Ranked clashes stand out among Week 5 matchups

No. 9 Thatcher (3-1) at No. 12 Pusch Ridge Christian (4-1)

Location: 9500 N. Oracle Road

Notable: Two of 3A’s top teams and rivals meet for yet another ranked clash. The Eagles and Lions have met eight times since 2020, including playoff battles in 2021 and 2022. Thatcher has won five of the eight games across the decade, including both playoff games and last year’s Week 6 meeting, 28-14.

No. 15 Marana (2-2) at No. 17 Sierra Vista Buena (2-2)

Location: 5225 E. Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista

Notable: Two 5A playoff teams from 2025, Buena and Marana, meet for the ninth time on Friday in Sierra Vista. The Tigers have won the last four meetings and look to be trending in the right direction after wins over No. 14 Yuma Catholic and Canyon del Oro. Buena has lost two straight to No. 2 ALA - Gilbert North (4-0) and No. 18 Tucson (3-1).