Star QBs set to meet in Class 3A football final between Snowflake, Yuma Catholic

Both have powerful offenses predicated on incredible quarterbacks. It's a classic matchup between the two best 3A players: Yuma Catholic QB Richard Stallworth against Snowflake QB Caden Cantrell.

What gives? Last year, Cantrell and the Lobos got the best of Yuma Catholic in the championship game, as Stallworth got knocked out with an injury.

Here's a breakdown of this year's 3A football final: Snowflake (12-1) vs. Yuma Catholic (12-1), Saturday, 6 p.m., at Gilbert Campo Verde

Yuma Catholic avenged its only loss this season in the semifinals against American Leadership Gilbert North. But can it avenge last year's championship loss to Snowflake?

Both teams are on long winning streaks. Snowflake has won 12 in a row since opening the season with a 38-24 loss at Valley Christian. The Lobos came out in the second half on a mission and dominated Valley Christian in last week's semifinal, outscoring the Trojans 41-0 and winning 44-10.

Cantrell can prove he's the best quarterback in 3A by outdueling Stallworth, who threw two more TD passes in the 31-26 semifinal win over ALA GN to extend his single-season state record to 67 TD passes. He has amassed 4,722 yards passing.

His counterpart has thrown for 2,528 yards and 37 TDs, including three in the second half against Valley Christian. He can take off with the ball, as well, although it was his arm, not his legs, that beat VC. He's also complemented by playmakers around him, including receiver Noah Baum (18 TD catches) and running back Camden Brimhall, who has rushed for 990 yards and has scored 18 TDs.

Both teams got this far not just because of potent offense. Their defense is just as strong. Yuma Catholic has posted eight shutouts, Snowflake has posted five. The Lobos have allowed just 30 points in three playoff games. Matthew Brimhall, who plays inside linebacker, has 136 tackles, 22.5 for losses. Defensive lineman Jacob Wagner has 20 tackles for losses for the Lobos.

Yuma Catholic unleashed seldom-used running back Devon Black against ALA GN, breaking out for 186 of his 344 rushing yards this season. But he won't be such a secret weapon now that Snowflake has seen him. Watch for Snowflake to take over the second half like it did against Valley Christian and prevail for the second year in a row.

Snowflake 35,