The Scottsdale Chaparral Firebirds head south to Tempe to meet the Marcos de Niza Padres Friday night in a matchup of Division II power houses. The Firebirds are currently ranked second in D-II and fifth overall in the state by Maxpreps. The Padres are fourth in the division and 17th in the state.

Chaparral cruised past rival Scottsdale Saguaro in its season opener last Friday, 52-27. Elijah Castro rushed for 195 yards and four touchdowns, while Sean Paul Brophy threw for 252 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the victory.

Marcos is coming off a thrilling 56-53 win at Horizon last week.

The teams met twice last season with the Padres coming out on top both times. Marcos won 29-27 in the second week of the season before knocking off Chaparral 49-36 in the second round of the playoffs.

Kickoff Friday is at 7pm.

Thomas Jenkins