By Don Ketchum

We had some great football games last week, so let’s see how much excitement can be generated this time around in Week 4.

Here is a look at some of the top games for teams in Scottsdale, Phoenix, the southwest, northwest and north Valley, and northern Arizona . . .

Scottsdale Chaparral (1-2, Division II, Section III) at Scottsdale Desert Mountain (3-0, DI, SIII) – Chaparral gave coach Dave Huffine his first career victory last week, and now the task is more formidable.

If the Firebirds want to show they belong in the Division II race, they must find a way to defeat a rejuvenated Desert Mountain program that features one of the state’s top passing combinations.

Quarterback Kyle Allen has completed 47 of 70 passes for 682 yards and 10 touchdowns, with only one interception. On the receiving end of 18 of those passes is wideout Mark Andrews, for 357 yards and six TDs.

The Wolves can run the ball when necessary. Adam Cooper has gained 310 yards on 53 carries with five TDs.

Desert Mountain also can be tough on defense. Linebacker Joe Duran leads the way, averaging 12 tackles per game.

Huffine continues to go with a two-headed quarterback, sophomore Sean Paul Brophy and senior Brad Schencker.

Joseph City (3-0, DVI, SI) at Heber Mogollon (3-0, DVI, SI) – The latest chapter in the state’s best eight-man rivalry unfolds up on the Rim.

Joseph City defeated Mogollon 58-30 in the quarterfinals on the way to winning its third straight title in 2011. The Wildcats also defeated Mogollon for the title in 2010 and 2009.

Peoria Centennial (3-0, DII, SI) at Glendale Apollo (3-0, DII, SI) – The scoreboard might blow a fuse on this one.

Centennial is averaging nearly 60 points a game, Apollo 52. Will the defenses hold up?

Glendale Deer Valley (1-2, DII, SI) at Phoenix Horizon (3-0, DII, SIII) – Doug Shaffer, back for his second tour of duty with the Horizon program, has his team humming along nicely. The Huskies figure to be in contention deep into the fall.

Deer Valley began 0-2 under new coach Adam Larsen, but came through with a shutout (27-0) of Phoenix Barry Goldwater last week.

Flagstaff (2-1, DIII, SII) at Cottonwood Mingus (2-1, DIV, SIII) – It’s been awhile since Flagstaff has been a factor in the division race, and this year could be different under veteran coach Eddie Campos.

Mingus, led by longtime field boss Bob Young, gave powerful Lakeside Blue Ridge all it could handle before falling 16-13 in the opener. The Marauders came back with wins over Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain and Chino Valley. Mingus usually plays very tough at home.

Snowflake (2-1, DIV, SI) at Show Low (3-0, DIV, SI) – Snowflake took a big mental hit last week with a 50-0 loss to Blue Ridge, and now must try to recover against a team that is expected to challenge Blue Ridge again for the state crown.

Phoenix Greenway (2-1, DIII, SII) at Glendale Cactus (2-1, DIII, SII) – Greenway has won twice since a narrow 38-35 setback to Peoria Sunrise Mountain in the opener. Cactus played Bakersfield, Calif., tough two weeks ago before falling in California, then bounced back to rout rival Peoria 52-8.

Mesa Mountain View (1-2, DI, SIII) at Glendale Mountain Ridge (1-2, DI, SIII) – Both teams lost their first two games, but rebounded with wins last week, Mountain View over Mesa Skyline and Mountain Ridge over Phoenix North Canyon.

Phoenix Paradise Valley (2-1, DIII, SIII) at Phoenix Thunderbird (1-2, DIII, SIII) – PV’s Ryan Finley can still throw the ball, but can his teammates play defense to keep the Trojans in games? It was tough last week in a 65-31 loss to Peoria Liberty, although Liberty did return a punt and two interceptions for scores.

Thunderbird was routed by Goodyear Desert Edge in its opener and lost a tough one to Scottsdale Saguaro before coming back to pound Phoenix Arcadia last week.

Phoenix Central  (0-3, DII, SI) at Phoenix Trevor Browne (0-3, DI, SI) – They’re naming the stadium after longtime coach Bill Mitton, and perhaps some of his success will rub off on the Bruins. Central had two close losses to begin the season, then was routed by Phoenix Pinnacle.