Region races are important because everyone wants bragging rights as region champ. But to teams that got off to a slow start or have almost exclusively region games the rest of the way they are the lifeline to extending the football season to at least Veteran\\\'s Day.
Gilbert High fits the above description. The Tigers, who dropped their first three games this season, have bounced back to win three of their last four. They had region foe Basha on the ropes in their loss during the past four-game stretch for a little better than a half before the wheels came off after intermission. The Tigers have been forced into playoff mode ever since.
Victory at Conley Invitational sets stage for Chinle runner to earn a possible third straight state title.