Note: This article includes home games in the writer’s area of coverage, which is as follows: from Fountain Hills west through Scottsdale, all of Phoenix (except for Ahwatukee), the southwest, northwest and northern sections of the metro area. Other locales include northern, northeast and northwest Arizona.

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The Arizona high school football schedule returns to normalcy this week with a full slate of games on Friday night (Sept. 20). Here is a quick look at some of the top matchups in the area . . .

Scottsdale Chaparral (2-1) at Scottsdale Desert Mountain (2-1) – This contest, nationally televised on ESPNU, will feature college prospects galore. At the top of the list is the Desert Mountain passing duo of quarterback Kyle Allen and receiver Mark Andrews. If Chaparral can keep those two in check, it has a good chance to win.

Surprise Shadow Ridge (3-0) at Goodyear Desert Edge (4-0) – This might be the best team that coach Rich Wellbrock has had at Desert Edge, even better than last year’s Division III runner-up. Shadow Ridge is looking to make a name for itself and a win here would be a big step in accomplishing that goal.

Kayenta Monument Valley (3-0) at Show Low (1-2) – Show Low has dropped two of its first three and needs to rebound before getting into the heart of its Division IV schedule. Monument Valley wants to be considered a factor in the D-IV and will ride the arm of quarterback Redmond Delmar.

Yuma Catholic (2-1) at River Valley (3-0) – Division V power Yuma Catholic is looking to maintain its momentum after getting back on track last week following a loss to Thatcher. River Valley also has momentum on its side and would like to continue to build its resume in Division IV.

Buckeye Verrado (2-1) at Buckeye (3-0) – Rivalry games usually are quite entertaining and this should be no different. Verrado has won two in a row after stumbling in its opener and Buckeye appears to have its usual hard-hitting group of players.

Winslow (2-1) at Snowflake (3-0) – Winslow played Division IV power Lakeside Blue Ridge close before falling two weeks ago and would appear to be capable of giving Snowflake a battle. But his could be coach Ron Tenney’s best team since he moved over from Heber Mogollon to Snowflake a few years back, and the Lobos are on a roll.

Prescott (2-1) vs. Flagstaff (1-2) at Northern Arizona University Walkup Skydome, Flagstaff – This is one of the longest-running rivalries in the state. Prescott appears to have one of its better teams in quite some time.

Peoria Liberty (2-2) at Glendale Apollo (1-2) – After two losses to begin the season, Liberty has regained its composure and has pulled even with wins over Glendale Mountain Ridge and Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep. Apollo needs to establish some consistency.