By Sam Leeper
MaxPreps.com
Canyon Springs quarterback Devonte Christopher has been the top dog for the Pioneers all season long.
Friday night, Green Valley witnessed first-hand just how good Christopher can be.
Christopher threw for 383 yards and five touchdowns while running for another score as the Pioneers rolled past the Gators, 56-39, in the opening round of the Sunrise Regional Playoffs.
With the win, Canyon Springs (9-1) hosts Del Sol in the semifinals Friday night at 6 p.m. Del Sol (9-1) rushed for 364 yards in its 49-7 win over Desert Pines. The other semifinal features two-time defending state champion Las Vegas meeting undefeated Silverado.
Las Vegas (7-4) got a big night from quarterback Marvin Campbell in a 43-26 win over Coronado, while the Skyhawks trounced Chaparral, 49-18.
There were several big performances Friday in the playoffs, including 313 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns from Green Valley's Frank Satterfield and 262 yards from Silverado's Telvin McMillian.
But it was Christopher who stole the show.
Christopher completed 11-of-16 passes and threw TD strikes of 80, 37, 47, 19 and 64 yards. In addition, Christopher added a 13-yard score on the ground. His top two receivers also had big nights, as Juron Criner caught five passes for 218 yards, while Deshawn Stewart had five grabs for 150 yards.
Next Friday, the Sunset Regional Playoffs get underway, with four games. Bishop Gorman (10-0) hosts Cimarron-Memorial (6-4). Palo Verde (10-0), which won its first Northwest Division crown since 2004 Friday night, hosts Sierra Vista (3-7). Mojave (8-2), having perhaps its best season in school history, travels to Western (7-2). The final first-round game features Spring Valley (7-3) visiting Cheyenne (7-2).
