EDITOR'S NOTE: This article appeared in the 2024 Sollenberger's AZ Prep Football magazine. To view, click here.

3A CENTRAL

ALA-Ironwood Warriors

Head coach: Loren Dawson.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/6-4.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 5.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Sr. WR/DB Marques Dorsey 6-0, 170; Sr. RB/DB Ayden Williams 5-9, 185; Sr. QB/P Jett Brewster 5-9, 170; Sr. WR/DB Hudson Graves 5-11, 175; Sr. DE/TE Bentley Hatch 6-3, 205.

Team’s biggest question marks: Can the Warriors build on the progress made in 2023 along with a new offensive line.

Team expectations: Be our best.

Coolidge Bears

Head coach: Carlo Hernandez

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 2

Total number of starters returning on defense: 2

Key returning players: Sr. QB Joe Smith 6-2, 220; Sr. LB/RB Maurice Glass 5-9, 195.

Team’s biggest question marks: Lack of varsity experience, low commitment numbers.

Team expectations: Get to the playoffs.

Crismon Rattlers

Head coach: Derrick M. Sainz.

Years as school’s coach/record: 0/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 11.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 10.

Key returning players: Sr. LB Ryan Campbell 6-2, 225; Sr. WR Drew Campbell 6-2, 195; Sr. DE Brody Taylor 6-1, 205; Soph. FS Camron Pope 6-2, 185.

Team’s biggest question marks: The Rattlers went 0-10 in their first varsity season. Can Coach Sainz lead this group to their first victory in program history in 2024?

Team expectations: Expectations are high as the Rattlers aim to play more than 10 games this year, making it their first playoff appearance in school history.

Florence Gophers

Head coach: Jesse Hart.

Years as school’s coach/record: 2/16-6.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 9.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 5.

Key returning players: Sr. QB Logan Stenson 6-4, 185; Jr. LB Zayden Cundiff 6-0, 185; Sr. RB Malik Smith 6-1, 190; Sr. WR Darren Swain 5-8, 140; Sr. OL Chase Ballard 6-2, 250.

Team’s biggest question marks: Offensive and defensive line. New players need to step up, while becoming more balanced offensively. The Gophers will need to be more aggressive on defense with several new players starting.

Team expectations: Win the 3A Central region, make it to the state playoffs for the third straight year. Win a title.

San Tan Foothills Sabercats

Head coach: Mike Carlin.

Years as school’s coach/record: 3/11-19.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 7.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 5.

Key returning players: Sr. QB Dalton Norman 6-0, 160; Sr. OL/DL Taten Rivero 6-0, 210; Sr. OL/DL Josh Eracho 5-10, 200; Jr. OL/DL Michael Sciarra 6-3, 215; Jr. RB/LB Holden Mikeworth 5-8, 150.

Team’s biggest question marks: How will the offensive and defensive lines fair this season, while keeping an eye on underclassmen stepping up to replace defensive seniors who graduated.

Team expectations: Return to the state playoffs.

3A EAST

Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets

Head coach: Eric Hjalmarson.

Years as school’s coach/record: 0/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 6.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Sr. LB Noah Chee 6-0, 180; Sr. LB Hunter Krause 5-8, 185; Jr. QB Luke Berlin 6-3, 185; Jr. LB Karlo Harris 5-8, 170.

Team’s biggest question marks: Under new leadership, what will the Yellow Jackets look like on the field in 2024.

Team expectations: To make state, compete for a 3A East title and state championship.

Payson Longhorns

Head coach: Bryan Burke.

Years as school’s coach/record: 6/32-27.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 5.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 3.

Key returning players: Jr. QB Nolan Keeney 6-3, 185; Jr. WR/DB Bert Scheer 5-6, 155; Sr. WR Keaton Potter 5-11, 170; Jr. DE Ethan Gurtner 6-0, 185; Sr. WR/DB Mason Hererra 5-10, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Replacing 12 seniors from a season ago. Young offensive line.

Team expectations: Win the 3A East region and make a deep run in the state playoffs.

Round Valley Elks

Head coach: Brad Baca.

Years as school’s coach/record: 3/25-11.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 3.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 4.

Key returning players: Jr. T/DE Cody Finch; Jr. LB Lane Hill; Sr. LB/RB Kyle Clark; Sr. CB/WR Jonathan Madrid; Jr. WR/FS Jeffery Cochran.

Team’s biggest question marks: Experience, replacing leadership and the quarterback position.

Team expectations: To get better every day and play with a great attitude and effort. We want to always compete and play for each other.

Show Low Cougars

Head coach: Michael Boyce.

Years as school’s coach/record: 0/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 5.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 5.

Key returning players: Jr. RB/DB Jett Walker 5-10, 160; Jr. TE/DE Chris Yorksmith 6-2, 185; Jr. QB/DB Kash Perkins 5-11, 160; Sr. OL/DL Jacob England 6-3, 220; Jr. WR/DB Dane Roosma 5-11, 155.

Team’s biggest question marks: Can the Cougars build the program back up to have the number of kids coming out and being competitive for a state title. What will the team look like under a new head coach. With mostly a young team of juniors who played as sophomores due to starter injuries, how will the Cougars develop.

Team expectations: Looking for 70 players total in program, make playoff push.

Region notes: Fountain Hills coach Peter Schermerhorn’s group finished just 2-8 in 2023, and have been .500 only one season since 2018 when they last made the playoffs, losing to Snowflake 32-0.

3A METRO EAST

Benjamin Franklin Chargers

Head coach: Danny Norris.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/7-4.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 9.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 10.

Key returning players: Sr. RB/LB Ridge Allen 5-9, 180; Sr. ATH/LB Ashton Grant 6-1, 170; Sr. OL/DL Owen Oberly 5-8, 175; Sr. WR/DB Preston Kleinman 5-8, 150; Jr. OL/DL Ammon Alexander 6-5, 300.

Team’s biggest question marks: After a year in our new offense, can Benjamin Franklin take the next step and be more explosive? And, will the class of 2025 lead the Chargers to the top of 3A?

Team expectations: Compete to be one of the top 3A programs.

Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles

Head coach: Chris Crockett.

Years as school’s coach/record: 0/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 9

Total number of starters returning on defense: 9

Key returning players: Sr. TE/LB Jalen Medina 6-0, 200; Sr. WR/LB Gio Aston 5-9, 170; Soph. RB/DB CJ Henry 5-7, 150; Soph. QB Eli Salas 5-7, 140; Jr. LT/DT Orlando Ruelas 5-10, 275.

Team’s biggest question marks: A new coach, along with a new offensive and defensive coordinator will look to bring the team back to respectability after an 0-10 season in 2023.

Team expectations: Winning a game and building from there.

Tempe Buffaloes

Head coach: Sean Freeman.

Years as school’s coach/record: 2/6-14.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 11.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 8.

Key returning players: QB Saul Mendez 5-10, 170; TE Arthur Murphy 6-0, 200; OL Carlos Hernandez 5-10, 240; DB Zihyon Walters 6-4, 170; ILB Adrian Hackett 5-10, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Can the Buffaloes make the playoffs? Can they avenge the San Tan Foothills loss? And will this be the season Tempe finally makes a serious run?

Team expectations: Win the 3A Metro East region and make the playoffs.

Valley Christian Trojans

Head coach: Jake Petersen.

Years as school’s coach/record: 4/36-9.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 6.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Jr. WR Asher Hanzal 6-1, 175; Jr. DL Hudson Pickett 6-0, 220; Sr. OL/DL Addison Morgan 6-2, 265; Sr. DB Ethan Gomez 5-9, 150; Jr. OL/DL Alex Hons.

Team’s biggest question marks: A new starting quarterback.

Team expectations: The Trojans have more returners this season than last year after finishing in the semifinals, so the program aims to compete for a championship this season.

Region notes: Gilbert Christian quarterback Tyler Burr threw for 1,997 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior in 2023.

3A METRO WEST

ALA-West Foothills Guardians

Head coach: Chad Mitton.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/8-2.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 6.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Sr. RB/LB JJ Brutas 6-1, 220; QB Hudson Mitton 5-9, 160; Jr. WR/DB Carson Callister 5-10 180; Jr. CB Isaiah Morales 5-10, 170; Jr. LB/RB Hunter Cotton 6-0, 220.

Team’s biggest question marks: Offensive line, receivers.

Team expectations: Win region, state championship.

Dysart Demons

Head coach: John Ganados.

Years as school’s coach/record: 6/27-39.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 6.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 4.

Key returning players: Jr. WR Donovan Hinchey 6-1, 190; Jr. RB Jevon Christmas 5-10, 180; Sr. LB Noah Ramirez 5-9, 165; Sr. ATH Avion Bailey 5-8, 165;

Team’s biggest question marks: Quarterback position, lineman.

Team expectations: Win the 3A Metro West region.

Odyssey Institute Minotaurs

Head coach: Kenneth Olson.
Years as school’s coach/record: 1/5-5.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 3.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 3.

Key returning players: Sr. OT/DT Quinton Roberts 6-4, 275; Sr. WR/DB Tyler Marion 5-9, 170; Sr. RB/SS Jameer Turner 5-8, 205; Jr. TE/DE Dekster Olson 6-4, 220.

Team’s biggest question marks: How will the Minotaurs respond to losing 13 seniors, including a three-year starter at quarterback.

Team expectations: Odyssey Institute aims to improve on their record of 5-5 from a season ago and continue to increase strength and speed as a team.

Paradise Honors Panthers

Head coach: Josh Goodloe.

Years as school’s coach/record: 4/26-14.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 1.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 5.

Key returning players: Sr. WR Cougar Holt 6-0, 175; Sr. DE Caden Wasden 6-3, 215; Sr. DL Sirron Cook 5-10, 220; LB Darrian Zeeb 5-10, 170; DB Ayden Power 6-1, 180.

Team’s biggest question marks: What will the Panthers look like after having to replace nearly their entire starting lineup offensively from a season ago while replacing that production lost via the quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line.

Team expectations: To be the best version of Paradise Honors football we can and to keep progressing as a program.

Region notes: Kofa quarterback Jose Galaviz threw just one touchdown in 2023 as the Kings went 0-10. … Yuma lost quarterback standout Reginold Antone to graduation after he threw for more than 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns a season ago.

3A NORTH

Monument Valley Mustangs

Head coach: Bryan Begay.

Years as school’s coach/record: 21/98-74.

Potential upcoming milestones: Coach Begay is 2 wins shy of 100 for his career.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 5.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 4.

Key returning players: Sr. RB Trent Tall 6-1, 165; Sr. OL/DL Isaiah Kescoli 6-3, 225; Sr. OL/DL Brody Smith 5-10, 235; Sr. OL/LB Demarco Miles 5-10, 210; Jr. OL/DL Chad Young 6-2, 275.

Team’s biggest question marks: With the loss of 24 seniors, how will young players develop the season, especially at quarterback and wide receiver positions. Monument Valley chose to stay closer to home this summer, will that effect their overall development as a team?

Team expectations: Win as many games as possible, challenge for 3A North region title. And finally, get that monkey off their back by winning a playoff game.

Page Sand Devils

Head coach: Ty Bennett.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/0-0.

Total number of starters returning on offense: Unknown.

Total number of starters returning on defense: Unknown.

Key returning players: Unknown.

Team’s biggest question marks: Unknown.

Team expectations: Win the 3A North region, make a playoff run.

Region notes: After winning just five games between the 2019 and 2022 seasons, Chinle went 4-5 in 2023. … Ganado lost six straight before its 32-0 win over Window Rock in the season finale last season. … Window Rock took a step back in 2023 with a 2-8 record after finishing 5-5 in 2022. … Winslow missed out on the 3A playoffs after going 7-3 in 2023; will young quarterback Gino Quinones return to lead the Bulldogs to the playoffs?

3A SOUTH

Morenci Wildcats

Head coach: Frankie Gonzalez.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/0-0

Total number of starters returning on offense: 4.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 4.

Key returning players: Jr. QB/LB Derick Lytle 5-8, 170; Sr. WR/DB Chris Lopez 6-2, 165; Sr. DB Xavier Fernandez 6-0, 160; Jr. OL/DL Isiah Cook 6-1, 265; Sr. RB/LB Marcus Lucero 5-10, 190.

Team’s biggest question marks: How will the Wildcats recover after losing a really good senior class?

Team expectations: To compete every single day, and make sure things are done the right way.

Pusch Ridge Lions

Head coach: Kent Middleton.

Years as the school's coach/record: 4/34-11.

Number of starters returning on offense: 6

Number of starters returning on defense: 5

Key returning players: QB Jacob Newborn 5-11, 185; C Patrick Coyle 6-0, 225; DE Charles Palmer 6-1, 180; LB Tyler Shoaff 6-1, 200; WR Dominic Painter 5-10, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Size and depth for the Lions.

Team expectations: Make the playoffs.

Sabino Sabercats

Head coach: Ryan McBrayer.

Years as the school's coach/record: 8/57-19.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 4.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 4.

Key returning players: Sr. WR/DB Brit Roberson 5-11, 175; Soph. OL/DL Victor Alcantar 5-10, 265; Sr. LB/DE Tristan Jessup 6-1, 185; Jr. LB/RB Zachari Haley 6-1, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Who will step into leadership roles for the Sabercats in 2024? And is the youth movement at Sabino ready for the big stage?

Team expectations: The defending 3A state champs aim to get better each week, compete for a 3A South region title and perhaps, make their mark once again in the playoffs.

Thatcher Eagles

Head coach: Daniel Jones.

Years as school’s coach/record: 4/33-14.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 7.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 8.

Key returning players: Sr. MLB/TE Brett Jones 6-2, 225; Sr. OL/DL Brigham Rasmussen 6-5, 285; Sr. WR/DB Wyatt Nickolas 6-1, 170; Sr. RB/DB Kody Bingham 5-8, 155; Sr. DE/TE Patrick Nickolas 6-0, 195.

Team’s biggest question marks: A few underclassman lineman need to grow into their roles at Thatcher, while a couple of talented players fight for the top quarterback spot will be a highlight a camp this summer. Like any small school, stay healthy.

Team expectations: Go undefeated with a 3A South region title, state title.

Region notes: Morenci has questions at quarterback with Joey Seballos graduating. Junior Derick Lytle throwing only one pass in 2023 when the Wildcats went 8-4 and won a 3A playoff game against Benjamin Franklin 35-7. … Safford wideout Cole Goodman one of the few returners offensively. He caught 31 passes for 586 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

3A WEST

Mohave Thunderbirds

Head coach: Rudy Olvera.

Years as school’s coach/record: 8/31-49.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 9.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 9.

Key returning players: Sr. LT Ben Pollock 6-5, 285; Sr. RT Paul Rivera 6-4, 300; Sr. ATH Isac Urias 5-8, 180; Jr. QB Joe Yoney 6-1, 185; Jr. ATH Nathaniel Villarreal 5-9, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Replacing All-Arizona linebacker and Army commit Jon Williams is top priority for the Thunderbirds this season, while watching to see how the young core will continue to grow and continue the success of last season.

Team expectations: Win a state championship.

River Valley Dust Devils

Head coach: Adam King.

Years as school’s coach/record: 1/7-4.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 9.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Sr. RB Jayden Plotkin 5-7, 185; Sr. G Craig Bryan 5-11, 275; Sr. TE/N Gavin Rodriguez 6-3, 210; Sr. DT Jaycen Larance 6-3, 210; Jr. QB Mickey Smith 5-11, 175.

Team’s biggest question marks: Can the Dust Devils build off a successful season while maximizing their competition level and handling adversity when it comes?

Team expectations: To be accountable to each other and do their job at the highest level possible.

Wickenburg Wranglers

Head coach: Ishmael MacNeil.

Years as school’s coach/record: 2/7-13.

Total number of starters returning on offense: 3.

Total number of starters returning on defense: 6.

Key returning players: Sr. C/DE Trent Jepsen 6-1, 205; Sr. FS/RB Nick Formica 5-11, 170; Sr. LB Sawyer McClure 5-10, 175; Sr. LB Jaxson Hone 5-11, 185; Sr. CB Aiden Wayas 5-8, 160.

Team’s biggest question marks: Quarterback, offensive line and defensive secondary.

Team expectations: Keep improving, building on the momentum the Wranglers had to end the season 4-1 and three-game win streak, when Wickenburg outscored their opponents 179-36.

Region notes: Chino Valley leading tackler Kai Holmes returns for his senior season after recording 80 tackles in nine games a season ago. … Double-threat quarterback D’Anthony Bush returns after leading Kingman to a 5-5 record, while rushing 731 yards and five touchdowns, and completing 32 of 99 passes for 361 yards and two scores as sophomore.

3A INDEPENDENT

Region notes: ALA-Mesa North joins the 3A football conference in its first varsity season.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.