By Oree Foster

Azpreps365 Sports Writer

Schools competing in the Class 3A North begin region play, while teams in the Little Colorado (Class 2A North) continue league action in prep football this Friday.

Alchesay (4-1, 2-0) at Pinon (2-4, 2-0)

The Whiteriver Alchesay Falcons travel to Pinon to face the Eagles in an important Little Colorado (Class 2A North) Region contest. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Alchesay head coach Brandon Newcomb said he is impressed with a Pinon multiple athlete.

"They have a talented athlete they iuse in various ways at quarterback, running back and wide receiver," Newcomb said. "As well as another kid that can create problems if you concentrate too much on the other kid. They look like they have good size on the offensive and defensive lines."

Newcomb pointed out that Pinon head coach (Brad) Burghart is new this year coaching the Eagles.

"He has been at Pinon before and has several years of coaching exprience at various places and different sports," Newcomb said. "He'll have his boys ready to go Friday night."

Offensively, Alchesay is led by senior running back Tyreck Cosay. The speedy Cosay utilized his quickness to score four touchdowns as Alchesay knocked off the Many Farms Lobos, 59-6, last Friday in region play.

The Falcons' defense is anchored by defensive ends Nick Kitcheyan and Jeremiah Kessay. Newcomb said Kitcheyan and Kessay have quickness and enjoy making contact.

Pinon head coach Brad Burghart said Alchesay are a very good team that has only lost one game this season.

"They like to run the ball with their stud (Tyreck) Cosay," Burghart said. "They pull the guard and run power sweeps and counters. They don't throw much. Our challenge will be to stop their running game and make them throw."

Burghart said the Eagles key is to control the game with their power and finesse running attack, spread offense ad throw the ball.

"Our weakness is depth," he said. "We only have 24 players and we have a couple out this week with injuries. If we play well at home and stay close in the fourth quarter. I like our chances. Someone has to knock them off."

Page (4-1) at Tuba City (1-4)

Page and Tuba City renew their gridiron rivalry, as the Warriors host the Sand Devils for its homecoming game in a Class 3A North Region game. Game time is 7 p.m.

First-year Tuba City head coach Floyd Haven said it will be a struggle to keep the Warriors focused, due to homecoing activities.

"This is our first region game of the season," Haven said. "The Tuba City and Page games are always rivalries, no matter what sport."

Haven said according to scouting reports, all 3A North Region teams seem to be running their offense out of the shot gun and one-back offensive formation.

"Page is big on the offensive line and they run off tackle," he said. "Defensively, they run odd-man front and will blitz from time to time. This is homecoming week. I look for our player to be prepared for Page and look for a hard hitting football game."

Page head coach Mitchell Stephens said, "Tuba City....(they) are a young football team. (They are) athletic at the quarterback position."

Ganado (3-2) at Chinle (1-4)

Ganado and Chinle are nearby rivals. The Hornets travel to Wildcat Stadium this Friday for Chinle's homecoming ball game. A 7 p.m. kickoff is scheduled for the Class 3A North Region contest.

First-year Ganado head coach Connor Simmons said Chinle is a rival.

"They are a solid team whose record doesn't match their actual ability as a team," Simmons said. "It is their homecoming, so we'll need to come ready to play."

Alan Barwick, who is in his first year as Chinle's head coach, said Ganado is a formidable opponent with a very good defense and an exceptional offensive line.

"We look forward to a great battle on Friday and hope to come out with a victory," Barwick said,"

Kayenta Monument Valley (1-4) at Window Rock (3-2)

Kayenta Monument Valley has taken its lumps during pre-region play, winning one game in five matchups this season. Meanwhile, Window Rock has chalked up a pair of wins in five outings this season.

The Kayenta Monument Valley Mustangs face the Window Rock Fighting Scouts in a Class 3A North Region ball game at Judd Avey Memorial Stadium in Fort Defiance. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Kayenta Monument Valley's lack of experience showed during the pre-region's five games this season.

"I have a lot of new faces this year," said Kayenta Monument Valley head coach Bryan Begay. "Inexperienced has killed us. I have 20 first time seniors. I have seven players who have playing experience. I am starting a freshman at quarterback. I have lots of juniors and sphomores on the roster that play."

Despite an inexperienced team, Window Rock head coach Wilbur Begay Jr. said Kayenta Monument Valley will be tough.

"Coach (Bryan) Begay always has his guys ready to play," the Window Rock skipper said. "They are well-coached team. We, as a team are excited for them coming to Fort Defiance for the match-up."

Two of the last three years, Window Rock was winless. During the past four years, the Fighting Scouts are 5-wins, 29-losses.

"We have not won a 3A North Region game in about two years," Wilbur Begay Jr. saod. (We are) "not wasting any of our oppotunities to get a win. We are looking forward to this game."

Rock Point (0-5, 0-2) at Greyhills Academy (0-4, 0-2)

The Rock Point Cougars and the Greyhills Academy Knights football programs have hit hard times this season. The Cougars and Knights both enter the game winless.

Rock Point travels to Greyhills Academy in Tuba City for a Little Colorado (Class 2A North) Region game this Friday at 7 p.m.

Greyhills Academy head coach Kyle Blackrock admitted he doesn't know much about Rock Point.

"After returning to Class 2A North and an 11-man football this year, this region is new to us," Blackrock said. "Last year Greyhills was in Class 1A and playing 8-man football. We're looking forward to a good game with Rock Point....playing football like we do every Friday night."

Rock Point head coach Brandon Jones said Greyhills Academy is in a slump. He said a victory will boost the Cougars' confidence.

"I've always strived to be a winner," he said. "Despite a tough loss, we keep our heads up and walk off the field feeling proud. Never giving up, I'd say, 'each player keep one another together, keep that brotherhood and stay together as a family."

Defensively, Rock Point relies on outside tackle Vernon Slick. Jones said Slick does a great job closing gaps and making plays stop.

Jones cited defensive lineman Chris Bahe for his performance. Jones noted that Bahe keeps the opposition on their toes.

Ral'Shaun Descheny has been inserted as Rock Point's quarterback, after the Cougars lost its starting signal-caller to an injury. Jones said Descheny has done an outstanding job as quarterback.

Tyler Tsosie is a double threat on offense for the Cougars. He is a capable running back and a receiver.