Kyle Connell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Millennium High School for AZPreps365.com

Canyon View will play at Millennium to compete for the top spot in their 5A confernce's Desert West region on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Millennium is in first place at 2-1, and Canyon View is second at 1-0 in regional play, but the Tigers and Jaguars are both 8-1 overall.

The Jaguars are dominant on an eight-game win streak, the most recent of which being a dominant 48-7 win over Mohave (5-3) on Monday. They've shutout six of their opponents and are averaging over 42 points scored in their victories. They’re currently ranked fourth in the 5A rankings.

The second-place Tigers entering their matchup with Canyon View behind 5A's undefeated No. 1 Eastmark (7-0). Millennium extended its win streak to eight after its 45-6 road win at Agua Fria on Tuesday.

Both teams suffered their sole loss in the first game of this inaugural flag football season, each only losing by one score.

Junior quarterback Breana Saunders leads the Tigers, boasting a near-perfect 142.1 QB Rating and three passing touchdowns in their most recent win over Desert Edge.

Saunders cited her experience and relationship with her teammates when asked about the key to their success.

“I played football growing up,” said Saunders. “Most of the girls on the team play sports together, so I think that really helps too.”

Due to this season being the first for girls flag football sanctioned by the AIA, Tigers head coach Jermaine Austin gave credit to the other sports at the school that helped create such an athletic team.

“Almost all these girls play different sports,” said Austin. “Seven to eight of them play basketball, and some of them are on the soccer team. They know each other. I’m just happy I was able to bring them all together.”

Senior running back and wide receiver Aaliya Oliver is Canyon View's top player, averaging 17.2 rushing yards per game and 51.8 receiving yards. Junior Maycie Bassett is defensive leader with a team-high 61 solo tackles. 

The rival schools are set for a high-talent, entertaining matchup that will heavily affect their alignment, rankings, and playoff seedings.