Who is No. 1? The Arizona Republic's preseason 1A high school football Top 10 teams
The Arizona Republic is releasing its 2023 preseason high school football rankings this week, one conference at a time, starting with 8-man, 1A. Games start this week for the small schools in the 1A, 2A and 3A conferences.
The Republic's preseason 1A football Top 10
1. Heber Mogollon
Nothing changes here. The Mustangs merely reload, and find a way to win it all in the end, after getting through the North, the toughest 8-man region in Arizona. Players to watch break out this year will be running back Luke Crandell and wide receiver Adrian Suarez, both seniors.
2. Williams
The second-best team in the North also might have to settle for second place in the state with a likely showdown against region-rival Mogollon in the end. Martin Aguilar should lead another strong run game that last year rushed for 52 TDs as a team.
3. Bagdad
The Sultans feel good about their championship hopes with most of last year's team returning, led by athlete extraordinaire Shane Hooper.
4. St. David
The Tigers look to get over the hump after going 9-2, losing to Mogollon 48-39 in the playoffs.
5. Winkelman Hayden
The Lobos came so close last year, finishing the season 10-1. That's the motivation to run the table with a strong nucleus back.
6. San Manuel
After going 8-3 last year, they'll pound the rock, giving the ball to speedy back Isaiah Huerta.
7. Salome
Jibran Castillo, a 1,000-yard rusher last year, wants to make sure the Frogs go the distance, after last season's only two losses coming against Williams.
8. Superior
They know the drill, give the ball to David Drennan and let him run forever.
9. El Capitan/Centennial Academy
The passing duo of Zedakye White and Monte Hammon from a 6-4 team returns to give the top dogs in the North a challenge.
10. Scottsdale Cicero Prep
With running back Branjor Byaruhanga and wide receiver David Yourkoski back, they're determined to not make this a one-and-done playoff season.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert atrichard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Arizona Republic's preseason 1A high school football Top 10 teams
