This weekend’s football games will mark the unofficial halfway point of the 2010 season.

As of Monday (Sept. 27), the leaders in power points were Chandler Hamilton (Class 5A Division I), Scottsdale Chaparral (5A-II), Tucson Canyon del Oro (4A-I), Glendale Cactus (4A-II), Tucson Empire (3A), Phoenix Northwest Christian (2A) and Heber Mogollon (1A).

Will these same teams hoist trophies in December?

The chances are good for the 5A leaders. The 4As appear to be more wide-open. If the playoffs started now, defending champ Lakeside Blue Ridge would be the ninth seed in 3A, believe it or not. That is sure to change.

In 2A, Northwest Christian and running back Casey Jahn appear to be a solid choice, although keep an eye on Yuma Catholic (currently No. 4) and St. Johns (No. 12). There is little suspense in 1A, with Mogollon and defending champ Joseph City ruling the roost at nos. 1 and 3, with a good St. David team in between.

As far as individuals are concerned, I obviously have not seen every top athlete, but here are a few players who have caught my attention:

It starts with a pair of Scottsdale-area players, Davontae Neal of Chaparral and D.J. Foster of Saguaro, both juniors.

Neal, a defensive back and receiver, might be the fastest player in the state. That speed might make him a better cornerback at the next level.

Foster, a running back and defensive back, is both strong and fast and is a sure tackler. He was all over the field against Glendale Cactus last week. Saguaro coach John Sanders calls him the best in the school’s history, and that covers a lot of territory.

Chandler’s Brett Hundley, who has committed to UCLA, is the top quarterback. We will see how good he really is when the Wolves take on rival Hamilton on Friday night (Oct. 1).

We all know about Ka’Deem Carey of Tucson Canyon del Oro, a future Arizona Wildcat. He is the top running back, although he has been slowed by injuries. He would be my No. 1, with Foster No. 1A. Carey will attempt to shake the rust off this week when the defending Class 4A Division I state champs face Foster and Saguaro.

Another back on the front burner is Cedric Simmons of Gilbert Perry. Chaparral, which has the fastest (and best) defense at any level, is sure to give him all he can handle on Friday when the two 5-0 teams meet.

To list every good player at every position would take us far in to cyberspace, but suffice it to say that the first half has been a success, with more of the same in store as teams enter the stretch run. It will be exciting to watch.

Stay healthy, everyone, and good luck !!