The last two unbeaten teams in 5A-I meet Friday night, but  Hamilton's trek to Tucson to face Salpointe figures to end in a joy ride for the two-time defending 5A-I state champs.

Hamilton (7-0)  falling in this one could only happen with a huge letdown by the Huskies following their 38-20 pasting of Chandler last week. The Huskies are more talented than any team in 5A-I this season. That's clear at this point. They smashed Salpointe, 45-2, last year.

Salpointe (5-0) hasn't lost yet, but hasn't made it out of Tucson to play any foe of note. None of the best three teams in Tucson, which reside in 4A-I (Canyon del Oro, Sabino and Cienega) are on the Lancers schedule. The best team faced by Salpointe to date is Ironwood Ridge, which the Lancers slipped past, 24-21, two weeks ago.

Williams Field (5-0) vs. Notre Dame (5-0) at Scottsdale Community College

Last year's meeting: Williams Field 32, Notre Dame 30 -- This figures to be as close a game as last year between two of four teams in 4A-II who are unbeaten (Liberty and Washington are the others). Notre Dame features a balanced offense led by running back Korey Jones and quarterback Jordan Gehrke. The defensive edge appears to be with Williams Field, which has given up just 21 points -- all to good opponents the last two weeks. Defense and the running game define Williams Field. The Black Hawks have a stable of backs led by Alex Howard and Kenny Mitchell.

Mesquite (5-1) at Mountain View (3-2)

Last year's meeting: Mountain View 28, Mesquite 0 -- These teams enter the contest 2-0 in the 5A Central and tied for first. Mountain View has rebounded from an 0-2 start with three straight wins and has played good defense pretty much all season. Mesquite needs a big game from running back Anthony Lopez to end Mountain View's winning streak. Mesquite has won back-to-back games since losing to Chaparral.

Highland (2-3) at. Basha (4-1)

Last year's meeting: Basha 37, Highland 22 -- This is badly needed rebound game for Basha's psyche and an important game for Highland to keep itself in the running for a playoff berth. Turnovers plagued both teams last week in losses to Cibola (Basha) and Mesquite (Highland).

Marcos de Niza (6-0) at Perry (5-1)

Last year's meeting: Marcos de Niza 42, Perry 0 -- This is a second consecutive scary assignment for Perry. The Pumas were carved up by Chaparral last week and Marcos is seemingly on the heels of Chaparral and Centennial in the race to see who is the best in 5A-II. Marcos running back Anthony Shivers leads the Padres ground game and quarterback Tommy Thornton has been effective in guiding the passing game. Perry will have its hands full defending both.

 

Apache Junction (4-2) at Cactus Shadows (4-1)

Last year's meeting: Cactus Shadows 35, Apache Junction 28 -- Apache Junction is tough to figure out. After blowing out 4A-II title contender Mingus on Sept. 24, the Prospectors fell to 4A-II Greenway last week. The obstacle AJ couldn't overcome against Greenway was five turnovers -- all fumbles. Cactus Shadows has beten Greenway and 4A-I contender Cienega. But the Falcons have a head-scratching loss to Paradise Valley, a game where three turnovers didn't help.  AJ will have to be at the top of its game to win the Desert Sky Region opener for both schools.  Cactus Shadows loves to throw with Bryce Kinsler (1,400 yards, 14 touchdowns) throwing often to wide out John Leonard. Leonard is averaging 160 yards and 11 catches per game.

 

Queen Creek (4-1) at McClintock (2-3)

Last year's meeting: Queen Creek 27, McClintock 20 -- Queen Creek's record is impressive considering who it has played - CDO, Cactus and a better-than-anticipated Higley. The Bulldogs are launching their region slate as is McClintock. Queen Creek needs to stay focused in this one after an exhausting overtime win over Cactus. Three of Queen Creek's final four games are against region foes Saguaro, Cactus Shadows and Apache Junction. McClintock is on the outside lookling in in the 4A-I playoff race and is going to have to beat at least two of  four region opponents to have a shot of qualifying.

Coolidge (5-1) at Empire (6-0)

Last year's meeting: Empire 57, Coolidge 13 -- How much improved is Coolidge from last year? The Bears will find out facing one of three unbeatens left in 3A. Empire has three of its toughest games left the final four weeks, including this game. Coolidge and Empire slipped past Safford, a common region opponent.  Coolidge was pummeled by Florence early in the season and Empire is likely the second best team the Bears have faced other than Florence. The only game Coolidge running back Seth Ellis has been stymied in was against Florence. Empire must do the same to prevail in this one. Ellis has 958 yards rushing for the year. Empire quarterback Mito Mendivil has been tough to stop, Mendivil hs thrown for 1,220 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's thrown only two interceptions.