High school football previews highlight standout players and coaching changes

High school football preparations for the 2026 season highlight standout returning players in Arizona and District 6-3A.

In the 5A Sonoran region, Tucson High safety Ezra Spivey enters the season with 12 career interceptions and 139 total tackles. Other notable players include Ironwood Ridge safety Corbin Crosby, who led his team in tackles and tied for the district lead in interceptions, and Canyon del Oro’s Jayden Smith and Diego Torres, both recognized for their defensive and offensive contributions.

In District 6-3A, several programs are undergoing leadership changes with three new head coaches: Byron Wade at Glen Oaks, Demetric Rogers at Baker, and Claude Coleman at Helix Mentorship Academy. Key players to watch include Baker’s Orlando Scott, Glen Oaks’ running back Cardarieous Jackson, and Helix Mentorship Academy’s junior quarterback Taiji Thomas.