Centennial, O’Connor meet in battle of 4-1 teams

Peoria Centennial is making this its redemption season, while Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor has surprised many in the first half of the Arizona high school football season.

The 4-1 teams meet Friday night at O’Connor in The Arizona Republic’s high school Game of the Week.

Here are five storylines to follow:

O’Connor containing RB Kavaughn Clark

After a difficult junior season plagued by injuries that slowed him down, Centennial

running back Kavaughn Clark is back in full beast mode, so the Eagles know they can’t let him go off for big play. If they can hold him down to minimal damage, the Eagles should take control of this game.

Centennial’s defense stepping up

They’re bigger, stronger, faster, tougher, and more determined not to get walked all over again like last year. That’s been the driving force of the Coyotes’ defense, which got a big boost when tight end Noah Carter moved over to the defensive side. He’s delivered with 7.5 sacks in five games.

O’Connor still waiting to play a complete game

O’Connor stunned many by beating Red Mountain early in the season. But the Eagles still have yet to play a complete game. They’re good for one half but seem to struggle in the other half. If they were ever to put a complete game together, the time is now. They may need to in order to beat Centennial.

The Eagles must soar in the air

If the O’Connor Eagles aren’t able to get the passing game going, it could be a long night, because Centennial is so tough against the run. Cooper King has only thrown 72 passes in five games, completing 45 and throwing just four TD passes. He’s got a good receiver in Ben Currence, who has caught 24 passes for 316 yards.

The coaching showdown

SDO coach Brian Cole and Centennial coach Richard Taylor last went head-tohead in a game in the 2005 5A state championship game. Cole’s North Canyon team got the better of Taylor’s Centennial team to complete a 14-0 season. But Centennial then won the next three state championships. These are two of the best and most-respected coaches in Arizona. And nobody will give the other an inch.