BJ's 5A Preseason Rankings

In last season’s 5A preseason rankings, I correctly predicted 18 out of 24 playoff teams with only 2 of my preseason top 24 exceeding their ceiling and only 3 not meeting their floor.

Desert Edge

Rank: 1

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 9-1

‘25 record: 11-1, lost in quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 16

Returning Offensive Yards %: 76.4

Returning TDs %: 83.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 56.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 62.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 59.5

There's no team in 5A and only a couple in 6A more loaded with D-I talent than Desert Edge. The Scorpions have 16 total players with D-I offers, including one 5-star, three 4-stars, and six 3-stars.

On offense, the Scorpions return 4-star Washington QB commit Blake Roskopf, who completed 66.1% of his passes for 2,815 yards, 37 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs.

They also return 3-star Washington WR commit Zerek Sidney, who missed nearly all of last season.

3-star '28 RB Byron Brandon is also coming off of rushing 192 times for 1,274 yards and 12 TDs while catching 22 passes for 215 yards and 3 TDs as a sophomore.

3-star '28 WR Jhaheem Brown also was a major factor after becoming eligible in Week 6, catching 22 passes for 466 yards and 4 TDs while rushing 18 times for 125 yards and 1 TD in 7 games.

'27 ATH Aiden Honeywood was also a key contributor on offense as well.

In the trenches, '29 OLs Jackson and Dallas Amey, sons of Arizona State assistant d-line coach Vince Amey, both hold D-I offers from Northern Arizona and have big expectations.

Defensively, the Scorpions are even more loaded. 5-star '28 DE Jalanie George recorded 6.5 sacks, 16 TFLs, 54 total tackles, 2 blocked kicks, and 2 PBUs as a sophomore.

3-star Wisconsin DT commit Yahzeen Zion recorded 57 total tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles last season.

'28 OLB Kye Wells also returns after leading the team with 7 sacks as well as 13 TFLs and 46 total tackles.

But the scariest part about this team is their secondary. 3-star '27 Oklahoma CB commit Mikyal Davis is one of the state's best corners, 4-star '28 ATH Jaelyn Easterling-Flores had a phenomenal sophomore year, and 4-star '28 CB Nekhi Lambeth had a great sophomore season as well.

As if they didn't have enough talent with that trio, '28 DB Jordan Davis has picked up 4 D-I offers this offseason and '29 DB/ATH Elijah Johnson was offered by Arizona and won overall MVP at JustChilly's Flight Club Rising Stars tournament this summer.

A moderately difficult schedule for the Scorpions includes top-10 matchups with ALA Gilbert North, Millennium, Canyon View, and Thursday at Cactus Shadows. Barring any major injuries, I think this team will be running the table and taking back the 5A state title.

Desert Mountain

Rank: 2

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 12-3, won 5A title

Number of players with D-I offers: 6

Returning Offensive Yards %: 56.8

Returning TDs %: 65.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 62.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 61

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 56.6

It's rare that you mind a team as well coached and disciplined as Desert Mountain year in and year out.

After having some hiccups in the 2025 regular season that prevented them from getting a first-round bye, the Wolves ran through Gilbert and Cactus, squeaked out Desert Edge in the quarterfinals and Horizon in the semifinals, and then dominated Canyon View in the championship.

The Wolves also return a great amount of talent.

3-star Boise State '27 DB commit Hassan Smith and 3-star '27 Hawaii DE commit Davian Whitener are two of the state's most underrated players.

Smith recorded 2 interceptions, 8 PBUs, and 30 total tackles last season while Whitener recorded 5.5 sacks, 19 TFLs, 46 total tackles, 4 PBUs, and 1 interception.

2025 leading tackler and '27 LB Christian McComber also returns after recording 96 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 5 PBUs as a junior. McComber also holds 3 D-I offers.

'27 ATH Jeneral Solomon also comes off a great junior year with 73 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 8 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 blocked kick.

'27 DB Braylon Wilkerson rounds out an elite returning secondary after he finished his junior year with 2 interceptions and 9 PBUs.

Offensively, everything starts with star '28 RB/LB Easton Conner, who rushed for 964 yards and 18 TDs while catching 23 passes for 255 yards and 2 TDs.

Fellow backfield mate '27 RB Ryan Cratty was also a nice change-of-pace back, rushing for 648 yards and 4 TDs while catching 16 passes for 279 yards and 2 TDs.

'27 QB Grant Garduno has quit football after committing to D-I St. Mary's College for baseball, but '28 QB Jake Pilarcek transferred in from Saguaro and has already been cleared for Week 1 (ironically against Saguaro).

He'll have the majority of last year's receiving core back. '28 WR Kai Tschen transferred to Pinnacle, but 3 of the team's top 4 receivers: '27s Isaiah Justice and Evan Dowd and '29 Kai Hasenyanger with Whitener and '27 Jaden Lindley at tight end.

ACP is probably the only real threat in Desert Mountain's freedom schedule, but the 5A Northeast Valley region is a gauntlet where they'll have to go through Horizon, Cactus Shadows, and Chaparral. Despite that, this is likely a 9 or 10-win football team.

Horizon

Rank: 3

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 10-3, lost in semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 6

Returning Offensive Yards %: 26.9

Returning TDs %: 40

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 32.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 37.2

The Huskies were one possession away from making it to the 5A championship, but came up just short. Although they graduate a good amount of seniors, they'll have plenty of young talent that is ready to go.

3-star '29 RB and 2025 BJ Media Freshman of the Year Dylan Brush rushed 101 times for 902 yards and 9 TDs. With senior Bodie Zamarano graduated after getting 230 carries last season, Brush's snap count and utilization are going to skyrocket and I would expect at least 1,500 yards and 15+ TDs if he is healthy for the full season.

3-star Utah State WR commit James Klopfenstein also is coming off a great year in which he caught 42 passes for 570 yards and 9 TDs while rushing 51 times for 270 yards and 11 TDs.

With QB Carter Puma graduating, the Huskies already know who their next signal caller will be. After sitting the first 5 games due to transfer rules, '28 QB Kai Knudson, the son of former Arizona State TE Gary Knudson, will be ready to hit the ground running after having a great spring ball and summer.

And just when you thought Horizon couldn't possibly pump out another D-I tight end anytime soon, here comes '29 Dylan Groves, who already picked up his first D-I offer from Northern Arizona before making his first varsity catch.

In trenches, you can do a lot of what you want on offense when you have 3-star '28 OT Liam McNeal on your football team.

On defense, '27 LB CJ Battle, '27 DB Garrett Kerr, '27 DB Chace Wise, '28 DE Vedder Wolfley, and '28 OLB Sam Klopfenstein all return after being key contributors last season.

Cactus and Sunnyslope will be the biggest challenges in their early freedom schedule while they wait for '28 QB Kai Knudson to be eligible before they finish up with 6A Highland, #2 Desert Mountain, Chaparral, and Cactus Shadows in their final 4 games. I expect this to be an 8 or 9 win team once again.

ALA Gilbert North

Rank: 4

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 11-2, lost in semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 3

Returning Offensive Yards %: 80.9

Returning TDs %: 85.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 26.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 18.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 35.5

On offense, almost everyone is back for the Eagles. Brown QB commit Ben Livingston took 5A by storm last season, completing 68.2% of his passes for 2,570 yards, 35 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing 66 times for 333 yards and 5 TDs.

'27 RB/SS Weston Powell rushed 130 times for 866 yards and 14 total TDs (3 rec) while recording 3 interceptions and 7 PBUs on defense.

3-star '27 WR Isaac Massey had an impressive junior season with 68 receptions for 1,021 yards and 17 TDs while snagging 6 interceptions and 5 PBUs.

In the trenches, the Eagles return 3-star NAU commit Chase Grohman, '27 OT Maealiuaki Teumohenga, and 6'5", 300-pound '29 OT Siope Teumohenga to what could be arguably the best offensive line in 5A.

On defense, Massey, Powell, and '27 LB/RB McRae Skinner are going to be the main returners.

The Eagles have freedom games against #1 Desert Edge and Cactus Shadows before facing ACP, Campo Verde, and Mountain Pointe in region play. I expect 8 or 9 wins from the Eagles once again in 2026.

Millennium

Rank: 5

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 4

Returning Offensive Yards %: 53.8

Returning TDs %: 53.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 56.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 73.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 87.3

The regular season was Millennium's best one in a long time, but the playoffs did not go as they would have liked.

The Tigers return arguably the best player in 5A in 3-star Idaho RB commit D'Mari Bryant, who rushed 221 times for 2,042 yards and 30 TDs while catching 12 passes for 153 yards and 2 TDs.

He'll have 3-star Stanford commit Lauifi Tosi and a massive o-line blocking for him as he looks to rush for another 2,000 yards and beyond in 2026.

Idaho State WR commit Kadin Johnson is also coming off a great junior season, where he caught 34 passes for 660 yards and 11 TDs.

'27 WR Kassaun Rouzan-Franklin also returns after catching 43 passes for 531 yards and 4 TDs.

Defensively, their most productive return is '27 DB Kiaun Davison, who recorded 3 interceptions, 6 PBUs, 3 forced fumbles, and 54 total tackles. '27 LB Angel Ortiz and '27 DB Elijah Stephens are also coming off great years as well as '28 DB/WR Rowlen Greer, who picked up D-I offers from Nevada and NAU this spring and summer.

In addition to some key returners, they also bring in 4 big transfers.

'28 LB Jericho Peralta recorded 72 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3 PBUs as a sophomore at Cactus last season.

'28 ATH Daylen Moore led Cactus with 4 interceptions as well as 2 PBUs, 1 forced fumble, and 29 total tackles.

'28 QB/ATH Myron Lee also transferred in from Cactus, 56.2% of his passes for 139 yards and 1 TD and rushed 23 times for 163 yards and 3 TDs as a sophomore backup QB.

'28 LB Ar-Razzaq Animashhaun recorded 43 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions at Youngker last season.

The toughest games for Millennium before their transfers are eligible will come against Cactus and 6A Shadow Ridge. After the transfers are eligible, they'll face region rivals #1 Desert Edge, Canyon View, and Verrado.

Canyon View

Rank: 6

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 11-3, lost in championship

Number of players with D-I offers: 5

Returning Offensive Yards %: 24.2

Returning TDs %: 26.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 51.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 56.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 47.2

After going 3-7 in 2024, the Jags were the greatest turnaround story in AZHSFB last season in their first year under JR Alcantar. But after a run to the 5A title game, they come into this season with much bigger expectations.

They'll have a lot of new faces on the offensive side of the ball. '27 WR Braylon Anderson, who caught 62 passes for 866 yards and 14 TDs, is by far the most productive returner on the roster.

'27 WR Jay'Mari Hector also had a solid junior year with 28 receptions for 352 yards and 4 TDs.

'28 QB Titan Jacobs, who completed 52.3% of his passes for 276 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT is expected to take over as the starter after being the backup last season.

3-star Western Michigan DB commit Keegan McCarthy is also expected to play more offense after recording 71 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 PBUs last season.

3-star Utah commit Tiki Peoples is also coming off a monster junior year with 12.5 sacks, 18 TFLs, and 63 total tackles. NAU DT commit Andy Fierros is also coming off a 3 sack, 8 TFL, and 30 total tackles junior year on the interior.

'27 DB Tavin Bayer, '27 LB Ammon Nally, '27 LB Trey Jones, '28 DE Malachi Peterson, and '27 DB/WR Amr Hassan are among other key returners on defense.

The Jags have a solid schedule with their toughest games coming against #1 Desert Edge, #5 Millennium, Chaparral, and Marana. Another 8 or 9 win season is likely in store for Canyon View.

Desert View

Rank: 7

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 9-1

‘25 record: 11-1, lost in quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.2

Returning TDs %: 24.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 70.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 71.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 64.5

A lot of folks wrote off Desert View when star '28 RB Jaylee Abraham transferred to Centennial at the beginning of the summer. But this team was loaded with a ton of underclassman talent that will keep the momentum of last year going.

'28 QB Andrew Godoy will take over as starting QB after completing 60.5% of his passes for 401 yards, 4 TDs, and 3 INTs last season as a backup. Godoy has impressed all summer, especially at Flight Club where he led the Jags to the semifinals.

'27 QB/ATH Rasheed Martin has also transferred in from Sahuarita, and I would suspect he'll be used in some type of way even if it's not at QB.

'29 WR Anthony Rodarte is coming off a phenomenal freshman season where he caught 54 passes for 769 yards and 9 TDs.

'28 LB Robert Medrano leads all returners with 55 total tackles last season in addition to 8 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 1 forced fumble.

'28 DB Keanu Romero is also coming off a great year with 51 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 INTs.

'28 LB/RB Greg McKinstry is going to be stepping into more of a two-way role with Abraham's departure after recording 52 tackles and 4 TFLs last season.

'28 DBs Kenny Sonnah and LaMichael Flannigan are also likely to see a bigger role in 2026.

Desert View's schedule isn't going to be a huge challenge. Their toughest games will come against Sunrise Mountain on Friday, rival Sunnyside, Mountain View Marana, and Maricopa. I would be surprised if they didn't run the table again.

Cactus Shadows

Rank: 8

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 4

Returning Offensive Yards %: 13.5

Returning TDs %: 12.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 69

Returning Sack/TFL %: 68.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 58.6

Most people will look at the returning offensive production and think that Cactus Shadows is due for a big falloff with Donivan Dixon at NAU now.

I can assure you that won't be the case. The Falcons have a ton of young talent on offense that is ready for their turn.

'28 WR Brock Cashin is one of those young players ready for a breakout year. As a sophomore he caught 23 passes for 354 yards and 6 TDs in limited reps. Cashin had a very impressive summer, dominated the 7v7 circuit and earning himself a D-I offer from Northern Arizona.

'29 WR/DB Colin Godfrey is a player I've been high on since the 7th grade. This summer made it clear that I'm not alone in that feeling after he picked up his first D-I offer from Northern Arizona as well.

After returning 4 kickoffs for 140 yards, 4 punts for 90 yards, and recording 3 interceptions (1 pick six), 2 PBUs, and 43 total tackles as a freshman, his production will only go up and he will be much more involved on offense.

Defensively, the Falcons return a solid front seven. '28 OLB Clayton Pfaff led the team with 106 tackles adding 11 TFLs.

'27 OLB Casen Stieg recorded 4.5 sacks, 4 TFLs, 70 total tackles, and 3 PBUs. '27 DE Jack Yost recorded 57 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks.

Then you mix in 3-star Cal LB commit Gunnar Perry, who transferred in at the beginning of the year. Perry recorded 119 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 1 PBU while rushing 64 times for 503 yards and 12 TDs at Notre Dame Prep last season.

'28 LB/WR Max Wilson has also had a great spring and summer.

In the secondary, the Falcons return Godfrey and '27s Tavion Johnson and Aidan Chambers.

They'll open the season with #1 Desert Edge and #4 ALA Gilbert North before facing #2 Desert Mountain, #3 Horizon, and Chaparral in region play.

ACP

Rank: 9

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 9-3, lost in quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 2

Returning Offensive Yards %: 27.3

Returning TDs %: 31.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 26.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 29.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 14.4

Normally when a team is on its 4th coach in 4 years, it is really hard to win over a locker room. But 30-year-old first-time head coach Jacob Rutter has done so very quickly and if you attended a practice or scrimmage you can see the whole team is bought in.

After being the ACP's defensive coordinator in 2024 and Highland's defensive coordinator in 2025, Rutter headed back to ACP this offseason to lead the Knights program that is one of the fastest rising programs in AZHSFB after a 4A runner-up in 2024 and a 5A quarterfinal appearance in 2025.

While the Knights graduate a good amount of impactful seniors from last season, this team still returns some talent.

'27 QB Gunnar Schmidt is finally getting his opportunity after sitting behind superstar Evan Heinrich for 3 years.

Schmidt even got an opportunity to fill in for Heinrich during an injury, completing 47.8% of his passes for 456 yards, 7 TDs (1 rush), and 2 INTs and keeping the team's season afloat.

'27 RB J'Cory Horne is due for a big year after rushing 107 times for 589 yards and 8 TDs as a junior behind Max Sasso. Horne is expected to see a much bigger workload.

'27 WR Dalton Speaks should also get a lot more touches this season after catching 22 passes for 392 yards and 3 TDs last season.

'28 OT/DE Enoch Adegoke will be utilized a lot more on both sides of the ball this season as he enters just his third season playing football.

'27 DB Amane Breedlove also should have a bigger role this season and the Knights' coaching staff have raved about his improvement all spring and summer long.

The most productive returner is '27 DT Wyatt Schoonover, who recorded 4.5 sacks, 13.5 TFLs, and 55 total tackles last season.

'27 LB Cole Ciazzo is also coming off a great year with 84 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks.

The Knights have a difficult but manageable schedule, with #2 Desert Mountain, #4 ALA Gilbert North, Chaparral, and Campo Verde being their toughest games. I expect another 7-8 win season for ACP.

Chaparral

Rank: 10

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 3-7, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 6

Returning Offensive Yards %: 71.4

Returning TDs %: 80

Returning Tackle Production %: 47.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 33.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.1

2025 had a lot of growing pains for Chaparral under first-year HC Trace Carroll, but this season the Firebirds are looking to do a lot more than just get back to the playoffs.

A lot of talent returns for the Firebirds on both sides of the ball, starting with '29 QB Ryan Trocki. As a freshman, Trocki completed 60.8% of his passes for 912 yards, 11 TDs, and 6 INTs in 7 games and he picked up his first D-I offer from Oklahoma State this offseason.

3-star Nevada ATH commit Jayce Wilson led the team in rushing and receiving last season and looks to put up much bigger number this season.

'27 DB Luca Ugenti led the team with 3 interceptions last season while recording 45 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3 PBUs.

'27 LB Anders Norgaard leads all returners with 60 total tackles and '27 DB Jackson Bowman is also coming off a great junior season.

But the Firebirds have a lot talent that didn't record any varsity stats for them last season as well as a handful of Saguaro transfers.

'28 OT Trent Dunn and '28 DE Zevry Walker have had great offseasons and picked up NAU offers at camp. '29 TE Nick Trocki is expected to have a big varsity role this season. '30 RB Braxton Burno picked up a Murray State offer before even stepping on a varsity field.

The Firebirds have another tough schedule, facing #2 Desert Mountain, #3 Horizon, #6 Canyon View, #8 Cactus Shadows, and #9 ACP.

Marana

Rank: 11

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 10-2, lost in quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 55.3

Returning TDs %: 57.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 53.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 27.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 60

It has been an eventful past few weeks for Marana football. First, head coach Phillip Steward resigned and then rescinded his resignation the following day. Then, less than a week later, star 3-star '27 WR Sean Roebuck got into a serious car accident that hospitalized him for several days and likely ended his senior season.

Even with all of that, this team has stuck together and tried their best to stay focused on the season. From the videos and photos I could see from their scrimmage vs Horizon, the team seemed to be in great spirits when Roebuck was on the sidelines hanging out.

That being said, the Tigers still return a ton of production on offense despite graduating recording-setting QB Colten Meyer and likely losing Roebuck for the year.

The biggest returning pieces are '28 RB/LB and 2025 BJ Media Two-Way Player of the Year Jeffrey Smith III and '27 WR Jaxsun Sharp.

Smith rushed 154 times for 1,094 yards and 13 TDs while catching 29 passes for 294 yards and 2 TDs.

Sharp caught 47 passes for 849 yards and 15 TDs last season. '27 WR/DB Jesse Howell and '28 TE Remy McKinnon are also coming off great 2025 campaigns.

Defensively, they'll be replacing almost their entire d-line, but return a good amount of linebackers and DBs, including Smith, '27 DB Walter Evans-Gonzalez, '28 DB AJ Rocha, and '27 DB Ruben Navarro.

Marana's 3 toughest games of the season all come right at the beginning as they open with 6A Salpointe, #6 Canyon View, and Yuma Catholic in the first 3 weeks. If they can win all 3, they have a very good chance at running the table this regular season.

And with their strength of schedule, an undefeated regular season is likely their only path to another first-round bye.

Campo Verde

Rank: 12

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 71.7

Returning TDs %: 72.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 13.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 49.1

Once again, the Coyotes offense is going to run through Jonah Lubno.

The 3-star Utah QB commit completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,591 yards, 18 TDs, and 9 INTs while rushing for 415 yards and 17 TDs, accounting for 35 of the team's 43 total TDs last season.

'27 RB/DB Brody Stickle after rushing for 433 yards in 8 games last season.

Defensively, the Coyotes graduate a lot and will lean on a few returners such as '27 LB Scott Aholelei, '28 DB Devin Rolle, and '27 DB/WR Easton Bakutis.

Campo Verde's schedule has plenty of challenges, including 6A Williams Field, #4 ALA Gilbert North, #9 ACP, Mountain Pointe, and Sunnyside. I can see this team getting anywhere from 6-8 wins realistically.

Cactus

Rank: 13

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 8-3, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 35.3

Returning TDs %: 33.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 41.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 35.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 58.6

Cactus got an absolutely brutal draw in the Round of 16 of the playoffs last season. Desert Mountain never should have been a 9 seed. That being said, the Cobras not only graduate some key players but '28 LB Jericho Peralta, '28 ATH Daylen Moore, and '28 QB Myron Lee have all departed to Millennium.

Offensively, '28 RB/DB Nathaniel Linares is by far the most productive returner. In just 6 games, he rushed 92 times for 705 yards and 7 TDs while catching 18 passes for 255 yards and 1 TD.

Defensively, '27 DB Donta Sutton is entering his 4th season as a starter. Sutton recorded 66 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 6 PBUs as a junior.

'27 DB Cole Douglas is also coming off a great junior year 3 interceptions, 4 PBUs, and 45 total tackles.

The toughest games for the Cobras will come against #3 Horizon, #5 Millennium, Sunnyslope, Yuma Catholic, and Sunrise Mountain. I think a 7 or 8 win season again is likely for Cactus.

Mountain Pointe

Rank: 14

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 4

Returning Offensive Yards %: 51.3

Returning TDs %: 50.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 57.4

Returning Sack/TFL %: 26.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 62.9

Mountain Pointe is another team that has dealt with a lot of transfers. '28 WR Makai Nelson went to Basha, '29 ATH Sonny Norwood went to Hamilton, '27 QB Jordan Munoz went to Maricopa, and '27 WR/DB Josiah Smith went to Corona Del Sol.

Despite the transfers, the Pride still return a good amount of talent.

3-star '28 WR Aiden Rodriguez caught 24 passes for 569 yards and 3 TDs as a sophomore.

3-star '28 DB/WR LeGarrette Blount Jr caught 12 passes for 249 yards and 3 TDs, rushed 9 times for 62 yards, and recorded 15 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 PBUs in 7 games after transferring in from Hamilton last season.

'28 RB Jamier McKinney is also coming off a solid year after rushing 108 times for 557 yards and 10 TDs.

What is going to be key for the Pride offense is quarterback play. The Pride average just 160.6 passing yards per game with Munoz, Norwood, and '27 QB Kristian Escobedo combining for 16 TDs and 12 INTs.

Escobedo showed some flashes last season of being their guy, especially during the win over Campo Verde, so if they can get that version of him all season the offense will be in great hands.

'28 QB/ATH Christian Normandin has also transferred in from Shadow Ridge, where he completed 49.4% of his passes for 1,239 yards, 14 TDs (3 rush), and 7 INTs in 14 starts as a freshman and sophomore in 2024 and 2025.

With Normandin's dual threat abilities, I would not be surprised to see him mixed into some packages even if Escebedo is playing well in the first 5 weeks.

Defensively, the Pride return a good amount of talent. In addition to Blount, the Pride return '27 OLB/TE Marleigh Fely, who recorded 66 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 3 fumble recoveries.

'27 DB Andre Burnside also had a great year, recording 3 interceptions, 6 PBUs, and 27 total tackles in just 8 games.

There were also multiple underclassman contributors. '28 LB Nick Gonzales recorded 40 total tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks in 7 games after transferring in from Chandler.

'29 DB Jakai Cooks recorded 2 interceptions, 5 PBUs, and 13 total tackles as a freshman while '29 DB AJ Anderson recorded 1 interception, 3 PBUs, and 25 total tackles.

The Pride's schedule is also no joke. They have a 4-week stretch where they'll face #1 Desert Edge, #2 Desert Mountain, #9 ACP, and #12 Campo Verde before visiting #4 ALA Gilbert North in the final week of the season. It's going to be an uphill battle for the Pride to have another above .500 season, but they have the talent to do it.

Sunnyslope

Rank: 15

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 8-3, lost in first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 69.4

Returning TDs %: 69.2

Returning Tackle Production %: 9.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 15.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 47.8

The Vikings return a good amount of talent on offense.

'27 RB Kelton Rogers is coming off a great junior season in which he rushed 161 times for 1,216 yards and 20 TDs while catching 10 passes for 105 yards and 3 TDs.

'27 QB Royce Vanacore completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,959 yards, 22 TDs, and 13 INTs while rushing 63 times for 378 yards and 4 TDs.

Defensively, '27 DB Brendan Camp will be the focal point after recording 6 interceptions and 24 total tackles last season.

Sunnyslope's schedule is also quite manageable. In freedom games, they'll face #3 Horizon, #13 Cactus, and Notre Dame Prep. In region play, McClintock and Dobson will be their biggest challenges. This is likely an 8 or 9 win team again.

Yuma Catholic

Rank: 16

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 48.8

Returning TDs %: 46.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 40.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 35.1

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 32.9

Many folks had a lot to say about Yuma Catholic getting moved up to 5A despite having a 3A enrollment.

And it was a tough adjustment for the Shamrocks in the first half of the season, but they won 6 in a row to end the regular season, upset Millennium in the first round, and took Marana to the wire on the road.

Offensively, the Shamrocks return a good amount of production. '27 WR Brody Amon had a great junior season, catching 38 passes for 912 yards and 12 TDs.

'27 WR Wesley Porter caught 45 passes for 766 yards and 5 TDs.

However, both wideouts will have a new QB throwing to them. '27 QB Scout Reese will be taking over for Nash Ott.

Reese completed 50% of his passes for 355 yards, 4 TDs, and 4 INTs in 5 games as a backup last season.

Defensively, '27 LB Max Orozco leads all returners with 88 total tackles, 7 TFLs, and 3

PBUs last season.

'28 DB Ryot Blumley-Black and '28 LB/TE Cameron Thomas are among other key returners.

The toughest games for the Shamrocks will come against #11 Marana, #13 Cactus, Holtville (CA), Sunrise Mountain, Verrado, and Notre Dame Prep.

Sunrise Mountain

Rank: 17

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 35.1

Returning TDs %: 42.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 54.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 64

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 43.1

The Mustangs' 2020 5A state title seems like a distant memory given the program's struggles since that season. However, 2nd year head coach Santiago Maldonado has this team looking night and day better than when he first took over.

'27 WR Tanner Austin had a great junior year with 50 receptions for 809 yards and 11 TDs.

'27 QB Lucas Marks will also take over the reigns at QB. The 6'5" gunslinger completed 46.2% of his passes for 437 yards, 5 TDs and 5 INTs in 7 games as a backup last season and has had a great spring and summer, catching the eyes of multiple D-I college coaches.

'28 WR Ryder Hellbusch has had a good offseason and should see an increased workload in his junior season.

Defensively, '28 LB Preston Carney is coming off of a great sophomore season with 107 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 2 PBUs.

'27 LB Logan Graves also recorded 82 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 3 forced fumbles last season.

The toughest games for the Mustangs will come against #6 Canyon View, #7 Desert View, #9 ACP, #13 Cactus, and #16 Yuma Catholic.

Sunnyside

Rank: 18

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 99.3

Returning TDs %: 100

Returning Tackle Production %: 99.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 100

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 100

The Blue Devils return every single skill position starter on both sides of the ball... a sentence that I don't think I've ever uttered.

The amount of returning production Sunnyside has this season has to be some type of record. The most impactful returners include '27 LB/RB Chris Gallego, '27 LB/RB Aydan Tapia, '27 LB/QB Jesus Sierra, and '28 DB/WR Ismael Martinez.

Their schedule does not come without challenges though, as they'll face rival #7 Desert View, 4A #1 Mica Mountain, #12 Campo Verde, and Vista Grande. I'm expecting a surprise 7-8 win season for the Blue Devils in what is a do or die year with so many Class of 2027 players.

McClintock

Rank: 19

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 67.8

Returning TDs %: 66.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 75.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 84.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 53.3

3-star '27 ATH Aidan Whitaker makes up a good chunk of the Chargers returning production despite sitting the first 5 games last season after transferring in from Saguaro.

Whitaker completed 67.5% of his passes for 874 yards, 10 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing 24 times for 191 yards and 3 TDs while filling in at QB with starter Kaiden Akaika Agbunag sidelined with a knee injury.

Now, Agbunag has moved out of state along with '28 Hayden Bajet and '29 ATH Tanoah Kauhi.

'29 QB Seaton Lobato is ready to take over as signal caller to allow Whitaker to go back to WR and DB.

'27 ATH Jesus Otero is also coming off a solid year with 31 receptions for 302 yards and 5 TDs while rushing 20 times for 98 yards and 1 TD.

Defensively, '27 DL Quincy Greene returns after leading the team with 47 tackles and 4 TFLs in 9 games last season.

'28 LB/TE Ryan Lee recorded 43 tackles and 3 TFLs in just 5 games last season.

'29 WR/DB Jackson Whitaker, the younger brother of Aidan, also recorded 25 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 interceptions, 5 PBUs, and 1 forced fumble.

The schedule for the Chargers is not a super daunting one. They'll open at Camelback and then will also face #3 Horizon, #15 Sunnyslope, 6A Westwood, Dobson, and 4A #13 Marcos De Niza.

Verrado

Rank: 20

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 6-5, lost in first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 24

Returning TDs %: 30.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 35.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 21.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 18.3

The Vipers have graduated big senior classes in consecutive years, but they always find a way to be in the mix.

'27 WRs Carter Bliss and Eli Mock are their most impactful returners on offense after combining for 95 receptions for 1,203 yards and 18 TDs in their junior seasons.

'27 OL Cyrus Padilla has also picked up a pair of D-I offers from San Diego and Drake this offseason.

On defense, '27 DT Halston Harper leads all returners with 58 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks as a junior.

Verrado's schedule is pretty brutal. They open on Friday night at #3 Horizon before visiting #16 Yuma Catholic 3 weeks later and then facing #1 Desert Edge, #5 Millennium, and #6 Canyon View in region play. Anything more than the 6 wins they had last season is going to be a tall task.

Notre Dame Prep

Rank: 21

Ceiling: 4-6

Floor: 1-9

‘25 record: 6-6, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 55.9

Returning TDs %: 36.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 42.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 31.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 54.7

The last couple of seasons have not been the Notre Dame Prep football standard we've been used to. And unfortunately, with 3-star Wisconsin OLB commit Nate Jones and 3-star Cal LB commit Gunnar Perry both transferring out, that will just make getting back on track more difficult.

Offensively, they'll lean heavily on '27 RB/SS Decker Haskins-Smith, who rushed 166 times for 1,177 yards and 8 TDs as a junior. Smith picked up a D-I offer from San Diego this offseason.

'27 WR Jace Wright totaled 49 receptions for 508 yards and 4 TDs. Round out the returning offense is '27 QB Luke Jacobs, who completed 50.6% of his passes for 1,012 yards, 7 TDs, and 4 INTs.

Smith is also one of their best players on defense, recording 72 tackles, 5 TFLs, 10 PBUs, and 2 fumble recoveries.

'27 DB/WR Matthew Higby led the team with 6 interceptions and 5 PBUs last season while '27 DB Mason Pavone recorded 3 interceptions, led the team with 12 PBUs, and totaled 70 tackles.

The Saints might have the most brutal 5A schedule I have seen in my 6 season of covering AZHSFB. They'll face #1 Desert Edge, #2 Desert Mountain, #3 Horizon, #8 Cactus Shadows, #9 ACP, #10 Chaparral, #12 Campo Verde, #15 Sunnyslope, and #16 Yuma Catholic.

You read that right, 9 of my preseason top 16. With that strength of schedule, do not be surprised if they got into the playoffs with a 2-8 or 3-7 record. I think 4 wins comfortably gets them in.

Maricopa

Rank: 22

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 6-5, lost first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 34

Returning TDs %: 31.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 28.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 24.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 38.1

The Rams return a decent amount of production on both sides of the ball. '27 DB/WR Fabian Marrufo is probably the most productive of their returning talent, recording 6 interceptions, 4 PBUs, and 33 tackles while catching 18 passes for 283 yards and 5 TDs as a junior.

The Rams will be getting some serious mileage traveled this season. Their toughest games will come against #7 Desert View, #14 Mountain Pointe, #18 Sunnyside, Casa Grande, and Mountain View Marana. I expect 5-7 wins out of Maricopa this season.

Buena

Rank: 23

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-4, lost in first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 8.6

Returning TDs %: 0

Returning Tackle Production %: 38.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 24.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 41.8

Buena's 2026 class of seniors was truly a special group. Over the final 3 seasons of their careers, the Colts won 23 games and got their first playoff win in decades during their junior seasons.

With that, pretty all of their production will need to be replaced on offense and quite a bit will need to be replaced on defense.

'27 QB/ATH Colton Garrett will be moving back from WR/DB to QB this season after being Kaleb Layton's third leading target and recording 40 tackles and 2 INTs on defense last season.

On defense, the Colts have significantly more returners, but still not a ton. Morningside (NAIA) LB commit Jax Kraus, the younger brother of 2025 BJ Media LB of the Year Cooper Kraus, had a great junior season with 112 tackles, 14 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 PBUs.

'27 DB Tariq Howard is also coming off a great year with 3 INTs, 11 PBUs, and 44 total tackles.

'27 LB/RB James Lesueur is the only other returning starter after recording 89 tackles, 4 TFLs, 5 PBUs, and 2 forced fumbles last season.

The toughest games on Buena's schedule will be against 6A Highland, #4 ALA Gilbert North, #11 Marana, Vista Grande, and Casa Grande.

Dobson

Rank: 24

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 66.8

Returning TDs %: 73.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 64.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 100

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 55.6

Bobby Newcombe is a program builder. He built Casteel from the ground up and now he's trying to build Dobson up to a competitive program after several seasons of struggles.

This Mustang team has a chance to make a huge splash with a good group of '27s and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

'27 RB/LB Micah Newcombe had a very impressive junior year, rushing 193 times for 1,260 yards and 20 TDs (1 rec) while recording 56 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 PBU.

'27 OLB/TE Kaimir Tyler has looked impressive this offseason as well after recording 53 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 4 PBUs while catching 23 passes for 265 yards and 2 TDs.

There is a lot of winnable games for Dobson on their schedule, but that also means they will need to win a lot of games to get into the playoffs. Their toughest games will come against #4 ALA Gilbert North, #15 Sunnyslope, and #19 McClintock.

In the Hunt

Vista Grande

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 3-7, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 96.3

Returning TDs %: 95.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 80.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 88.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 79.3

Mountain View Marana

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Round of 16

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 43.1

Returning TDs %: 34.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 16.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 19.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 13.6

Casa Grande

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 48.9

Returning TDs %: 48.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 53.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 31.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 66

Camelback

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 5-5, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 21.9

Returning TDs %: 13.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 32.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 20.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 41.1