Key matchup: What bigger immediate test for Florence’s new defense than against the 3A state title runner-up?

Outlook: A once-promising season fell apart quickly for the Gophers, who have suffered losses of 45, 58, 44 and 49 points this season.

Outlook: The Gophers’ downward spiral continued last week with a disappointing 32-27 loss to Santa Cruz.

Outlook: Just nine miles separate these two longtime rivals, but there has been a big divide in talent the last few years.

Outlook: Against Blue Ridge, Florence found out it had some work to do before being ready to challenge the big boys in 3A.

Outlook: Florence came out flat last week against Globe and got hammered 41-16. Gophers coach Shawn Cluff is hoping his team can come out this week with a little more fire, otherwise Safford will make it another long night.

Address: 1000 S. Main St., Florence; Records: Sahuarita 6-3, 3-2 South; Florence 4-4, 2-3; Gametime: 7:00 p.m.

Address: 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg; Records: Florence 4-2, Wickenburg 6-1; Gametime: 7:00 p.m.

The Florence Unified School District is holding a groundbreaking ceremony and perimeter tour for Magma Ranch K-8 School at 10 a.m. Wednesday  at the school, 10980 E. Desert Mountain Blvd., Florence.

A new full-service hospital is half-way built for the community of Florence. The last steel beam was installed Friday for Florence Hospital at Anthem. When complete later this year, the hospital will have a $15 million payroll and 225 jobs.

An inmate who escaped Sunday from a minimum-security unit of the State Prison Complex in Florence after cutting a hole in a perimeter fence was tackled and caught Monday afternoon, authorities said.

The new Florence Hospital at Anthem is breaking ground this week at the corner of Franklin Road and Hunt Highway, at the northern edge of the Anthem community.

Scottsdale-based developer George Johnson has agreed to reimburse Florence for part of the cost of a study looking into the purchase of his company, Johnson Utilities. The town has decided not to buy the utility.

Florence High School has its former principal back after the school’s current principal Arlisa Crank-Townsend was reassigned Wednesday , district spokesman Larry Cline said.

Florence High School football coach Shawn Cluff said Friday he’s stepping down from coaching at the end of the season for what he called “job and family reasons.”

Host Maricopa (5-4, 3-3) beat Florence (3-6, 3-3) in a 3A South Region game.

Florence (3-5, 3-2) handled visiting Tuscon Empire thanks to a balanced offensive attack in a 3A South matchup.

Florence (1-2, 1-0) defeated Globe (2-2, 0-1) in a 3A South Region game.

After a disappointing 2006 season in which it won just two games, the Florence football team made an impression in a losing effort to 3A power Wickenburg, 34-19, Friday night in the season opener for both teams.