'27 WR Kanai Hongo is also coming off a great year after catching 42 passes for 569 yards and 7 TDs while rushing for 135 yards and 4 TDs as a junior.

On defense, '27 DE Andy Rodriguez will be the key to success after recording 76 tackles, 18 TFLs, 13 sacks, 4 fumble forces, 2 blocked kicks, and 2 fumble recoveries as a junior.

The 4A Desert Southwest region does not pose much of a challenge for Gila Ridge. The Hawks outscored their opponents 243-6 in region play last season.

But their freedom schedule is a gauntlet as they open the season with Lake Havasu, Greenway, Buckeye Union, Northwest Christian, and #3 St. Mary's. This team has the talent to run the table, but I think 8 or 9 wins is the more likely scenario.

Northwest Christian

Rank: 6

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 35.6

Returning TDs %: 29.1

Returning Tackle Production %: N/A no stats available.

Returning Sack/TFL %: N/A no stats available.

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 73.7

Last season was a bit of a disappointment for Northwest Christian, with their season ending with a one-possession loss to Mohave on the road in the Round of 16. The 3A school that has been a top team in 4A every season since moving up is looking to get back on track this fall.

It will all start with their big returning receiving core, led by '27 Landon Beckman, who led the team with 58 receptions for 835 yards and 9 TDs last season.

'27 ATH Conner Main also led the team in interceptions while catching 56 passes for 603 yards and 3 TDs and rushing 37 times for 236 yards and 2 TDs.

'28 QB Luke Pearson also transferred in from Shadow Ridge and has looked really impressive this summer in 7s competing against mostly 5A and 6A schools. Pearson's older brother currently plays offensive line for D-I Georgia Southern.

The toughest games for the Crusaders will be against Gila Ridge and their gauntlet 4A Skyline region games against #3 St. Mary's, ALA West Foothills, Peoria, and Paradise Honors. I expect them to get back to being an 8 or 9 win team.

Maryvale

Rank: 7

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 6-4, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 74.6

Returning TDs %: 79.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 77

Returning Sack/TFL %: 96.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 68.8

There was a lot of people laughing when I included Maryvale in my preseason rankings last season in their first year under the Carter twins. There's nothing to laugh about anymore.

The first 5 games were a struggle and an adjustment, but when the transfers became eligible in Week 6, the Panthers outscored their region opponents 240-66 en route to their first region title since 2005.

Unfortunately for Maryvale, their playoff fate was pretty much decided before the transfers even became available. With a bad loss to Cholla in Week 2 paired with blowout losses to Mesquite, Eastmark, and Combs, there just wasn't enough power points for them to gain and get into the top 24.

It brings to question whether regions are necessary if winning your region doesn't guarantee a playoff spot, but that's a debate for another day.

With the amount of talent the Panthers return this season, they're looking for a lot more than just a region title.

The building block of this program starts with Idaho ATH commit Miles Woods, who caught 14 passes for 300 yards and 7 TDs along with 2 INTs (1 pick six), and 25 tackles in just 5 games last season.

At the QB position, '30 QB MJ Escobedo was on a tear all summer and '28 QB/ATH Messan Alokpovi also returns after completing 50.6% of his passes for 1,006 yards, 20 TDs, and 4 INTs to go with 162 rushing yards and 5 TDs in his 5-game sophomore season.

At running back, '28 Isaac Buchanan is coming off of a 1,000-yard season and '30 RB/ATH Diontae Thompson-Brandon (younger brother of Desert Edge 3-star '28 RB Byron Brandon) is expected to make an immediate varsity impact.

Defensively, leading tackler and '27 DE Tariq Hannah is due for a big senior year after recording 56 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 4 sacks last season.

And then comes their phenomenal 2029 class.

'29 DE/TE Kevin "Scatter" Smith has already become one of 4A's best players after recording 43 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 5 sacks as a freshman. Smith picked up a D-I offer from UNLV during the summer.

'29 OLB Ricki Guilford is also coming off a great freshman season with 36 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 4 sacks.

'29 DB Alijah Cross has grown several inches this offseason and is listed at 6'3" and 166 pounds now and has had a great summer between 7s and camps.

The toughest game by far for the Panthers will come against Combs, who beat them 59-0 last season.

While they also lost to Mesquite and Eastmark, both of those two teams do not return very many starters and will look a lot different in addition to Maryvale's 2025 transfers being available for those games.

Without a doubt, I think anything short of 9 or 10 wins would be a disappointment for the Panthers and they are a team that I'm sure many in 4A do not want to see in the playoffs.

ALA West Foothills

Rank: 8

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 9-5, lost in semifinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 72.1

Returning TDs %: 64.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 17.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 24.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 13.5

2025 was quite a roller coaster season for the Guardians in their first year in 4A. Less than a month before their season began, they found out star QB Hudson Mitton was transferring to Mesa and freshman Carlos Serrano was thrusted into the starting QB position.

That is when '27 RB Kenyon Rosenthal took complete control of the offense. Coming off a great sophomore year splitting the backfield with 2024 Small Player of the Year JJ Brutus, Rosenthal rushed 288 times for 2,106 yards and 24 TDs while catching 11 passes for 148 yards and 1 TD as a junior.

When you return arguably the best player in 4A, it is easy to see why you have high expectations.

However, defensively, the Guardians will have several new starters after graduating a big senior class.

ALA West Foothills might have the toughest schedule in 4A with 7 of their 10 opponents being 2025 playoff teams and Thunderbird being just on the outside of it.

That includes #1 Mica Mountain, #2 Snowflake, #3 St. Mary's, #4 Arcadia, #6 Northwest Christian, Peoria, and Paradise Honors.

How the Guardians perform in region play will really shape their season and the playoff picture.

Bradshaw Mountain

Rank: 9

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 8-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 27.9

Returning TDs %: 24.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 58.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 90.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 36

Offensively, the Bears graduate a lot of talent. '27 RB Jon'te Jones and '27 WR/DB Caden Dabney will be the biggest returners.

Defensively though, they will return their top 3 tacklers from last season: '27 LB Diego Galaz, '28 DE/OG Alexzander Mendibles, and '28 OLB/RB Sebastian Witkowski.

The Bears schedule is difficult right out the gates, with road trips to #4 Arcadia and #2 Snowflake in the first 3 weeks. They will also have tough games with Lee Williams, Buckeye Union, Prescott, and Coconino to finish the year.

The last 4 weeks of the year will really decide what type of season it will be for Bradshaw Mountain.

Paradise Honors

Rank: 10

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 6-6, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 83.1

Returning TDs %: 78.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 17.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 21.7

When you have '27 RB Chuck Van Dyke on your team, you're going to have a shot in pretty much every game.

Van Dyke led the team with 287 carries for 2,082 yards and 21 TDs in 11 games. The Panthers also return a good amount of production in the passing game, but will need to take care of the ball better as their QBs combined for 13 TDs and 15 INTs last season.

Defensively, Paradise Honors graduates a good amount of seniors and will rely on some players that didn't play a lot last season to step up.

Combs will comfortably be their toughest test of their freedom schedule before they enter their 4A Skyline region gauntlet with #3 St. Mary's, #6 Northwest Christian, #8 ALA West Foothills, Peoria, and Thunderbird.

With every team in that region being a playoff contender, I see the Panthers potentially getting anywhere from 5-8 wins.

Walden Grove

Rank: 11

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 7-4, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 82.1

Returning TDs %: 82.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 54

Returning Sack/TFL %: 40.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 51

Walden Grove has recently blossomed into one of the better programs in Southern Arizona and I expect that to continue in 2026.

The Red Wolves return plenty of talent. On offense, they return almost everyone including leading rusher and '27 RB/DB Sebastian Gallardo, star '27 DT/RB Dominic Sanchez, and '27 WR/DBs Jordan Dobson and AJ Salayandia.

After Week 5, Idaho commit Matthew Avelar will be eligible after transferring in from Salpointe and that will allow '27 QB/ATH Gage Abuelos to likely make the switch to WR and become an extra weapon for Avelar.

On defense, senior leaders Steven Valdez, Jaxsen Phillistine, and Angel Armenta will be missed, but the Red Wolves return a good amount of talent on that side of the ball as well.

'27 OLB/TE Paul Delgado had a great junior year along with '27 LB Miguel Aboyte, Sanchez, and Dobson.

The Red Wolves have a pretty manageable schedule with their toughest games coming against #1 Mica Mountain, cross-town rivals Sahuarita and Sahuaro, and 5A Tucson and Vista Grande. I would be shocked if this was not at least a 7 or 8 win team.

Lake Havasu

Rank: 12

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

'25 Record: 9-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 62.7

Returning TDs %: 72.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 48

Returning Sack/TFL %: 33.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 53.3

The Knights have a ton of returning talent on offense after last year's resurgence season. '27 QB Tripp Burke was the team's most efficient signal caller last season, completing 65.2% of his passes for 1,046 yards, 12 TDs, and just 1 INT.

'27 TE/OLB Luke Johnson, a finalist for the 2025 BJ Media TE of the Year award, is coming off a junior season with 35 receptions for 539 yards and 7 TDs while rushing 55 times for 289 yards and 17 TDs.

The entire WR core also returns with '27s Carter Devett, Koen Taylor, and Kole Cesena and '28 Maddox Cosentino.

Defensively, there will be some new faces, but Johnson, Devett, '27 DE/TE Vincent Fiantaca, '28 DB/WR Blake Pol, and '28 DB/WR Niko Bailey are all coming off great 2025 campaigns.

Road trips to #5 Gila Ridge and Lee Williams will be Havasu's toughest freedom games before region play includes playoff contenders Deer Valley, Buckeye Union, Youngker, and Estrella Foothills. I think we're likely looking at a 7-9 win team again.

Marcos De Niza

Rank: 13

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

'25 Record: 10-2, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.9

Returning TDs %: 26.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 47.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 31.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.1

After a couple down years, Marcos De Niza really came back to life last season, railing off 10 wins and their only two losses coming to the top 2 seeds in 4A.

The Padres return a good amount of talent on offense, led by '27 RB/LB Christian Garcia, who led the team with 111 carries for 1,159 yards and 16 TDs while catching 16 receptions for 298 yards and 3 TDs.

'28 WR/DB JD Dubose also had a great year, catching 35 passes for 764 yards and 6 TDs.

Defensively, they return Garcia and leading tackler, '27 LB Brian Irick, who recorded 114 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception and 2 PBUs.

The Padres have a pretty favorable schedule with their toughest games coming against #2 Snowflake, 5A McClintock, Greenway, and Tempe. 7-9 wins is a reasonable expectation for this squad.

Peoria

Rank: 14

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

'25 Record: 7-4, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.3

Returning TDs %: 28.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 50.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 52.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 44.6

2025 was an up and down year for Peoria. They started off with a couple of headscratching losses before going on a tear in 4A's toughest region before having to face region rival Paradise Honors a 2nd time in the first round of playoffs and losing.

Offensively, the Panthers return 3-star Washington WR commit Dontay Tyson Jr and '28 RB Christian Zarate, who rushed for 959 yards and 9 TDs as a sophomore.

Defensively, leading tackler and '27 LB Devonte Hendrix returns along with '27 SS Shaheen Jones, '27 DE Carlos Nunez, and '27 DB Diego Vasquez.

Peoria's schedule has plenty of hurdles including dates with 5A rivals Cactus and Kellis before a region slate against #3 St. Mary's, #6 Northwest Christian, #8 ALA West Foothills, #10 Paradise Honors, and Thunderbird.

Region play will go a long way in deciding how the Panthers season will go, but I think anywhere from 5-8 wins is a reasonable expectation if they stay healthy.

Lee Williams

Rank: 15

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 6-4, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 53.8

Returning TDs %: 48

Returning Tackle Production %: 60.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 50

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 60

This team was absolutely robbed of a playoff appearance last season due to wonky old powerpoint rankings system. But it is a new year and the Volunteers are ready to put 2025 in the rear view and get back to the postseason in 2026.

Returning star '27 RB Lucas Leist will go a long way in reaching that goal after he rushed 189 times for 1,449 yards and 22 TDs last season.

Defensively, '27 OLB Forrest Lane and '29 DBs Demarcus Wallema and Ethan Byrd (who led the team with 5 INTs) will be the biggest keys to success for a group returning over half its production.

Buckeye Union

Rank: 16

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 80.7

Returning TDs %: 85.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 61.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 70.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 72.2

Another team that I felt should have made the playoffs in 2025 is Buckeye Union, who had 2 wins over playoff teams Deer Valley and Youngker and all 4 of their in-state losses coming against playoff teams.

But this season, I don't think they'll be sweating on Selection Saturday at all. This Hawks squad returns a ton of talent.

Offensively, it all starts with '28 QB/ATH Mekhi Sharper, who rushed 167 times for 1,125 yards and 13 TDs while completing 46.2% of his passes for 898 yards, 6 TDs, and 6 INTs and catching 3 passes for 101 yards and 1 TD.

'27 QB Caleb Swain is probably the better pure passer after completing 48.7% of his passes for 604 yards, 6 TDs, and 5 INTs in 6 games as a junior.

'27 RB/OLB Xylin Yancy is also coming off a great year in which he rushed 122 times for 780 yards and 8 TDs.

Defensively, '28 LB Xavier Jackson returns after leading the Hawks with 94 tackles last season.

'28 OLB Luke White, '27 ATH Jesse Wagner, and '27 DT Prosper Azumah headline other key returners on defense.

The Hawks open their season out of state again, this time at Summit Academy (UT). Their toughest fredom games will come against #5 Gila Ridge and #9 Bradshaw Mountain while their region includes #12 Lake Havasu, rival Youngker, Deer Valley, and Estrella Foothills.

If this team stays healthy, I see no reason why they can't win at least 7 games.

Combs

Rank: 17

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 6-4

'25 Record: 8-3, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 67.3

Returning TDs %: 66

Returning Tackle Production %: 12.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 6.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 13.3

Last season was confirmation that Combs has emerged as the top football program in San Tan Valley. After years of competing with Poston Butte and ALA Ironwood for top players in the town, the momentum has shifted in favor of the Coyotes.

Offensively, the Coyotes return a good amount of production. '27 ATH Skyler Lawrence, '27 QB Kannin Hale, and '28 WR/LB Drexton Clare will be the most important ones.

Defensively, they'll be trotting a ton of new players out there.

The beginning and end of the Coyotes' schedule is not super daunting, but a 4-game stretch in the middle against #10 Paradise Honors, #7 Maryvale, #4 Arcadia, and #2 Snowflake is really going to show what this team is made of.

Sahuarita

Rank: 18

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 65.5

Returning TDs %: 70.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 65.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 64.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.9

Sahuarita has had a fantastic offseason between sweeping the big man and 7v7 tournaments at Victory and competing with top 5A and 6A teams at the UofA big men challenge.

The Mustangs return a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, '28 QB Dane Hartnett will be taking over full reigns of the offense after Rasheed Martin transferred to Desert View. '27 RB Trenton Hubble looks primed for a big year after rushing for 506 yards and 7 TDs last season.

In the receiving core, '27 ATHs Sergio Burgos and JJ Riley have both had great offseasons and will be the top 2 targets for Hartnett.

The offensive line also looks great, led by '27 OT Brandon Carroll, who sits at a massive 6'5 and 320 pounds and has garned interest from multiple D-I schools.

Defensively, '27 LB Nathaniel Gallardo returns after leading the team with 85 tackles last season. Burgos, Hubble, and Riley were also key contributors on the defensive side of the ball.

The Mustangs have one of the more wide open schedules in 4A. Their toughest games will be against #1 Mica Mountain, #11 Walden Grove, and Sahuaro.

Deer Valley

Rank: 19

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 3-7

'25 Record: 6-5, lost first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 58.8

Returning TDs %: 46.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 46.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 41.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 20.8

Deer Valley seems to always find a way to be in the mix.

'27 QB Gavin Youngker, '27 RB/DB Bryson Keith, '27 WR/K Austan Chaves, and '27 WR/DB Connor Bogart are the key returners on offense.

Defensively, '27 LB Cash Smith returns after leading the team with 113 tackles. Keith also recorded 60 tackles on defense while being a key piece on offense.

The Skyhawks schedule comes with plenty challenges though, as they'll face Peoria, Greenway, #4 Arcadia, Thunderbird, 5A Chaparral, #12 Lake Havasu, #16 Buckeye Union, Youngker, and Estrella Foothills.

Coconino

Rank: 20

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 8-5, lost in quarterfinals

Coconino is going to look very different from their 2025 quarterfinalist squad. Not only do the Panthers graduate a ton of talent, '28 DE/OT Isaac Cattanach, '28 QB Hendrix Utley, and '27 LB/TE Brady Stiegler have all transferred to AZ Compass this offseason.

'27 WR/DB Austin Raths will be a player that the Panthers will lean heavily on after catching 49 passes for 786 yards and 8 TDs last season.

'27 DT/OT Ethan Quiroz will be who they will lean on heavily on defense after he recorded 79 tackles, 15 TFLs, 7 sacks, 3 PBUs, and 2 fumble recoveries.

In addition to losing a ton of seniors and 3 of their best players transferring out, the Panthers do not have an easy schedule. They will start the season going on the road to #2 Snowflake and #3 St. Mary's before facing Sunrise Mountain, Prescott, #15 Lee Williams, and #9 Bradshaw Mountain in a 5-week span.

Youngker

Rank: 21

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 7-4, lost first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 46.2

Returning TDs %: 47.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 35.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 50.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 31.8

Last season was a big turning point for this Roughriders program. After 3 consecutive above .500 seasons, Youngker made the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Offensively, the Roughriders return their entire receiving core, led by '27 Larry Moore Jr, who caught 46 passes for 685 yards and 11 TDs last season.

Defensively, they return '29 DB Dontae Scott, who led the team with 60 tackles and 4 fumble forces. They also return '27 DE Robert Calvin, who led the team in sacks each of the past two seasons, with 9 sacks and 10 TFLs coming as a junior.

The toughest games for the Roughriders will all be in the back half of their schedule: Estrella Foothills, rival #16 Buckeye Union, #12 Lake Havasu, Prescott, and #19 Deer Valley.

Thunderbird

Rank: 22

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

'25 Record: 6-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 47.7

Returning TDs %: 46.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 46.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 53.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 67.7

Last season ended with big disappointment for Thunderbird as they started 6-0 and then lost their final 5 games to miss the playoffs just a year after going 10-2 and making the quarterfinals.

But with 3-star '28 WR/DB Daryl Little returning, there is plenty of home for the Titans to have a bounce back year.

The 2025 BJ Media WR of the Year caught 60 passes for 1,415 yards and 15 TDs, rushed 41 times for 330 yards and 3 TDs, and recorded 5 interceptions, 5 PBUs, 2 fumble forces, 2 fumble recoveries, and 47 total tackles as a sophomore last season.

'27 LB/RB Hunter Donathan also returns after leading the team in tackles last season.

The Titans have a tough schedule with freedom games against #19 Deer Valley and Prescott as well as region games against #3 St. Mary's, #6 Northwest Christian, #8 ALA West Foothills, #10 Paradise Honors, and #14 Peoria. I think with their strength of schedule, a 5-5 season should be enough to get them back into the playoffs.

North Canyon

Rank: 23

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 74.8

Returning TDs %: 73.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 58.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 39.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 60.7

You want to talk about a team that can surprise some folks? North Canyon has been a sleeping giant in AZHSFB for almost decades now after Brian Cole led them to a state title in 2006.

Football was not the forté for the Rattlers for a long time after that. But after rebuilding Heritage Academy Laveen, Anthony Johns took on the task of rebuilding this program that went 1-9 prior to his arrival, 0-10 in his first year, and now 5-5 in the second year in 2025.

The Rattlers return the majority of their offensive core, including '27 QB Karlos Romandia, '27 ATH Gabe Terrell Jr, and '27 RB AJ Garcia.

Defensively, they return '28 OLB/TE Rhett Goodman, who led the team with 87 tackles last season. '27 LB Kevin Silva-Lopez, '28 LB/IOL Landon Morse, '27 DB/WR Jarell Hearod, and '28 DB Kyrian Arnold also headline a strong returning core.

The Rattlers have a favorable schedule with their toughest games being against #7 Maryvale and Estrella Foothills. Copper Canyon is their only other opponent that was above .500 in the 2025.

Sierra Linda

Rank: 24

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 8-3, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 58.2

Returning TDs %: 66.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 42.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 26.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 31.8

There is a lot of things that is wrong with Sierra Linda barely sneaking into the 24-team playoffs with an 8-2 record. There were several factors as to why it happened: too many teams being in 4A, major region imbalances, strength of schedule disparity, etc.

But what can never be taken away from that Bulldogs team is that they tied their school record of 8 wins in 2025.

The Bulldogs also return a great amount of talent, led by star '27 ATH Brandon Hadnot.

After recording a whopping 8 interceptions as a sophomore in 2024, teams knew better than to throw in his direction last season as he recorded 1 interception, 1 PBU, and 47 total tackles on defense while catching 32 passes for 416 yards and 8 TDs on offense.

The Bulldogs also return starting quarterback, '28 QB/DB Jordan Vargas, who completed 61% of his passes for 1,538 yards, 21 TDs, and 5 INTs last season while rushing for 4 more TDs.

Sierra Linda's schedule is once again going to be one of the easier ones in 4A. They'll face #5 Gila Ridge late in the season and then Desert Sunrise and Copper Canyon are the only other teams that were above .500 last season, both graduating a ton of seniors.

It may take a 9-win season this time for the Bulldogs to get back to the postseason, something they're very capable of if they don't play with their food like they did at times last season.

In the Hunt

Estrella Foothills

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 8-4, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 51.4

Returning TDs %: 40.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 48.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 38.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 59.7

Prescott

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 4-6

'25 Record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.9

Returning TDs %: 28.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 53.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 50

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 59.6 

Sahuaro

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

'25 Record: 7-4, lost first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 21.8

Returning TDs %: 33.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 53.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 58.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 33.3

Tempe

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

'25 Record: 6-4, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 37.5

Returning TDs %: 35.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 36.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 22.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 42.1

Greenway

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

'25 Record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.7

Returning TDs %: 41.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 39.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 41.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 47.4

Pueblo

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

'25 Record: 7-3, missed playoffs

Returning Offensive Yards %: 50

Returning TDs %: 50.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 27.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 31.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 23.1

Mesquite

Ceiling: 5-5

Floor: 1-9

'25 Record: 5-6, lost in first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 2.1

Returning TDs %: 0

Returning Tackle Production %: 36.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 54.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 23.4

Mohave

Ceiling: 5-5

Floor: 2-8

'25 Record: 9-3, lost in quarterfinals

Returning Offensive Yards %: 10.6

Returning TDs %: 5.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 15.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 12.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 9.2

Eastmark

Ceiling: 5-5

Floor: 2-8

'25 Record: 6-6, lost in Round of 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 23.4

Returning TDs %: 27.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 34.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 27.4

Desert Sunrise

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

'25 Record: 8-3, lost first round

Returning Offensive Yards %: 4.9

Returning TDs %: 4.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 61.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 66.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 68.9