Here's a look at this week's prep football games. All games are on Friday except Westwood at Basha

5A

Westwood (1-3) at Basha (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m., Thursday

Address: 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler

TV: Cox (Ch. 7)

Key matchup: Westwood can’t afford to give up the big play to Basha’s defense or special teams. The Bears recovered three fumbles and blocked two punts against Glendale Deer Valley two weeks ago, and the undermanned Warriors can’t afford more than one turnover offensively.

Key stat: Basha ran for 250 yards against Deer Valley.

The intrigue: The Bears and Warriors played a tense fourth quarter last season before Basha held on. Westwood has a new coach and philosophy and the Bears have made several changes offensively.

Dobson (1-3) at Alhambra (0-3)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 3839 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix

Key matchup: Dobson likes to run the ball. Alhambra’s defense can look forward to incessant pounding from the Mustangs offense.

Key stat: Alhambra is one of three winless teams in 5A-I and ranks last among the 27 5A-I schools in the power rankings.

The intrigue: Dobson’s transition this week from playing arguably the best team in 5A-I (Hamilton) to facing the worst in Alhambra.

César Chavez (2-1) at Chandler (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Key matchup: Chandler found tough sledding with the run last week, but overall its balanced offense (654 yards passing and 608 rushing) with speed will be tough for Chavez to handle.

Key stat: Chavez has won its last two games after opening with a loss to Mountain Pointe.

The intrigue: How Chandler responds from its first loss, an emotional game with ranked Desert Vista, against a team trying to establish itself.

St. Mary’s (2-1) at Gilbert (3-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 1101 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert

Key matchup: Gilbert is trying to patch up its beat-up offensive line against the Knights, who turned in a good defensive effort last week.

Key stat: Gilbert put up 48 points last week despite losing four fumbles and racking up lots of penalties.

The intrigue: Considering how far St. Mary’s has fallen recently, the Knights have been a surprise so far, but will playing Gilbert wind up better than the Mesa Mountain View outcome (51-14 loss) from two weeks ago?

Kofa (2-1) at Highland (3-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 4301 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert

Key matchup: Highland’s defense vs. Kofa running back Timmy Lee, who has 368 yards rushing, 114 yards receiving and 9 TDs so far.

Key stat: Running back Eli West has been a shot in the arm the last two weeks with 196 yards rushing and a punt return TD that jump started the Hawks’ win last week.

The intrigue: How good is 5A-II Kofa? The Kings beat two 5A-II teams (who are a combined 1-5) and lost to 2A Yuma Catholic.

Desert Vista (2-1) at Mesquite (1-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 500 S. McQueen Road, Gilbert

Radio: KDUS (1060 AM)

Key matchup: Mesquite’s defense has held up nicely against the run (seven forced turnovers), but Desert Vista ran wild against the Wildcats last year, and Corona del Sol had good success against them last week. The Wildcats will need to corral Marcus Washington and friends in the backfield.

Key stat: Mesquite allows fewer than four yards per carry on the ground this season.

The intrigue: The Thunder are coming off a wild victory against Chandler, and believe they’re headed in the right direction since losing to Gilbert in the season opener. We’ll see if that’s true without the state’s best player, DE Devon Kennard, who is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Hamilton (3-1) at Red Mountain (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 7301 E. Brown Road, Mesa

Key matchup: Hamilton generally strives for balance offensively, but wideouts Drew Terrell and Alante Wright are licking their chops to test the Red Mountain secondary after it gave up 595 yards passing last week.

Key stat: Red Mountain junior running back Derek Molina has been a threat with 317 yards rushing the past two weeks after not playing on offense in Week One.

The intrigue: Red Mountain has to be a little fired up after its come-from-behind win last week, but its performance this week against a top 5A-I foe is a needed reality check-up.

Mesa (2-1) at Westview (3-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 10850 W. Garden Lakes Parkway, Avondale

Key matchup: Mesa defense vs. three-pronged attack of Westview’s Jourdan Grandon (quarterback), R.J. Robinson (running back) and Carlton Williams (running back).

Key stat: Robinson and Williams averaging just under 100 yards rushing each. Grandon has thrown for 370 and rushed for 188.

The intrigue: Can the Jackrabbits fare better against one of 5A-II’s top teams than they did two weeks ago vs. one of 5A-I’s best in Desert Vista?

Corona del Sol (4-0) at Cibola (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 4100 W. 20th St., Yuma

Key matchup: The Aztecs have as much speed on defense as they’ve had in years, and it will be put to good use against a Cibola team which rushed for 315 yards against Phoenix Camelback.

Key stat: All five of Corona’s touchdowns against Cibola last year were scored on the ground.

The intrigue: Hard to imagine Corona going undefeated this season, but this week and next week could be considered “trap” games. If the favored Aztecs go through the motions, they’ll get beat.

Horizon (0-3) at Mountain Pointe (1-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 4201 E. Knox Road, Phoenix

Key matchup: Horizon is going to get a healthy dose of De’Andre Currie, who’s rushed for 450 yards in three games for Mountain Pointe. If the Pride don’t use their passing game much, it’s probably a good sign.

Key stat: The schedule has been hard, but the Huskies have allowed more than 230 rushing yards in all three games this season.

The intrigue: Both sides have mini-losing streaks to squash. The Huskies have dropped all three games this year. The Pride need a win to end their two-game slide and smile again before they play at Chandler Hamilton next week.

Central (0-3) at Desert Mountain (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale

Key matchup: Desert Mountain averages 2.53 yards per rush, so unless the Wolves make a conscious decision to pound the ball, which isn’t their style, Central’s secondary is going to be in for a busy night against quarterback Kevin Radcliffe.

Key stat: Wolves receiver Jordan Fox is averaging 30 yards per reception.

The intrigue: The Wolves need to bounce back from last week’s should-have-won game against North Canyon, and though they shouldn’t have too much trouble against a 5A-II Metro school, Desert Mountain has had previous-game “hangovers” last too long in recent years.

No. 2 Marcos de Niza (3-0) at Yuma (2-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 400 S. 6th Ave, Yuma

Key matchup: Ramon Abreu is Marcos de Niza’s leading rusher and leading tackler. Yuma must slow him down on both sides of the ball.

Key stat: 7. The amount of points Marcos de Niza has given up this season.

The intrigue: The Padres shouldn’t have much trouble staying undefeated unless the long ride to Yuma affects their focus.

Carl Hayden (0-3) at Skyline (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 845 S Crismon Road, Mesa

Key matchup: Thomas Brown and Damari Lewis combined to run for 224 yards rushing on 24 carries last week, and stopping those two is the key to stopping Skyline.

Key stat: Carl Hayden has lost 57 straight games.

The intrigue: It doesn’t get much easier than this for the Coyotes. Carl Hayden has been outscored 99-0 in its last two games.

Sunrise Mountain (1-2) at Desert Ridge (1-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 10045 E. Madero Ave., Mesa

Key matchup: Sunrise Mountain will try and slow down a lethal Desert Ridge aerial attack that diced up Red Mountain last week.

Key stat: Kevin Pantastico threw for a state record 595 yards against the Mountain Lions, but Desert Ridge still lost.

The intrigue: Desert Ridge should have a pretty easy go of it after losing a back-and-forth struggle last week.

No. 5 Pinnacle (2-1) at Mountain Ridge (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 22800 North 67th Ave. Glendale

Key matchup: Kevin Yost is one of the state’s best quarterbacks, but Pinnacle’s defense has been very good.

Key stat: Pinnacle scored 27 more points last week than in its previous two games combined.

The intrigue: The Pioneers are in for a battle against a Mountain Ridge team that just beat Skyline. Pinnacle’s defense will have a true test in this game.

4A

No. 1 Saguaro (3-0) at Shadow Mountain (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 2902 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix

Key matchup: The Sabercats special teams unit has been unbelievable, led by kick returner Erik Brown, If Shadow Mountain doesn’t slow that aspect down it has no chance.

Key stat: Shadow Mountain’s Giancarlo Dale leads the region in rushing with 681 yards, more than Saguaro’s Beau Burton and Apache Junction’s Shane McCullen.

The intrigue: Shadow Mountain is improved, but Saguaro is in another class and should roll. This will be the final tuneup before a huge game against Paradise Valley next week for the Sabercats.

No. 4 Paradise Valley (3-0) at Cactus Shadows (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, Cave Creek

Key matchup: Dillon Classen has been very good at quarterback for Cactus Shadows, bringing back memories of two years ago when Phillip Aholt led the Falcons to the 4A-II state title. Paradise Valley must slow him down.

Key stat: 285. The number of yards Classen threw for last week against Sinagua, a career high.

The intrigue: Cactus Shadows is improved, but Paradise Valley is an elite team. The Trojans think they can win region, but a loss in a game like this would almost certainly derail that chance.

No. 3 Chaparral (4-0) at Apache Junction (4-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 2525 S Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction

Key matchup: Apache Junction hasn’t been challenged much at all through the air. Chaparral will change that.

Key stat: One. The number of overall losses the loser will have, but also the number of region losses in the highly competitive Desert Sky.

The intrigue: Is Apache Junction any closer to hanging with the big boys in the Desert Sky, or was the non-region success a mirage? The Prospectors have been looking forward to this game for weeks.

Canyon del Oro (3-1) at McClintock (3-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 1830 E. Del Rio Drive, Tempe

Key matchup: Canyon del Oro running backs Griffin Ronstadt and Kadeem Carey will lead the best ground game McClintock has seen this season.

Key stat: 3. The amount of losses Canyon del Oro has in its last 18 games, by a combined five points.

The intrigue: McClintock kept it close last season against a Canyon del Oro team that came two seconds away from the 4A-I state title. What does this year’s game have in store?

Arcadia (3-0) at Desert Edge (0-3)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 15778 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear

Key matchup: Desert Edge’s best offensive play is handing the ball to running back Maurice McInnis, who averaged nearly five yards a carry last year. Take away a 61-yard run and Arcadia’s defense has allowed rushers only 1.5 yards per carry the past two games.

Key stat: The Titans have outscored opponents 34-0 in the fourth quarter the last two weeks.

The intrigue: Arcadia has limited Desert Edge to fewer than 10 points each of the past three years. Will that trend continue?

Seton Catholic (4-0) at No. 1 Notre Dame (3-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Road

Key matchup: Notre Dame’s defense and Seton’s offense will both face their toughest tests to date. The Saints have allowed only 12 points all season while the Sentinels are averaging 397.5 yards and 29.3 points per game.

Key stat: Seton has won three of its games with fourth-quarter rallies.

The intrigue: Notre Dame won the first Bishop’s Bowl 28-14. Will this year’s meeting be as close?

Buckeye (1-3) at No. 2 Queen Creek (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek

Key matchup: Queen Creek’s powerful run game (263.3 yards per game) should be able to take advantage of a defense which is allowing an average of 199.3 rushing yards.

Key stat: The Bulldogs have already forced 12 turnovers.

The intrigue: Buckeye has already lost to two East Sky teams this season. Can Queen Creek complete the region sweep?

Kellis (1-2) at No. 5 Coronado (3-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 2501 N. 74th St., Scottsdale

Key matchup: Kellis has been completely overmatched the last two weeks and it doesn’t appear to have any answers for Coronado on either side of the ball.

Key stat: After beating Glendale 21-17 in its opener, Kellis has been outscored 86-0 over the past two games.

The intrigue: Can Coronado, which has allowed only 17 points all season, hand Kellis its third straight shutout?

Higley (1-2) at Coconino (0-3)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: Walkup Skydome, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff

Key matchup: Higley vs. itself. If the Knights can avoid silly mistakes, this game should be over by halftime.

Key stat: The Knights won last year’s meeting 61-0.

The intrigue: Higley’s passing game has slowly improved each week. The Knights have thrown for 51, 88 and 104 yards in their first three games, respectively. Is this the week their aerial attack has a breakout game?

Tempe (2-1) at Cortez (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 8828 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix

Key matchup: The key to stalling Cortez’s offense is stopping running back Charlie Shoemaker. He rushed for only 44 yards in the Colts’ loss but is averaging 228.5 yards in their victories.

Key stat: Shoemaker ran for 304 yards and five touchdowns on 18 carries last week.

The intrigue: Can the Buffaloes bounce back after being thumped by Tempe McClintock and improve to 2-0 on the road?

Williams Field (2-2) at No. 5 Round Valley (3-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 550 N. Butler St., Eagar

Key matchup: If Williams Field is to have any chance, it will have to shut down quarterback Hayden Eagar, who is second in the state in passing yards (1,272) and touchdowns (12).

Key stat: The Black Hawks are averaging 37.5 points in their victories, 9.5 in their losses.

The intrigue: With multiple starters injured, can Williams Field earn a moral victory by simply keeping the game competitive?

Perry (4-0) at Canyon State (2-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 20061 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek

Key matchup: Perry wants to run the ball (seven yards per carry this season) and Canyon State has been unable to contain outside rushers in its two losses (570 yards allowed).

Key stat: Perry is allowing eight points per game.

The intrigue: Can Perry keep the good times going in its first year of varsity football? This will be the first time the Pumas have to deal with the “look-ahead” factor with Williams Field next on the schedule.

2A

Tombstone (1-2) at Scottsdale Christian (3-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 14400 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix

Key matchup: Tombstone’s only hope is to run 9 or 10 guys within five yards of the line of scrimmage, gang tackle, and force Scottsdale Christian to throw the ball.

Key stat: The Eagles rushed for 429 yards in last year’s meeting.

The intrigue: Not much. Even shorthanded, as the Eagles are a bit in the backfield, they should have plenty of weapons to overpower the smaller Yellow Jackets.

Yuma Catholic (4-0) at Valley Christian (2-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: 6900 W. Galveston St., Chandler

Key matchup: No question: It’s Yuma quarterback Matt Inman vs. the Trojans defense. The senior record-setter rushed for 147 yards and threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-22 blowout of Valley Christian last season.

Key stat: Inman has 1,277 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in four games.

The intrigue: Plenty. Two teams with state championship aspirations and completely contrasting styles. Can Valley Christian grind yards and time off the clock to keep Yuma Catholic’s offense watching?

1A

Fort Thomas (3-1) vs. No. 4 Tempe Prep (4-0)

Time: 7 p.m.

Address: Valley Christian, 6900 W. Galveston St., Chandler

Key matchup: With both teams averaging more than 200 rushing yards per game, this contest will be decided by line play.

Key stat: Knights sophomore running back Tom McDonald had three touchdown runs of at least 56 yards last week.

The intrigue: This is Tempe Prep’s homecoming so the Knights will have to keep their emotions in check to continue their undefeated start.