Arizona high school football transfers who will shake up the 2019 season

Richard Obert
The Republic | azcentral.com

If they don't win their hardship appeals next month, they'll have to wait half a season before they can make an impact.

They're the transfers.

Here is a look at those who can shake up the season for their respective schools.

Brothers Coben, left, and Treyson Bourguet are transferring from Marana to Salpointe.

Bourguet brothers

It will be a game changer for Tucson Salpointe Catholic when these former Marana playmakers become eligible. Sophomore quarterback Treyson and senior wide receiver Coben Bourguet are appealing for a hardship. Their dad, Toby, said, "It is not an athletic transfer." They feel they have a strong argument to present the Arizona Interscholastic Association. The Lancers could use them early when they travel to play Goodyear  Desert Edge, maybe the toughest team on their schedule. When the Bourguet brothers are on the field, the Lancers' playbook opens wide, making tailback Bijan Robinson that much more dangerous with a passing game that can move the ball against anybody.

Higley seven

If not cleared before the season, the Knights could see their season take off in Game 6 with the additions of linebacker Zach Kriens (Mesa Skyline), running back Peyton Hill (Gilbert Perry), offensive lineman A.J. Laux (Queen Creek Casteel), defensive lineman Colin Kraemer (Mesa), defensive back Nick Reick (Chandler) and defensive back Jaden Wingo (Skyline). They're all impact players. Hill is a downhill runner with size and speed. Kriens could wind up being one of the state's most impactful inside linebackers.

Perry High RB Peyton Hill catches a ball during practice in Gilbert August 1, 2018.

Saguaro gets even better

Scottsdale Saguaro comes in with maybe the greatest senior class the school has ever had on a football field. But this loaded 4A team gets even better for the playoffs with cornerback Denzel Burke (from Brophy Prep) and wide receiver Brandt Goodwin (Casteel) turned loose.

Dialing it up at Brophy

It may be too soon to hail E.J. Warner the next great young quarterback to hit Arizona high schools. But the Desert Mountain transfer could be ready to go by midseason at Phoenix Brophy Prep, and could be helping the Broncos fight through some of the toughest opponents in the state in the 6A Premier Region. His father, Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, will be offering up lots of advice if E.J., gets his shot.

Chandler run game depth off the charts

Chandler High School running back Eli Sanders (14) during spring football practice on May 8, 2019 in Chandler, Ariz.

Chandler graduated 2018 Arizona Player of the Year DeCarlos Brooks (now at California), but there is no shortage of running backs for the three-time defending 6A champs, who welcomed in Daveon Hunter (5-10, 200) a move-in from Colorado, who has a Wyoming offer. He should be immediately eligible because he is coming from out of state. Eli Sanders, who at times last season was Phoenix Mountain Pointe's most dangerous offensive threat, may have to wait until Game 6 before he can show off his tremendous tailback and kick returning skills.

Will Jones play?

Phoenix North Canyon's loss this summer may be American Leadership Queen Creek's gain. Or is it? Senior safety Dean Jones, a BYU commit, said recently he will be playing at the 3A school because of a work-related move for his family. This would be his second transfer in as many years. He left Wickenburg for North Canyon after his sophomore year. The AIA transfer rules say first move is half the season ineligible, the second move is full season ineligible. Jones will have to provide a convincing argument to the AIA appeals committee to save his senior season. ALA-QC also saw linebacker Gage Summers transfer in from Chandler Valley Christian, where he was  a game changer on defense last season.

West-side gains

Scottsdale Chaparral lost two of its top players — running back Darvon Hubbard to Surprise Willow Canyon and wide receiver/defensive back Deavon Crawford going to Laveen Cesar Chavez. Both are game changers, able to score touchdowns on any given plays.

Barth makes move

Queen Creek could see a significant improvement in the secondary when Hunter Barth becomes eligible. Barth had an exceptional sophomore season at Casteel last season when the 6-2, 180-pound safety/cornerback had 49 tackles, two safeties, a caused fumble and seven pass breakups.

Hamilton adds players

Chandler Hamilton is coming  off the worst season in school history, but it has seven transfers entering first week of practice. Leading the way is former Skyline running back/linebacker Ethan Truesdell,  who had 62 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions last season. QB Gavin Reetz came over from Chandler, where he was a part of that dominating freshman team last year. In fact, both of Chandler's freshman QBs from last season have left the juggernaut. QB Jalen Daniels transferred from Chandler to Mesa Red Mountain, where he'll be battling for the job.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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