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 4A Preseason Top 10
1. Oro Valley Canyon del Oro
This might be the best CdO team since coach Dusty Peace unleashed running back Ka'Deem Carey in 2009 to a 14-0 record and a 4A-I state title in 2009.
2. Snowflake
Deep and big in the trenches, the Lobos have the skill players for coach Kay Solomon to get them back to the title game, and finishing business.
3. Phoenix Northwest Christian
This is coach David Inness' best team since the Crusaders were moved up from 3A in 2020.
4. Yuma Catholic
The Shamrocks have to replace state-record breaking quarterback Richard Stallworth, but coach Rhett Stallworth, Richard's father, isn't worried about the offense still producing TDs behind sophomore QB Nash Ott.
5. Chandler Arizona College Prep
With the Big 3 of edge rusher Cayden Gibson, quarterback Jaxon Castro and wide receiver Jake Busot, Knights coach Myron Blueford knows this is the year the program makes big-time moves to the top.
6. Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain
With game changer and Arizona State James Giggey such a force on both sides of the ball, coach Bob Young likes his team's title hunt chances.
7. Gilbert Mesquite
With nine starters back on both sides of the ball, the Wildcats are back into title contention and in a conference they know how to win.
8. Phoenix Arcadia
Coach Ray Brown will unleash one of the best offenses in 4A, behind junior QB Braylen Rooney with safety Carter Pruitt moving to tight end and dynamic slot receiver Brady Forst adjusting to running back.
9. Sahuarita Walden Grove
They're in the same region as Canyon del Oro, so getting through a gauntlet second-half of the season should lead to a playoff berth with enough talent coming back from an 8-2 team motivated after not making the postseason.
10. Tucson Mica Mountain
This is the third year playing varsity football, the year coach Pat Nugent takes it to the next level, the playoffs. Going 5-0 and winning the Kino Region and not qualifying for the playoffs last year didn't sit well with this young team, which is highly motivated.
WHO'S NO. 1? THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC'S HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 4A PRESEASON TOP 10 TEAMS
