National spotlight: Top 10 Arizona high school football Week 4 story lines

We've reached Week 4 of the Arizona high school football season, a big accomplishment amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now the national cameras will put a spotlight on Scottsdale

Here's a look at 10 riveting football story lines this week:

1. ESPN game

Chandler Hamilton (2-0) at Scottsdale Saguaro (2-0), Friday, 6 p.m.

Saguaro and Hamilton both had their Scottsdale Chaparral game taken away because of two positive COVID-19 cases on Chaparral's team two days before the season opener. Hamilton was off last week. Saguaro scored 70 points against Maricopa. But this will be different. ESPN will be there to nationally televise the game with it starting an hour earlier. And there will be stars all over the field in a rematch of last year's Open Division semifinal that Saguaro rallied to win in a tight game. Expect another close one.

2. Big impression

Chandler (3-0) at Gilbert Higley (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Higley's only loss was by a point to Queen Creek Casteel. The Knights have proven so far they were ready for the move up from 5A to 6A. But are they ready for the monster Premier Region? Here comes the biggest beast of all with a clash against defending Open Division state champion Chandler, a machine that has gobbled up opponents and spit them out on its way to 29 consecutive wins.

3. Finally on

Phoenix Brophy Prep (0-3) at Chaparral (0-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

This has been the longest wait to start a football season for Chaparral, which lost its first three games because of COVID. How emotions spill over will be the key. The Firebirds can't be too amped up against a Brophy team looking for a win with QB Elijah Warner out with an injury. The Broncos turned to wide receiver Taj Hughes to lead the offense. His Hail Mary nearly pulled off a win over Anthem Boulder Creek.

4. Biggest test

Lakeside Blue Ridge (2-0) vs. Chandler Arizona College Prep, Friday, 7 p.m., at Chandler

ACP is 3-0 to start a season for the first time in its history under coach Mryon Blueford. But this is as big a test as the school has ever faced. A win over Blue Ridge would give the team a credibility that it can play with anybody in 3A and perhaps make a run for the title. Led by QB P.J. London, this his might be the best Blue Ridge team since Paul Moro won his last state title in 2013, his last year at the school.

5. Making statement

Glendale Ironwood (3-0) at Goodyear Desert Edge (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

This is a chance for Ironwood to say that is might bethe best team in the West Valley. It's been a long time since it could say that. But QB William Haskell has the offense revved up, and Desert Edge's offense plodded through a 12-0 win over Glendale Cactus. Desert Edge QB Adryan Lara is capable of putting up big numbers in what would could be a high-scoring game.

6. Catching up

Casa Grande (2-1) at Scottsdale Desert Mountain (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

In coach Conrad Hamilton's second year, Desert Mountain is playing sound football on offense and defense. And it has a schedule that could help the Wolves run the table. This could be their toughest game with the Cougars bouncing back strong since a season-opening loss to Tucson Salpointe Catholic.

7. Family bond

Casteel (3-0) at Gilbert Williams Field (1-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

This is almost a must win for Williams Field, which is coming off back-to-back losses to Queen Creek and Peoria Centennial. The Black Hawks played much better in the 14-8 loss last week, but Casteel has been on a mission, behind the Newcombe trio of coach Bobby, senior wide receiver Isaiah and freshman cornerback Jeremiah.

8. Piece meal

Sierra Vista Buena (2-0) at Salpointe (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

This will be Salpointe's first game in two weeks. Buena has been going week by week hoping to land opponents. It couldn't find anybody last week, but a third road trip this season is something Buena welcomes with coach Joe Thomas doing a masterful job keeping the players' positive and not wallowing in COVID despair.

9. Taking stand

Phoenix Pinnacle (1-1) at Centennial (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Are the Coyotes much better than that season-opening 42-0 loss to Hamilton? And was that 64-0 loss to Chandler just an apparition? Here's a chance for these two proud programs to show what they're really made of this season. Centennial's defense has made strides. Pinnacle's defense, led by tackle Anthony Franklin, hopes to make a stand.

10. Tough out

Tucson Pusch Ridge (2-1) at Safford (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

This is a big 3A game with a chance to see who might have the better shot at contending at state. Pusch Ridge is coming off a 58-26 win over a Thatcher team that wasn't at full strength. Its only loss was by a touchdown to a quality Yuma Catholic team. Safford had last week's game canceled because San Tan Foothills had to quarantine. Under new coach John O'Mera, the former, Eastern Arizona College head coach, Safford will be tough out for anybody in 3A this year.

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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