High school football is just beginning in large parts of the country, but in Arizona, it’s already Week 4.
This Friday, Notre Dame Prep will host Apollo in a matchup of two 2017 playoff teams from Arizona conference 5A.
The game will be broadcast live on YurView Arizona for Cox Communications customers and will also stream live on Yurview.com.
Building another streak
Notre Dame won 13 consecutive games last season before falling in the state championship matchup to Centennial. Losing a title after an undefeated season is always a bitter pill to swallow, and Notre Dame appears out for vengeance.
Or maybe another streak with a trophy at the end will suffice? Despite losing all but 3 offensive starters from last season and all 13 of their leading tacklers on the defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame has won its first three games with an 23-point average margin of victory. Notre Dame defeated Gilbert, 47-0, in Week 3.
Football: Notre Dame Prep blanks Gilbert, 47-0 #azpreps365 #azhs https://t.co/lyrsXiQrQi
— AZPreps365 (@AZPreps365) September 1, 2018
After a losing record in 2016, Apollo rebounded with eight victories last season. Looking to build upon that success, Apollo is off to a bit of a tough start at 1-2. In Week 3, they lost a home non-conference game to Maricopa, 27-20.
Players to Watch
WR Jake Smith – Notre Dame
A 4-star prospect, Smith is the No. 2 Arizona recruit and the No. 17 wide receiver in the 2019 class. He’s also a top 100 recruit overall in the class according to 247Sports.
Smith committed to Texas in June.
I am 110% Committed to The University of Texas🤘🏼 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/NqYgJdXtdf
— Jake Smith (@jakesmith27) June 4, 2018
QB Jake Farrell & WR Zack Gray – Notre Dame
The 6’5″ Farrell stepped into the starting role for the first time this season and has put up big numbers so far, already throwing for 12 TD’s.
It hasn’t just been Smith on the receiving end; the 6’4″ Gray’s been a frequent target as well. He had 2 TD’s in the win over Gilbert.
.@jake_farrell12 hits Zack Gray for his 5th td of the night. @NDP_Football leads 40-0. Everyone been involved offensively for the Saints. Farrell been throwing dimes all night. @AZPreps365 pic.twitter.com/DT2gpWy3ry
— James Mello (@JamesMelloRadio) September 1, 2018
OT Cade Bennett – Notre Dame
Bennett is only a junior, but he’s reportedly already received offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Purdue, Iowa State, Syracuse and more. In the 2020 class, he’s the 15th-best Arizona prospect according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
It’s scary to think he’s just a little more than halfway through high school and still stands at 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds.
Blessed and Humbled by all the teams showing me love today! pic.twitter.com/XFuLgtvXsI
— Cade 6️⃣0️⃣ (@cadealanbennett) September 1, 2018
RB Ali Mohamed – Apollo
The senior ran for more than 1,530 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, last season. Picking up where he left off, Mohamed ran for 386 yards in the first two weeks combined. He’s far and away the Apollo leader in all-purpose yards.
If Apollo is going to pull off the upset, Mohamed is probably going to have to turn in a huge day.
How to Watch
Watch Apollo vs Notre Dame at 7:00pm PT on September 7 on Yurview Arizona for Cox Communications customers or live on YurView.com.
