Two of the top teams in the west valley meet Friday night in a key Division II, Section I showdown in Glendale. Ironwood (2-0) has ran all over its first two opponents, but faces a much tougher task this week as the 12th-ranked Eagles host the ninth-ranked Apollo Hawks (2-0).

Ironwood has rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in two games, but both of those wins were over struggling programs in Independence and St. Mary's. Jett Robinson rumbled for 268 yards and five TDs and Michael Alexander added 203 yards and three scores in last week's 62-37 rout of St. Mary's. The duo has combined for 752 yards rushing and 13 scores so far.

Apollo, meanwhile, is more balanced on offense. Junior quarterback Jordan Gungl has thrown for 429 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions in Apollo's wins over Peoria and South Mountain. The Hawks rushing attack has also combined for over 470 yards and seven touchdowns, including 166 yards and four scores from Nico Bayless.

With all the offense in the first two weeks, this game should be high scoring as both programs have posted 103 points in their first two contests of the year. Apollo crushed Ironwood last season, 49-7, in the first meeting between the teams. Kickoff Friday night is at 7pm.

Thomas Jenkins