The undefeated Combs Coyotes (2-0) host the Cholla Chargers (1-1) in a cross-region matchup that highlights contrasting offensive schemes. Combs has been one of the early-season surprises in 4A, operating a balanced pistol-spread attack. The Coyotes utilize an inside-zone foundation paired with quick-game passing concepts, allowing their quarterback to distribute the ball quickly to playmakers on bubble screens and slants. Defensively, Combs runs an active 4-3 over front, demanding that their interior tackles anchor against double-teams to keep their linebackers free to flow to the football.
Cholla travels north from Tucson with a physical, ground-and-pound identity. The Chargers rely on heavy sets, featuring multiple tight ends and fullbacks out of the I-formation. Cholla wants to shorten the game, utilizing power-lead, trap blocks, and off-tackle runs to impose their physical will. Defensively, Cholla lines up in a 4-4 stack alignment, keeping eight defenders near the line of scrimmage to shut down inside running lanes and dare opposing quarterbacks to beat them with deep throws outside the numbers.
Kickoff: Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 (7:00 PM MST)
Location: Combs High School (San Tan Valley, AZ)
Streaming: NFHS Network / AZPreps365
The Trench Warfare and Linebacker Discipline
Combs’ linebackers face a major test of eye discipline against Cholla’s downhill power runs. If the Coyotes’ second-level defenders get caught peeking at backfield misdirection instead of reading pulling guards, Cholla will break off massive gains on counter plays. Conversely, Cholla’s cornerbacks will be tested in one-on-one coverage on the outside. If Combs’ quarterback can deliver accurate passes against Cholla’s eight-man front, the Coyotes will force the Chargers out of their comfort zone and into predictable dropback passing situations.
Live Scoreboard & Results Update
| Quarter | Cholla (Away) | Combs (Home) |
| 1st | 6 | 7 |
| 2nd | 7 | 14 |
| 3rd | 0 | 10 |
| 4th | 8 | 7 |
| FINAL | 21 | 38 |
Scoring Summary:
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Q1: Cholla caps an 11-play drive with a 3-yard fullback dive (PAT failed, 6-0). Combs answers with an 18-yard RPO slant touchdown (PAT Good, 6-7).
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Q2: Combs extends the lead on a 34-yard corner-fade route (PAT Good, 6-14). Cholla responds with a 14-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 13-14). Combs executes a two-minute drill, scoring on a 12-yard scramble with 14 seconds left in the half (PAT Good, 13-21).
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Q3: Combs opens the second half with a 29-yard field goal (13-24) and capitalizes on a Cholla fumble with an 8-yard inside-zone touchdown (PAT Good, 13-31).
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Q4: Combs seals the win with a 22-yard sweep touchdown (PAT Good, 13-38). Cholla adds a late 6-yard touchdown run and converts the two-point try (21-38) as Combs improves to 3-0.
