Outlook: After a midseason speed bump, the Firebirds enter the playoffs on a hot streak.
They weathered the storm of suspensions to three starters and a two-game losing streak to nab the 4A-I fifth seed. Quarterback Casey Lytle found Mike Cummings on a 41-yard touchdown pass as Chaparral rallied to beat McClintock last week.
Lytle is third in 4A with 1,701 yards passing and 26 touchdowns. He has thrown six interceptions.
Apollo won all five of its nonconference games, but struggled to a fourth-place finish in the 4A-I Wells Fargo Region. The Rockets have lost three of their last five games.
Apollo at Chaparral
Address: 6535 E. Gold Dust Road, Scottsdale
Records: Apollo 7-3; Chaparral 9-2
