Wednesday, November 10, 2010

5A-I 1st round predictions

1 11-0 Hamilton 41
16 5-6 Westwood 9

Hamilton is a lock this week, even with offensive lineman Christian Westerman out for the season. The Huskies are looking for their third straight state championship.

8 8-2 Mesquite 27
9 7-3 North Canyon 19

North Canyon is limping into the playoffs literally and figuratively. After starting 6-1, the Rattlers have lost 2 of 3 games and their starting quaterback Dominic Portocarrero is out for the season. Mesquite's only two losses on the season were to Chapparal (No. 1 in 5A-II) and at Basha by a point.

5 8-2 Mountain Pointe 20
12 6-4 Red Mountain 16

I've been debating in my head for awhile regarding if I think Red Mountain is for real. They have a nice win over No. 3 Centennial (5A-II), but have lost 4 of their last 6 games entering postseason play. Mountain Pointe has an impressive win over No. 3 Desert Vista and Marcos De Niza, who went to the finals in 5A-II last season.


4 8-2 Mountain Ridge 21
13 5-5 Brophy 19


This game is a real tossup, Brophy has been struggling on offense the majority of the season, especially since quaterback Tyler Bruggman got injured. Mountain Ridge has benefited from playing a light schedule and is led by senior running back P.J Sparks.

6 9-1 Salpointe Cathlolic 16
11 4-7 Saint Mary's 17

There's been a lot of criticism on St. Mary's making the playoffs; they have won 4 games and lost 7, but played the toughest schedule of anyone in the state. The Knights got a much needed win over No. 8 North Canyon to conclude the regular season and defeated arch-rival Brophy earlier this year. Salpointe only has 1 loss, but has played a soft schedule filled with Tuscon cupcakes.

3 8-2 Desert Vista 35
14 5-5 Mesa Mountain View 17

Desert Vista is peaking at just the right time having defeated Fiesta-region foes Brophy and Red Mountain. Mesa Mountain View is dissapointing and is in a downward spiral ever since their dominance in the state ended in the early 2000's.

7 7-3 Chandler 38
10 7-3 Desert Ridge 20

In the offseason it was proclaimed that this would be the season the Chandler Wolves knocked off Hamilton. It didn't happen; Chandler relies on quarterback Brett Hundley a lot, their defense is poor and their runningbacks have been injured. Desert Ridge has flown under the radar this year with a balanced offense.

2 9-1 Basha 31
15 5-6 Gilbert 13

Basha's only loss was to Yuma Cibola which was surprising; they have a couple very close games this season. Gilbert made the playoffs despite losing more games than won. Gilbert lost to the Bears earlier in the season by four scores.

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