No. 7 Valley Christian vs. No. 3 St. Johns
Time: 2 p.m. Saturday
Address: 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., Phoenix (North Canyon HS)
Key matchup: Valley Christian has its hands full with St. Johns powerful running game and two-year starting QB Steven Lindsey. The Trojans have wanted a shot at St. Johns since last year and tweaked their defensive schemes in-part to better handle the Redskins.
Stat Leaders: Valley Christian — Rushing: Jordan Morgan 82 carries, 905 yards, 15 TDs; Addison Bare 52-625, 9 TDs; Blake Argo 49-466, 7 TDs. Passing: Jordan Morgan 69 of 114 passing, 1,059 yards, 4 INT, 20 TDs. Receiving: Kyle O’Brien, 23 catches, 385 yards, 8 TDs; Drew Bond 21-418, 7 TDs. St. Johns — N/A
Key stat: St. Johns has won the past two playoff meetings (2007 and 2008) by a combined 72-35.
The intrigue: In addition to the coaching brothers (Mike Morgan at St. Johns, Bill Morgan at Valley Christian), this is the third consecutive years these two powerhouse programs have met in the playoffs, with the Redskins having won the past two postseason meetings, including last year’s semifinals.
No. 9 Willcox vs. No. 5 Yuma Catholic
Time: 5 p.m. Saturday
Address: 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., Phoenix (North Canyon HS)
Key matchup: Willcox is going to get a lot of Eddie Harris (1,865 yards rushing) and Julian Higuera. It’s a significant departure from the spread-em-out attack of NW Christian, and Willcox struggled against a similar attack in Benson three weeks ago.
Key stat: Eddie Harris has run for at least 200 yards in four of the past five games.
The intrigue: What a postseason it’s been for Willcox, which won on the road against Red Mesa to begin the playoffs, then blasted No. 1 Northwest Christian (on the road) to reach this point. That run may end here as Yuma Catholic has a solid defense and punishing running game with Harris, who averages nearly 10 yards per carry.
