Arizona high school football preview: One big question for every 6A team

Our reporters examine one major question about each 6A team as opening night approaches.

The 2020 Arizona high school football season kicks off this week, and SBLive has rolled out a comprehensive statewide preview.

Here, our reporters examine one major question about each 6A team as opening night approaches.

(Cesar Chavez, Copper Canyon, La Joya Community, North, Tolleson Union, Trevor G. Browne, Tucson and Westview will not begin their season for at least three weeks.)

Text by Connor Morrissette, Lance Smith, Bodie DeSilva and René Ferrán. Devon Dampier (Pinnacle) photo by Elena Bernardo - EMB Photoshop.

REGION 1

Brophy Prep: How good will quarterback EJ Warner be as a junior?

Warner, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, was the primary backup to Matthew Winter last year. Warner played in nine games, completing more than 75 percent of his passes (61 of 81) for 647 yards and five touchdowns, and he should thrive in a full-time role this season. 

Centennial: Do the Coyotes have the depth to make an Open Division run?

As a former 5A school now playing in 6A, Centennial coach Richard Taylor’s concern is that lack of depth and facing a more grueling in-state schedule could catch up with his team, leaving the Coyotes with a low Open seed or even out of the Elite 8 entirely.

“We have to stay healthy, because we do not have the numbers of a Chandler or a Hamilton,” Taylor said. “This could be the toughest schedule we’ve ever had overall. There’ll be no rest weeks this year.”

Chaparral: Who will be the Firebirds' No. 1 receiver?

Tommy Christakos, last year's star tight end who caught a team-high 43 passes for 816 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing the first three games with a hip flexor injury, is now at Cal. 

Chaparral receivers Max Minor and Capri Hamilton did well last season with Christakos drawing opponents’ top cover corner; how well they do now that they'll get No. 1 attention will tell a lot about the team's chances.

Liberty: How much will defensive inexperience affect the Lions?

The Lions graduated five all-region players who started in their 3-4 scheme a year ago.

“We have a lot of kids starting for the first time this year,” Liberty coach Colin Thomas said. “Hopefully, we’ll keep getting better. The goal is to be better in the last game than we were the first.”

Pinnacle: Can sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier take the next step?

Dampier took over the offense in Week 10 last season after senior JD Johnson’s career ended because of a heart issue. After going 11 of 16 for 198 yards and four touchdowns in his first start against Boulder Creek, Dampier had a rude awakening in the Open Division quarterfinal loss to Salpointe Catholic — 12 of 26 for 107 yards and an interception.

“You can tell he worked his butt off in the offseason,” said Pioneers offensive line coach Paul Germinaro. “He’s lightning-quick on his feet and has a developing arm.”

REGION 2

Chandler: Will anyone come close to beating the Wolves in 2020?

Chandler added the inaugural Open Division championship last fall to their three consecutive 6A championships from 2016-18 and their 2014 Division 1 title. They boast a 26-game win streak, have 24 players (and counting) with FBS or FCS offers, and enter the season No. 7 in the country in the SBLive Power 25.

“We know we’ve got a bull’s eye on us,” said Wolves coach Rick Garretson, who took over last season after eight-year head coach Shawn Aguano left to become running backs coach at Arizona State.

“But you’ve got to earn that bull’s eye. We’re used to it by now. We know we’ll get everybody’s best shot. But we put targets on other teams, too.”

Hamilton: Will the Huskies crack the SBLive Power 25 as one of the 25 best teams in the country?

After Hamilton's scrimmage against Queen Creek, AZCentral's Richard Obert made the statement above. The Huskies are in such a great spot because of new quarterback Nicco Marchiol, who transferred in March from Regis Jesuit of Aurora, Colo., where he threw for more than 4,200 yards and 43 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He immediately jumped to No. 2 on the 247Sports list of Arizona’s junior recruits following his arrival.

Highland: Can the Hawks make the Open Division bracket in 2020?

The Hawks look ready to continue the turnaround they’ve experienced in the four years since head coach Brock Farrel took the reins. Even being placed in the same region as perennial powers Chandler and Hamilton hasn’t fazed them one bit. Farrel pointed out that their strength of schedule could allow them to accumulate enough ranking points to qualify for the Open Division playoffs — with one caveat.

“If we play well, we’ll get in,” he said. “With our schedule, we’re going to be in a lot of tight games. We need to win some close games. If we do, we’ll be where we want to be.”

The Hawks don’t have the flashy recruiting prospects of some programs, but they’re solid in all the right places, starting up front with Noah Boone and Makua Pule anchoring the offensive line. The linebacking corps is the strength of the defense, led by Kam Cullimore.

Higley: Will the Knights' offensive line allow senior quarterback Kai Millner to be Kai Millner?

Higley's line took a big hit when four-star junior Trent Ramsey moved to Tarpon Springs, Fla., in the spring after his father changed jobs. Instead of having an anchor to build around, the Knights now have three all-region starters to replace up front.

Millner is committed to Cal and threw for 31 touchdowns last season. Will he have the same time to operate this season?

Kai Millner (Higley) photo by Paul Etnire

Perry: Who will play quarterback?

When all-Arizona quarterback Chubba Purdy (now at Florida State) sat out Week 5 a year ago while serving a one-game suspension for violating a team rule, the Pumas turned to Ethan James, who went 11 of 19 for 152 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to Cesar Chavez. He and senior Dane White, who served as Purdy’s primary backup, should battle this fall for the starting job.

REGION 3

Casteel: Will the Colts make the playoffs?

Casteel makes the move from 5A to 6A this season, and although the Colts bring back plenty of talent — led by senior receiver Isaiah Newcombe, a UCLA commit — making the playoffs ahead of some of their Region 3 counterparts will be a challenge. Queen Creek, Williams Field, Desert Ridge and Red Mountain are formidable foes.

Desert Ridge: Will quarterback Austin Kolb run more in 2020?

"Austin threw for 3,000 yards last year," Jaguars coach Jeremy Hathcock said. "We're looking for him to run the ball better because we know he can throw it."

If Kolb can become an effective runner, that would really help Desert Ridge's chances of making the playoffs.

Queen Creek: Will the Bulldogs make the Open Division playoffs?

All of the pieces are there for Queen Creek to make an Open Division run in 2020, beginning with junior quarterback Devin Brown, who is committed to USC.

"We return four starters on offense and six on defense," Bulldogs coach Joe Germaine said. "We have high expectations for our team this year. We have a great group coming back that had a lot of experience from last year. I'm excited that our kids get the opportunity to compete. I've never seen a more dedicated and committed group."

Krew Jackson (Queen Creek) photo by Paul Mason

Red Mountain: Who will play quarterback?

Mountain Lions coach Mike Peterson has the luxury of choosing between two future college quarterbacks in senior Evan Svopoda and junior Jalen Daniels.

“Evan is a team captain with a big arm and 6-foot-5 frame. He’s a traditional drop-back passer,” Peterson said of Svopoda, who has offers from Abilene Christian, Illinois State, Morehead State and Washburn.

Daniels has an offer from Howard, with more likely on the way.

Said Peterson of the junior: “Jalen has a big arm. He’s a big kid at 6-foot-4. He’s a drop-back passer as well.”

Williams Field: Can sophomore quarterback CJ Tiller lead the Black Hawks to a postseason berth?

Williams Field coach Steve Campbell described Tiller as someone who can "really spin it."

"He'll make mistakes like every sophomore does, but at the same time, he'll make a lot of plays," Campbell said.

If Tiller has a big season, the Black Hawks will have a great shot of earning a 6A postseason spot in their first year in the conference.

REGION 4

Corona del Sol: Can the Aztecs win the region title?

Corona del Sol brings back several players from last year's team (eight starters on offense and seven on defense) that was the No. 16 seed in the 6A playoffs. Region 4 isn't as tough as some of the other 6A regions, so a first-place finish is possible for the Aztecs.

Having a returning quarterback in Quade Swearingen is a luxury given all of the coronavirus-related offseason restrictions — he already knows the offense.

Dobson: Can the Mustangs beat last year's win total (three)?

It's tough to imagine Dobson making the playoffs, especially with only eight teams qualifying this year for the 6A bracket, but the Mustangs absolutely could get to four wins. Returning a quarterback in Damyian Duarte as well as six other offensive starters gives Dobson a definite shot at going .500 — or maybe even finishing a little better.

Expect the Mustangs to show clear improvement in Bill Godsil's second year at the helm. Returning 13 starters who are familiar with how the coach wants to play likely will lead to more wins in 2020.

Mesa: Will quarterback John Mendoza run more?

Last season, Mendoza rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown. Mesa coach Chad DeGrenier wants to see his senior quarterback use his legs more in 2020.

"If John Mendoza can run the football this year, something he's definitely capable of, that will give us an added leg up this year," DeGrenier said.

In a region that will be very tight, Mendoza's ability to run could be the difference between a region title and a second- or third-place finish for Mesa.

Skyline: Can quarterback Jack Nelson put the Coyotes over the top?

Skyline coach George Hawthorne has high expectations for his team following last season's 2-8 record.

"Our goal is to make a deep run in the playoffs,” Hawthorne said.

To do that, the Coyotes will need consistent play from Nelson. The senior also will play cornerback.

"We won’t be the only high school that has a good player go two ways," Hawthorne said.

Nelson is a good football player, but can he transform into a great quarterback after a junior season in which he completed 6 of 26 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown? If he can, Skyline will have a chance to win Region 4.

Westwood: What will Jeremiah Reed accomplish in 2020?

“Jeremiah is a special talent who will not leave the field," Warriors coach Kyle Ide said. The senior will have a chance to put up some big numbers this fall, especially with most of the teams in Region 4 being so evenly matched.

Last year, Reed made eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. He had 43 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

REGION 5

Basha: How good will freshman quarterback Demond Williams be in his first year of high school football?

Williams won a four-way battle over the summer against junior Josh Sink, who started the final four games last season, and two others.

“Demond is extremely athletic, has a great football IQ for his age and shows great poise as well,” Bears coach Chris McDonald said. “He’s a truly special talent for years to come.”

Desert Vista: Will the Thunder receive good enough offensive line play to make another run in the 6A playoffs?

Desert Vista's offensive linemen displayed plenty of promise during the offseason, but they’re still filling out. Jai Rodriguez at 265 pounds is the heaviest player in the group. He was a part-time starter last year, but he’ll be an anchor up front this fall. He received an offer from Arizona State in June.

Jai Rodriguez photo courtesy of Desert Vista High School

Mountain Pointe: How much of an impact will the Pride's transfers have?

There’s hope that Mountain Pointe could sneak into the playoff picture this year thanks to two transfers who provide instant impact on both sides of the ball.

Amier Boyd was an all-region first-team pick at Phoenix South Mountain last season, throwing for 1,835 yards and 25 touchdowns for the 7-3 Jaguars. Jaden Crockett comes from Phoenix Alhambra, where he was a two-way standout for the Lions. One of them will get the starting nod under center in a revamped offense.

Mountain View (Mesa): Can the Toros come up with more big plays on defense?

Mountain View (Mesa) registered only 22 sacks and 15 takeaways last season while giving up 366 yards per game. To help with that, the Toros must address their secondary, where they graduated three-fourths of their starters. If they can make defensive adjustments on the back end, they could be a playoff team.

REGION 6

Cibola: How will the Raiders make up for the loss of their 2019 seniors?

“I think we graduated 28 or 30 seniors, so we’ve got some positions that there’s going to be some battles over,” Cibola coach Steven Fritz said. “We’ll have some guys that are going to need to step up and fill some roles for us in some key spots.”

The offense should be strong with tight end Liam Hoffmeyer and running back John Beltran looking to build on their successful junior seasons.

“They’ll play both ways, but those are their primary positions,” Fritz said of Hoffmeyer and Beltran. “If I was to say one thing about the two of them, it’s that they do good things on and off the field.”

REGION 7

Boulder Creek: Can the Jaguars earn their first playoff victory in a decade?

Boulder Creek has a strong chance to challenge for a region title and give itself at least a shot at making the abridged eight-team 6A playoffs. Senior quarterback Bear Milacek, a New Mexico commit, will have a major impact on whether the Jaguars make the postseason.

Bear Milacek (Boulder Creek) photo by Elena Bernardo - EMB Photoshop

Mountain Ridge: Who will start at quarterback?

It's between senior Cole Mitchell and sophomore Brendan Anderson. Mitchell was a key receiving threat for the Mountain Lions last year, totaling more than 400 yards. He operated primarily from the slot.

Anderson has significant potential as a Division I prospect and is Mountain Ridge's future at the position.

Sandra Day O'Connor: Can the Eagles end their streak of losing seasons at four?

It's possible. On paper, there's not a single team in Region 7 that anyone else in the region can't beat. If the Eagles' host of talented returners on defense can buy time for the offense to regather, there's a chance Sandra Day O'Connor contends for a region title and finishes above .500.

Junior linebacker Brandon Craddock is a name to know for the Eagles.

Shadow Ridge: Will the Stallions' offseason preparation lead to on-field success?

Even though it hasn't been an easy summer, Shadow Ridge has made the most of it.

"The district allowed us to begin our summer weight room and conditioning program on June 1 with all three levels," Stallions coach Sean Hegarty said. "The coaches and athletes truly bought-in to the process and followed the strict protocols both in the weight room and on the field. I couldn't be prouder of the commitment displayed by the athletes and coaching staff throughout the summer months.

"This group of young men has done an incredible job adapting to constant changes while keeping a positive attitude. Their ability to roll with the punches and follow ever-changing protocols has made them stronger as a team and individuals. This is true for every athlete and coach in the program as well."

Valley Vista: Who will step up at running back?

The Monsoon graduated eight all-region seniors from last year's team, and three of them were running backs. The team will need somebody to emerge as a dependable feature back. Jayvon Hampton got some reps as a junior backup and is likely the top candidate to be that guy.

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MORE: 2020 ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW