Arizona HS Week 4 football Game of Week: Top Liberty, Pinnacle players to see
As the Arizona high school football season builds early momentum, it's time to look at a regular Open team and a team that wants to get there in The Republic's Game of Week.
Peoria Liberty and Phoenix Pinnacle both are coming off of blowout wins to open their high school football seasons. It's become expected every year now that Liberty will be an Open Division playoff team. Pinnacle is trying to get to that level.
Let's look at the top players to see Friday when the 6A teams meet at Liberty.
Liberty Lions (1-0)
Navi Bruzon, QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.
A dual-threat quarterback who is able to make throws on the runs. Great at reading defenses. Poised in the pocket, and can extend plays with his legs.
My'Keil Gardner, DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.
He has committed to Oregon. Tough, fast, athletic, punishing defensive lineman who can quickly change the game the way he gets into the backfield to make plays.
Dom Ochoa, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.
He played quarterback last year and made the switch to defense, where he helps stabilize a strong and senior-laden secondary. He's like a quarterback on defense.
Zach Wallace, RB, 5-8, 190, Sr.
He has been starting since his sophomore year, helping the Lions reach the Open semifinals the last two year. Tough runner between the tackles who has the breakaway outside speed.
Grant Brunelle, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.
Reliable hands, disciplined route runner and can break tackles after catch. Big go-to weapon for Bruzon.
Ryan Wolfer, OL, 6-5, 250, Jr.
He should give the offensive line a boost with his improved footwork and strength after playing a significant role on last year's Open semifinal team.
Layton Vining, OL, 6-3, 265
This center might very well be the heart and soul of the offense, and maybe the team, for that matter. Great leader in the weight room, on the field and in the classroom. Non-stop work ethic.
Keaton Stam, LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.
He's the younger brother of All-Arizona safety Jax Stam, who is now a freshman at the University of Arizona. He had 42 tackles as a sophomore and intercepted a pass against Chandler in the Open semifinals.
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Pinnacle Pioneers (1-0)
Duce Robinson, TE/WR, 6-6, 235, Sr.
He's a two-sport All-American (football and baseball), with Major League Baseball and NFL potential. The Republic's No. 1 2023 football prospect, he is a freak athlete who can catch passes deep and in the red zone. So tough to match up against. He caught a 51-yard TD pass on the first play of his senior season in a 43-6 win at El Camino in Oceanside.
Jack Franklin, DE, 6-4, 200, Jr.
He is fast off the edge, and never lets up on a play. Quickness allows to get around big offensive tackles to make stops in the backfield.
Myles Libman, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.
A talented big-play receiver who makes plays after catches.
Wyatt Horton, QB, 5-10, 160, So.
He made his first varsity start last week and threw a 51-yard TD pass to Duce Robinson on the first play. He also threw a second TD pass to Robinson and found Myles Libman for a score, along with running for two TDs.
Jacobie Rucker, RB, 5-8, 215, Sr.
He's a rugged, between-the-tackles, downhill runner with good speed. Will sometimes be used as the wildcat quarterback in short yardage near the goal line.
Elijah Paige, OL, 6-6, 285, Sr.
One of the best offensive linemen in the nation, he has committed to Notre Dame. Athletic, strong tackle with great balance. Plays basketball.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona HS Week 4 Game of Week: Top Liberty, Pinnacle players to see
