Screen Pass -- top games for Nov. 5 in EV, southern Arizona

November 3, 2010 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


It has arrived. The final weekend of regular-season action in 5A and 4A football with some region titles and many playoffs spots yet to be determined.

Here are some games in the East Valley and southern Arizona that will solve some of the unanswered questions:

Mountain View (5-4, 4-1) at Basha (8-1, 5-0):  With its 21-20 victory over Mesquite last week, Basha can win the 5A Central title outright and hold on to its No. 2 standing in the 5A-I power rankings. Mountain View is still scuffling for playoff positioning, but could nab a three-way share of the region title with Basha and Mesquite with a victory. The game will also be the first for Basha coach Bernie Busken against his former school, Mountain View, which he coached to three state titles between 1995-2001.

Perry (7-2, 4-1) at Desert Ridge (6-3, 4-1): Despite a four-way tie for first in the 5A East Valley Region for first place, there will be a definitive region champ by around 10 on Friday night. Perry is jockeying for position in the 5A-II rankings and likewise Desert Ridge in 5A-II. The winner has a shot at the region title. A Perry win and a Marcos de Niza win over Mountain Pointe give the top spot to Perry. A  Desert Ridge victory and a Mountain Pointe win over Marcos de Niza sways the region top-spot Desert Ridge's direction.

Marcos de Niza (8-1, 4-1) at Mountain Pointe (7-2, 4-1): As mentioned just above, there is a 4-way battle for first in the 5A East Valley. It goes Marcos de Niza's way with a Padres' win and a Perry loss to Desert Ridge. Mountain Pointe is king of the hill with a win and a Desert Ridge loss to Perry.

Gilbert (4-6) at Westwood (5-5): Gilbert has small glimmer of hope that rests only in a victory over the Warriors in this one. Gilbert is 19th in the power rankings heading into this game. A couple teams ahead of Gilbert -- Buena (17th) and Maryvale (15th) have no games left and will improve only slightly being idle. The Tigers also need Centennial to beat Cesar Chavez. Westwood is hanging on to a spot at No. 14. A win assures them a spot. A loss and things could be dicey for a Westwood qualifying for a second straight year.

Cibola (8-1, 3-1) at Gila Ridge (7-2, 2-2): Both schools lost a big to be 5A Gila Valley champs with losses the last two weeks to Lake Havasu. Cibola should still qualify for the 5A-II playoffs, even with a loss. Gila Ridge at 19 is on the outside looking in right now at  19. A win may not be enough. The winner grabs the consolation of being Yuma city champ.

Salpointe (8-1, 5-0) at Sunnyside (6-3, 5-0): A share of the 5A Southern Region title can be had by with a Sunnyside win and  an expected Ironwood Ridge win over Marana Mountain View. A Salpointe victory earns the Lancers the region title outright. Salpointe is also trying to stay in the top eight in the 5A-I power rankings, which would get it a first-round home game. Sunnyside needs to be wary of how Deer Valley fares in its final game. A Sunnyside loss combined with a Deer Valley win might be a post-Halloween scare for the Blue Devils.

Saguaro (7-2, 3-0) at Queen Creek (8-1, 3-0): This one is clear cut: the winner is the 4A Desert Sky champ. Queen Creek is No. 2 in the current 4A-I power rankings and Saguaro is No. 3. Both are playing well with six-game and four-game winning streaks, respectively, in tow.

Canyon del Oro (9-0) at Sabino (8-1): Canyon del Oro is the lone 4A-I unbeaten and can win the 4A Kino crown outright with a win. The title could be divided three ways if Sabino prevails (the third team with a share would be Catalina Foothills, which upset Sabino a couple weeks ago. CDO is currently No. 1 in 4A-I power rankings; Sabino is No. 5.

Higley (4-5) at Seton Catholic (5-5): Higley was not able to win one of two key games the last two weeks with Williams Field and Notre Dame. That's pushed the Knights back down to 14 in the 4A-II power rankings. A win cements a playoff berth for Higley, a loss makes them a possible bubble team. Seton is solid with a No. 9 ranking and could move up to the top eight and a home playoff game with a win.