Top 5 storylines for the Arizona high school Liberty-Saguaro football showdown

This is the start of crucial football games Peoria Liberty will play. It starts at Saguaro on Friday. Here are the five biggest storylines for The Arizona Republic's Game of the Week.

1. Saguaro QB Devon Dampier against Liberty's defense

Shifty senior Devon Dampier has been almost all of Saguaro's offense through the first four games. He jump-started the Sabercats' 14-0 start against Chandler, before the Wolves began to slow him down and Dampier was in chase mode in the 31-21 loss.

Liberty's defense is fast and physical and will want to make an early statement. They feast off of turnovers and have a strong front line, great linebackers and a top-notch secondary that has not let up on the throttle. That first team D has yet to give up a point. But it might make more than one spy to contain Dampier, who will make tacklers miss.

Related: 5 takeaways from Chandler's comeback win over Saguaro

2. Liberty QB Navi Bruzon's incredible efficiency

Now we know why coach Colin Thomas went against the two-QB system and decided to make junior Bruzon his guy running the offense. This kid doesn't miss targets.

He doesn't have Dampier's quickness and elusiveness but he's got good enough wheels to extend plays to give talented receivers a chance to make a play on a pass. He is completing 71% of his passes in the 3-0 start with nine touchdowns and no interceptions.

3. Saguaro's strong secondary seizing moment

Saguaro has one of the best secondaries in the state, led by sophomore Dajon Hinton and Cole Shivers. Liberty's passing game could get a little derailed if there is pressure up front.

Liberty receiver Prince Zombo has been a revelation, averaging 25.6 yards on 13 catches. But he'll have his greatest challenge on Friday.

4. Getting somebody other than Dampier going

Dampier is living up to his end. But how long can coach Jason Mohns just let him create on his own in the backfield?

Dampier is a good enough passer to keep defenses honest. But he's special when a play breaks down and he uses his legs to make something happen. He can't keep doing this all season. The Cats need more production out of tailback Jaedon Matthews with the offensive line establishing itself as a team that can pound the rock on a consistent basis.

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5. Liberty has a chance to make a big-time statement

This is what Liberty has wanted, a chance to make a big statement across the state, if the first three games weren't enough.

Don't expect the Lions to roll up 50 points again, but they're the real deal. Defending Open Division state champion Saguaro will find that out. Liberty has got No. 2-ranked Chandler Basha after this, so these next two weeks are the biggest in the Lions' history in letting everyone know they've got a legit chance at the gold Open ball.

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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