As long as Tempe Prep took care of the football, the third-seeded Knights would have success. For much of Saturday afternoon Tempe Prep looked stronger than No. 6 Thatcher in their Division V state quarterfinal game at Higley High School.

This week's top East Valley high school football performances:

Tempe Prep shut out Valley Christian for the third year in a row.

One gamble sent the seasons of Scottsdale Christian and Tempe Prep in opposite directions on Friday.

Tempe Prep shut down the high-powered San Tan Foothills offense, Friday, and scored the final 14 points of the game to pick-up a 21-20 come-from-behind victory on the road in a Division V, Section II matchup.

Nico Bayless’ two-yard rushing touchdown with under a minute to go in the game propelled No. 6 Apollo to a 24-20 win over No. 11 Horizon, Friday, in the first round of the Division II football playoffs.

On the surface, it appears that one superstar makes all the difference in Division V.

Here are some of the best performances from the East Valley in Week 9:

Here's a look at some of the best East Valley performances from Week 5:

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

During what should be this most wonderful time of year for teams fortunate enough to still be playing.

A collection of top East Valley performances from Week 10:

Players to Watch

Division V Quarterfinals

Paradise Valley quarterback Ryan Finley completed 27 of 36 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Trojans to a 38-23 win on the road against Arcadia on Friday night.

Higley quarterback Eric Kump threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another, leading the Knights to a 51-14 win versus visiting Phoenix Carl Hayden on Friday.

It could have been the biggest win Tempe Prep history.