Let’s look at the two 6A football semi-finals at Arizona High School on Friday night and we’re waiting for the results:
No. Gilbert Highland (6-3) at No. 1 Anthem Boulder Creek (8-1), 7 p. m.
Highland will find that he is much larger than one of the top four seeded and that he probably deserves to have been in the Open Division playoffs. It’s a team led by offensive side Max Davis and protection Ammon Allen with an incredible cast that includes Quarterback Moxie Dayley, who pitched for 245 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s 30-20 win over Casteel. Highland defensive will be challenged, check that Mr. Touchdown, Jacob Cisneros, who discovered the finish zone 31 times. he is able to make a great game with his arms and legs for the Jaguars, who are in the semi-finals for the first time. Allen just won one of his most productive defense games with 10 tackles and an interception. The winner qualifies for the first time, time for the state championship game.
Prediction: Highland 31, Boulder Creek 27
MORE BREAKDOWN: Conference 5A Conference 4A Conference 3A Conference 2A
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No. 7 Scottsdale Chaparral (4-2) at No. Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor (6-), 7 p. m.
Two wonderful stories. O’Connor was 3-7 last year and had his first winning season since coach Steve Casey took over five years ago. Chaparral’s Week 8 win over Pinnacle not only gave him the five games needed to qualify, but also allowed him to enter the 6A quarterfinals. With RB Jared Williams back, the Firebirds are multi-dimensional on offense with QB Brayten Silbor and WR Max Minor one of the most dynamic passing duos in the state. But it’s the recent revival of defense that has propelled the Firebirds, who are seeking their first final appearance in the state since 2013, when they lost to Salpointe. Coach Brent Barnes has done a wonderful job keeping this team in combination after having to cancel his first 3 games due to COVID issues. O’Connor is not flashy. But he knows how to be with each other. RB Donavin Fontaine, who did not make it to August last year with a season-ending injury, was the key to the offense with 965 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Linebacker Brandon Craddock anchors a forged defense with 123 tackles, 19 for losses.
Prediction: Chaparral 33, O’Connor 28
For concepts of articles of human interest and other news, contact Obert at richard. obert@arizonarepublic. com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.