Sports

Four star games

Chandler Hamilton (5-1, 0-0) at Gilbert (5-1, 0-0)

Titans clash as the 5A-I Fiesta Region play begins. Gilbert enters on a three-game winning streak, posting 48, 48 and 49 points in those victories. Jesse Parker's next win will be the 308th of his Arizona coaching career, tying Karl Kiefer for the all-time mark. But Hamilton will not be outdone, entering on its own three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 121-26.

Peoria Centennial (5-0, 0-0) at Avondale La Joya (5-0, 0-0)

This game could very well determine the winner of the 5A-II Desert West Region. Centennial enters the game allowing about seven points per game, while La Joya is averaging just more than 33 points per game behind senior quarterback Jeremiah Cornist, who set a 5A rushing record with 380 yards last week.

Phoenix Northwest Christian (6-0, 1-0) at Phoenix Scottsdale Christian (5-0, 1-0)

A meeting of two of the top five teams in the Class 2A rankings and the favorites for the Central Region title. Northwest quarterback Nathan LeBarbera threw for 215 yards and four touchdowns in last week's win. Scottsdale Christian's Jenson Cruse and Taylor Barnes combined for 275 yards and six touchdowns in its win.

Eagar Round Valley (5-1, 1-0) at Payson (6-0, 1-0)

The 3A East Region has a 4-star-level game each week and this one borders on 5-star. Round Valley quarterback Hayden Eagar has great numbers, the most impressive being the completion percentage (61.4), with Trey Walker (33 catches, four touchdowns) and T.J. Peters (26 catches, eight touchdowns) as his top targets. Payson trailed 23-0 in last year's contest before a second-half comeback came up just short, 26-23, so a better start is a must in 2008.

Three star games

Phoenix Arcadia (5-0, 1-0) vs. Chandler Seton Catholic (5-1, 1-0)

Despite trailing 21-7 at halftime last Friday against Desert Edge, Seton Catholic rallied for a 42-28 win to earn its first conference victory. Junior quarterback Justin Sieczkowski had a huge second half, running in three touchdowns from the red zone. Sieczkowski's aerial attack will have to be as strong tonight as Seton hosts undefeated Arcadia, a team that has surrendered only 14 points in its past two games.

Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep (5-0, 1-0) at Phoenix Moon Valley (3-2, 0-0)

Notre Dame got over a mental hurdle last week by beating Phoenix Washington, and there isn't much left standing in its way if there are no letdowns. Moon Valley's Mark Smith can get his new program's signature win in his first season if it can manage to knock off the state's No. 1 4A-II squad. Moon Valley has the playmakers in wide receiver C.J. Westbrooks and running back Brian Ramirez needed to get it done.

Tempe Marcos de Niza (5-0, 0-0) at Phoenix Pinnacle (3-2, 0-0)

It's the 5A-II Pima Region opener for both teams. Marcos de Niza has allowed only 29 points in its five games. It has to contend with a Pinnacle squad that has averaged 37 points per game in its past three contests.

Phoenix Paradise Valley (4-1, 1-1) at Tempe McClintock (3-2, 0-1)

After almost knocking of No. 1 Scottsdale Saguaro last week, Paradise Valley comes to McClintock tonight looking for another region win. McClintock is hoping to put the brakes on its two-game losing streak, but a well-rounded, athletic Paradise Valley squad poses another big threat.

Scottsdale Coronado (5-0, 0-0) at Queen Creek (4-1, 0-0)

No. 3 Coronado looks to remain perfect in this East Sky clash behind its stifling defense, which has surrendered only 39 points through its first five games, and offensively savvy running back Kaylin Ashley. The No. 4 Queen Creek defense is no slouch itself, surrendering only 61 points. Offensively, it will attempt to get the ball to playmaking wide receiver Joel Hanson, who has five receiving touchdowns.

Chandler Basha (4-1, 0-0) vs. Phoenix Brophy Prep (3-3, 0-0)

Will Still continues to churn out yards for the Basha offense and find the end zone, and with the way the program's defense is playing, that's usually all it takes for a win. If Brophy, the defending 5A-I champion, is looking for something to ignite its season, a win over Basha could do the trick in this non-region game.

Chandler (4-1, 0-0) at Gilbert Highland (4-1, 0-0)

In its four victories, Highland has outscored opponents 162-27, with its only loss coming to powerhouse Mesa Mountain View 27-0. This Fiesta Region opener will be Mountain View's biggest test since the loss. Chandler also has been paced by a high-scoring offense and suffocating defense, outscoring opponents 222-67, led by Jamil Hines and his seven rushing touchdowns.

Mesa Skyline (4-1, 0-0) at Mesa Desert Ridge (3-2, 0-0)

Skyline got huge performance from running backs Thomas Brown and Damari Lewis last week in a 54-6 win over San Luis as they combined for 306 yards and four touchdowns. Stuck in the middle of a tough 5A-II Pima Region, Desert Ridge has proven it can be dangerous on offense as it was last week in a 52-0 win over Phoenix Maryvale.

Tucson Salpointe Catholic (5-0) at Tucson Ironwood Ridge (4-1)

Salpointe Catholic, ranked No. 3 in 5A-I, started the year by beating three proud Phoenix programs and has kept rolling since, but it faces its toughest test in nearly a month. A win this week would match last year's win total, but it won't come easy against Ironwood Ridge, which has won four straight after losing its opener. The offense uses a two-quarterback system that doesn't seem to skip a beat regardless of who is under center.