Arizona high school football playoffs moment-makers

Video: Tavian Patrick's highlights vs. Chaparral High

There will be a moment, a single play, in most of the 10 remaining games that will go a long way in determining the outcome of this week's semifinal football games.

There are the occasional blowouts this deep into a season, and even then there is usually a play that sets the tone, but for the most part these are fourth-quarter games. The final 12 minutes are filled with tension, opportunity and stuff legends are made of when recounting championship seasons.

It means someone will step to the forefront to be the difference maker, the one whose teammates surround and smack on the helmet, and the one remembered.

There is no predicting such a thing, as it happens in the flow of the game. But that's never stopped us from trying.
Here is a look at who just might be that player who provides the difference. See the MaxPreps Arizona football playoff brackets.

Division I
No. 4 Desert Ridge (Mesa) vs. No. 1 Chandler

Something big has to happen for the Jaguars to knock off the defending champion. Whether it is a defensive scoop and score, an out-of-mind performance or the Wolves falling flat, Desert Ridge needs something.

If Tavian Patrick can get his hands on a kickoff, he is a prime candidate. The Jaguar senior ranks seventh in the nation based on MaxPreps submissions in average kickoff return yardage with 34.3 on 18 attempts.

"He has been huge for us," Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock said. "There is a big difference between starting on your 40 compared to the 20. He's put us in that position all year, then there's always the chance he breaks one."

No. 6 Centennial (Peoria) vs. No. 2 Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)

Mountain Pointe quarterback Jack Smith has been making something out of nothing all year for the Pride offense.
Whether it is a scramble after no one was open or adjusting on the fly on a broken play as he did last week for a 53-yard touchdown against Brophy, Smith has been at his best when things could have been at their worst.

“I do it off instinct,” he said. “In the heat of the moment you just react. It’s part of being an athlete.”

Division II
No. 5 Marcos de Niza (Tempe) vs. No. 1 Skyline (Mesa)

Marcos de Niza running back Shaun Richards has already shown the ability to break open a game, as he took a catch 61 yards for the deciding touchdown in the final minute to beat rival Corona del Sol.

No. 7 Saguaro (Scottsdale) vs. No. 6 Westview (Avondale)

So this one isn't exactly going out on a limb considering Saguaro's Byron Murphy is considered one of the state's top players and recruits. But it is hard not pick someone has scored four different ways – rushing, receiving, fumble return and interception return – for a total of 24 touchdowns.

Division III
No. 4 Sunnyslope (Phoenix) vs. No. 1 Paradise Valley (Phoenix)

The PV offense has been dynamic, but the defense has done its part throughout the year in keeping the Trojans undefeated. Senior defensive back Damond Brown has 50 tackles and four interceptions, including a pick-6. Sunnyslope is probably going to be in a position where it has to throw, and don't be surprised if Brown makes an impact for the PV defense.

No. 7 Verrado (Buckeye) vs. No. 3 Desert Edge (Goodyear)

Desert Edge quarterback Tehran Thomas missed three games, and Verrado probably wishes it was the regular-season meeting between the two teams. Thomas was a huge part of the first meeting with 23 carries for 220 yards and three scores along with completing 9 of 11 passes for 127 yards, so if this one is close, expect Thomas to exert himself down the stretch.

Division IV
No. 8 Northwest Christian (Phoenix) vs. No. 5 Snowflake

Any team that knocks off the top seed like NWC did like last week makes the entire team dangerous, but a lot that falls on senior quarterback Drew Inness. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and no interceptions with 452 yards on a 69.4 completion percentage.

No. 7 Lake Havasu (Lake Havasu City) vs. No. 3 Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (Tucson)

Pusch Ridge has rushed for more than 3,000 yards, and has only thrown the ball 113 times in 12 games.
When they do throw it is usually to senior Ben Walker, who averages 20 yards a catch in his 24 receptions with five touchdowns.

Division V
No. 4 American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek) vs. No. 1 Benson

The one game Jermiah Boyd didn't play, American Leadership lost against Santa Cruz.

Boyd and the Patriots, who are in their third season as an AIA program, took down Santa Cruz last week as Boyd rushed for 165 yards and two scores. A similar output this week just might be enough to knock off the top seed.

No. 3 Round Valley (Eagar) vs. No. 2 Joy Christian (Glendale)
How does a 38-2 touchdown-interception ratio grab you? Surely opposing defensive coordinators want someone to grab Joy Christian senior quarterback Matt Mitchell, who has passed for 2,551 yards while also rushing for a team-best 830 yards with 11 touchdowns.

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic sports writer and current Prep Sports Director for 1013 Communications, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com.