The Marcos de Niza Padres will host the Mesquite Wildcats in their homecoming game tonight.

The Padres (1-7, 0-3 region) have lost their past four games.  The Wildcats (5-3, 3-0 region) have won their past five games by a combined score of 237-40.

While Marcos de Niza is out of playoff contention, the Wildcats, who are averaging 35 points per game, are still in position to make a push. If both Mesquite and Saguaro win this week, the Desert Sky Region crown will likely be decided by their Week 11 matchup. 

“We’re looking forward to Friday night. We know it’s their homecoming,” Mesquite coach Chad Degrenier said. “We’re going to have to match their energy.”

Key Players for Marcos de Niza

Yakeen Baylis

The junior running back has been a huge weapon for the Padres all season. Baylis has 1,131 rushing yards and averages 141.4 yards per game. Those stats are both good for seventh in all of 4A, and one of three juniors in the top seven running backs. Baylis averages 6.4 yards a carry and continues to shine despite the rough season for the Padres. Keep an eye on Baylis. The type of game he has could determine the outcome of this game.

Torren Union

The senior wide receiver is one of the Padres’ best offensive weapons. He has played quarterback for his team through the first six games and also plays defense. Union averages 18.4 yards per reception and also has 331 yards rushing. Look for his impact on defense as well. Union has two interceptions, one forced fumble and 26 total tackles.

Key Players for Mesquite

Ty Thompson

The sophomore quarterback has shined for Mesquite this season. Thompson has 1,954 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. He is a huge reason Mesquite’s offense has been lighting up the scoreboard. He averages 244.3 yards per game and has a 127.6 QB rating. Expect this young quarterback to come out throwing the ball against the Padres’ defense that has given up 73 points in the two previous games.

Gavin Burke

Burke has been dominating for the Wildcats this year. He has 95 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and five sacks. Burke averages 11.9 tackles per game. The Wildcats' defense has been solid in the last five games with Burke being a big factor.

What to Watch For

Baylis vs. Thompson

Both of these offensive leaders look to lead their teams to victory on Friday. Thompson is coming off of a bye week. The week before he threw for 408 yards and seven touchdowns against Poston Butte. Baylis had a 113-yard performance against Poston Butte last week. Look for this game to be an offensive showdown between these two players.

“Our main thing is execution at a high level and that’s what we’ve struggled at,” Marcos de Niza coach Eric Lauer said. “It’s just maintaining and continuing that high level of play, which we look to do this week.”