The implementation of the Power Point system three years ago for Class 4A and 5A schools may still allow some schools to recover from some early defeats, but only if their schedule is filled with teams that are winning. And you still have to generally win more than you lose to qualify for the postseason, though there have been a few exceptions.

So here is a breakdown of who has made an impact, and who we have begun to question.

Class 5A-Division I
The Contenders

Brophy Prep – the Broncos finally broke through last season and captured their first 5A title in football, stunning defending champ Hamilton with a last-minute touchdown drive. Brophy already suffered a loss in its first three games, but last year’s experience will help them as the postseason approaches. Quarterback Bryan Berens, who started the second half of the 2005 season and threw the winning TD pass in last year’s title game, holds one key. Receiver Chase Taylor provides a favorite target, but the other key is whether Brophy has a rushing game to keep opponents honest.

Chandler – The Wolves are another reason why the power base of prep football has begun to shift toward this East Valley city. The Wolves have been better known as a girls’ basketball powerhouse in the late 1990s, and have always had state-caliber state track teams. Football may have finally caught up. Quarterback Kyle Hess gives the Wolves a solid leader who can dictate change in a game. Running back Steven Jackson, if he stays healthy, is a tear. The team’s biggest player may also be its best. Cameron Jordan, at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, has got the size. And – most notably – he’s got the pedigree to play big-time football; his father, Steve, was a six-time Pro Bowler as a tight end with the Minnesota Vikings.

Mountain View – There is no postseason without the Toros. Plain and simple. It’s just the way things are. One of the biggest schools in 5A, Mountain View is making opponents see double this season with twins Ridge (running back) and Riley (quarterback) Nielsen. They also have a receiver named Greg Heap, the younger brother of Todd, who is starting with the NFL Baltimore Ravens.

Gilbert – Coach Jesse Parker ruled 5A when he coached at Mountain View, and now he looks to do the same in his third year at Gilbert. Receiver Kyle Newhall-Caballero had already passed for nearly 1,000 yards after just three games. The Tigers also can run thanks to Joe Zakhar, but defense wins championships, and Parker can count on defensive end David Woods and safety Bryan McDaniel.

Tucson Salpointe – can’t forget what is going on downstate. The Lancers possess a Division I stud in 6- foot-4, 300-pound senior lineman Kris O'Dowd. But it doesn’t stop there. Quarterback Mark Fritz has an arm to find receiver Matt Ransom and tight end Mark Schneider.

Class 5A-Division I
The Pretenders

St. Mary’s – although the Knights opened at 3-0, their opponents were a collective 3-6. The loss of quarterback Phillip Losada to a knee injury during the summer will show up against Desert Valley Region foes. Mountain Ridge – The coaching transition from Steve Belles to former defensive coordinator Bobby Green may have gone well, but the Mountain Lion opened the season with three straight losses. Mountain Pointe – the defending Central Region champs have a new coach, Phil Abbadessa, and a solid defense led by linebacker Chris Allbright. But the Pride will have trouble matching up with Corona del Sol and Basha in region clashes. Dobson – Though one of the larger 5A schools, the Mustangs can’t seem to use their numbers to their advantage in football. Backs Scott Knelsel and Kadeem Holoman make them interesting to watch.

Centennial – The Coyotes opened at 3-0 and don’t appear to be stopping. Quarterback Scott Burgett has a bevy of talented receivers, including Shawn Reed and Alston Umuolo, plus back Jeffrey Hughes. Lineman Tom Ramsey paces the defense.

North Canyon – the defending 5A-II state champs lost some valuable players to graduation, but expect the Rattlers to make noise again in the postseason led by seniors Brandon Harris, Brady Shinek and John Mahr.

Sunnyside – With 10 of its 16 starters back on defense, the Blue Devils gave up just two field goals in its first three games. Sunnyside also benefits from playing in the same region with Salpointe. Keep an eye on running backs Javon Stevenson and Sammy Olivas behind quarterback Jared Hiller.

Marcos de Niza – The Padres jumped out to a surprising 3-0 start. Last year they made the playoffs despite finishing 3-7 overall. The reason? They play mostly 5A-DI schools as a member of the Central Region. Harrison Evans literally runs the offense, but quarterback David Viel provides a passing balance. Defense will determine its future thanks to eight returning starters led by Shaun Deisler.

Ironwood – Five Division I prospects should carry the Eagles far. Defensive end William Yancy is ranked the fourth best senior prospect by rivals.com. The others to watch include receivers Eric Hagg and Leonard Jackson, and kicker Alex Zendejas.

Class 5A-Division II
The Pretenders

Class 4A-Division I
The Contenders

Scottsdale Chaparral – The Firebirds seem destined to end up playing at the Cardinals’ new digs in Glendale. Running back Ross Kamela already had nearly 500 yards gained after just three games, while quarterback Casey Lytle had 12 TD passes, including six to Vince Coleman.

Agua Fria – An already talented Owls squad only got richer during the off-season when they inherited Sweden exchange student J.P. Lanefores, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive end. Quarterback Mitch Wolfe threw for nearly 1,500 yards last year with 15 TDs. Running back/defensive end Everson Griffen went from a virtual unknown to a top-10 recruit in the nation over the summer.

Tucson Sabino – The Sabercats return two players from last year's state runner-up team, but will be the biggest threat from the south. Running back Justin Randall and quarterback Chris Lundgren run the show.

Scottsdale Saguaro – The Sabercats have a stingy defense led by Max Talbach, who had four interceptions to start the season, plus linemen John Sobczuk, Chris Merrill, Derek Bisgard and Corey Adams. Offensively, quarterback T.J. Rauch and
receiver Shane Anderson are an effective duo.

Class 4A-Division I
The Pretenders

Millenium – the loss of 28 seniors to graduation last year may be too much to ask the Tigers to overcome.

Moon Valley– Linebacker Matt Arthur is back after a knee injury sidelined him for his junior year, but will he and quarterback Joe Pierses be enough?
 
Tempe McClintock – The Chargers always seem to find talent, but they may not have enough at the skill positions to go very far.

 
Class 4A-Division II
The Contenders

Buckeye – the Hawks returns 13 starters and 10 players with experience on defense led by Clint Gladden, who had 17 sacks last year. 

Prescott Bradshaw Mountain – quarterback Kegan Chilton and running back Levi Moore are part of the reason Bradshaw Mountain wants to make it back to the playoffs despite the graduation of 2,200-yard rusher Adam Beauchamp.

Cottonwood Mingus – The Marauders lost in the championship game last season to Tucson Palo Verde and vow to return with quarterback Brian Libby, linebacker Travis Wokasch and fullback John Miskiel.

Arcadia – the Titans expect to make it back to the state semifinals, nd maybe even beyond this time. Running back Chip Sivak had averaged nearly 100 yards in the first three games.

Cactus Shadows – quarterback Phillip Aholt may be the only reason for the Falcons to reach the postseason and , beyond, but he’s a good one. He had already thrown 10 TD passes for 755 yards after only three games.

Tucson Palo Verde – the defending state champs have a major rebuilding job.

Glendale – an 0-3 start is not a good sign even with players like quarterback Michael Chavez and tight end/defensive lineman Craig Lacey.

Higley – a population boom in Gilbert has prompted a rise at Higley, but the Knights may not be ready for prime time just yet despite lineman Tank Ethington and quarterback Kenny Guthrie.