David Ricuito
ASU Student Journalist

Mountain Ridge ready for its 6A Desert Valley region rival Boulder Creek

October 12, 2022 by David Ricuito, Arizona State University


Mountain Ridge takes the field. (David Ricuito photo/AZPreps365)

David Ricuito is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover the Mountain Ridge Mountain Lions for AZPreps365.com

Coming off of two consecutive wins, the Mountain Ridge Mountain Lions (3-2) look to continue their winning streak at Boulder Creek (4-1) on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Mountain Ridge athletic director Tony Miller listed Boulder Creek as one of its biggest rivals, and mentioned how games between the two are "very intense."

In their matchup last year, Boulder Creek came out on top, winning the game 34-20.

"We know next week is a big week," Mountain Lions quarterback Brendan Anderson said. "We just have to stay focused, we got Boulder Creek they beat us last year and we want to come back and get them this time." 

Anderson has been one of the most effective quarterbacks in the 6A division this year. He ranks first in passing yards with 1,331. Anderson also has the division lead in touchdowns with 18.

The success in the passing game is also due to the receivers. The Mountain Lions have three receivers ranked in the top five receiving yards in the division: Terrance Hall with 417, Ryland Sands with 408, and Parker Halpine with 333. 

Boulder Creek has also had success in that same regard. Their quarterback, Rowan Mckenzie, is ranked third in the division, and they have three receivers ranked in the top 10 in yards in the division. They also have Sinjin Schmitt, who is ranked second in the division in rushing yards per game.

Before their bye week, the Jaguars beat Sunrise Mountain, 38-21, and have outscored their opponents by a total 123-55 in the last three consecutive wins before the bye.

Mountain Ridge is coming off of two big wins in their last two games before beating North by a score of 45-6 and Apollo by a score of 56-20.

Anderson led the Mountain Lions to a win last week, throwing for almost 300 yards and four touchdowns.

Momentum is riding high for both of these teams heading into the game.

Head coach Doug Madoski does not seem too worried about the past against Boulder Creek. He wants his players' focus to always be on the next game, no matter the result of the previous game.

"For us, it really is about taking it one game at a time," Madoski said. "We need to do a better job preparing and getting ready for the next one."

"One week has nothing to do with the next, we have to stay focused and understand the task at hand, that’s really all it is about for us."

It will certainly be an entertaining game with two of the highest-scoring teams in the 6A Desert Valley region facing off as they look to add to their impressive seasons and continue their winning streaks.