Arizona high school football Thursday night roundup: Kellis, Desert Edge, Millennium, NDP win
With several games having playoff implications on Thursday night, we'll round up what took place as we look ahead for these teams as they head into their last remaining games of the Arizona high school football season.
Kellis wins 7 games for first time since 2017
Glendale Raymond S Kellis, led by the Bacon brothers, defeated host Paradise Valley 42-14 to improve to 7-1. It was the first time the school won seven games since going 7-3 in the 2017 season. From 2018-20, Kellis went 1-27, before getting back on track two years ago. But this is the first year since 2016 that Kellis will play in the postseason. That 2016 team went 9-2, losing to Marana 28-21 in the first round of the 5A playoffs.
Kellis came into this week ranked No. 10 by the Arizona Interscholastic Association in the 5A Conference. If Desert Mountain and Desert Edge both go to the Open, that would make it the No. 8 seed, which would give it a first-round home game. Kellis finishes against Westview and Cibola.
"I'm extremely proud of the way our boys competed all night," said coach Ben Kullos, who took over the program in 2021. "We knew coming into this game that it would take a good performance to beat a well-coached and talented football team like PV.
"Playing meaningful games in October is what we are trying to bring to Kellis on a regular basis. That being said, we don't take for granted the position we are in and understand there is still work to be done to reach our team goals. I'm proud of the players and coaches in our locker room. I couldn't ask for a better group. The best part is, we are finding a way to get better each and every day."
Bryce Bacon led the defense on Thursday with 11 tackles, eight of those solo stops. He also forced and recovered a fumble and had an interception and pass breakup. Tristan Bacon had four tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He ran for 49 yards on five carries on offense. Quarterback Ronald Coty had three rushing TDs and another passing. Senior Junior Chavez had his fourth interception this season.
Notre Dame back on track behind WR Cooper Perry's 3 TDs
Cooper Perry, the top-rated 2025 prospect in Arizona, had three touchdown catches and close to 200 yards in receptions, leading Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep to a 32-21 5A win over Cave Creek Cactus Shadows. It snapped a three-game losing streak and got the Saints (4-4) back to .500 with two games left.
NDP likely gets into the 5A playoff, ending the regular season against playoff teams American Leadership Gilbert North and Scottsdale Desert Mountain.
Desert Edge's defense clamps down again
Goodyear Desert Edge, a 5A team, took another step toward the Open eight with a 27-6 win at Waddell Canyon View.
Desert Edge (7-1) has reeled off seven consecutive wins since the 13-0 season-opening loss to 6A Peoria Centennial, which is currently seeded No. 1 by the AIA in the Open.
After coming off a shutout win over Sunrise Mountain, the defense came through again with another stellar performance.
The University of Kansas-bound trio of cornerback Aundre Gibson, edge rusher Deshawn Warner and linebacker/safety Jonathan Kamara were outstanding.
Desert Edge scored five rushing TDs, two by quarterback Hezekiah Millender.
Desert Edge has Cactus and Verrado left on the schedule.
Millennium making playoff push
Goodyear Millennium, rated 15th in 5A, might have clinched a playoff spot with a 24-10 win over Buckeye Verrado.
Millennium (5-3) has won two in a row since losing in back-to-back weeks to Horizon and Desert Edge.
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Hayhurst's big night helps Goldwater win
Junior running back Dylan Hayhurst ran for 209 yards and three TDs on 32 carries in Phoenix Barry Goldwater's 35-25 win over Avondale Agua Fria.
Goldwater (4-4) isn't in contention for a 5A playoff spot, but can finish strong with games left against Glendale Mountain Ridge and Surprise Willow Canyon.
Monument Valley bounces back with win over Window Rock
Kayenta Monument Valley, playing for pride if not a 3A playoff spot, dominated rival Fort Defiance Window Rock in a 56-0 road win. Monument Valley (4-5) was ranked 27th in the 3A Conference heading into the game.
Uzziel Flores led Monument Valley with two rushing TDs and a 65-yard receiving score. He has been the team's top playmaker. He also plays point guard on the basketball team.
"The season just didn't favor us with the rankings," coach Bryan Begay said. "We're a decent team and still have a lot of football left in us."
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona high school football Thursday night roundup
