This Friday night I was on a sideline in California.
I graduated from Murrieta Mesa high school in 2017.
In 2016, I was on the varsity baseball team when we won our first state championship in any sport. It was Division 1 in the CIF Southern Section, one of the top baseball sections in the country.
On Friday night, our team was honored with a hall of fame nod in the inaugural class. I got to be there to soak it all in during their football game tonight.
Friday night looked a little different for me tonight.
Was inducted into the Murrieta Mesa hall of fame as part of the 2016 baseball team that won the school’s first ever championship. pic.twitter.com/P8YlN4oMHm
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) October 4, 2025
One of the individuals inducted was Gio Sanders. If you know ASU football, you recognize the name. The former Sun Devil receiver is currently coaching at AZ Compass Prep.
Since that was my night, I’m going to keep the rest of this pretty short and to the point.
Transfers Unleashed
Week 6 across Arizona high school football means that all transfer players are unleashed.
On Thursday, that led to fireworks. Our Fiesta Bowl High School Showdown on CW7 Arizona featured North Canyon and Maryvale.
In year one under Mark and Marcus Carter, nine transfers became eligible to play and all of them made an immediate impact. The Panthers went from a 13 personnel offense to a spread with firepower all over the field.
Sophomore quarterback Messan Alokpovi is a baller. He is going to become one of the top signal callers in the state. His brother, Julien, is remarkable out wide and they have a powerful connection.
The star of the night was Miles Woods. He had two trips to paydirt on offense, a pick six, and so many long punt and kick returns.
The @Fiesta_Bowl belt winner last night balled out in all 3 phases for @TheRealMHSFB @m1leswoods_ is someone everyone needs to have on their radar… pic.twitter.com/nsYVaC2A0D
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) October 3, 2025
Watch out for the Panthers. Youth is prevalent, but they have the firepower to get into the 4A playoffs.
Also Thursday, McClintock stops a skid with a 72-0 statement game over Paradise Valley. Transfer Aidan Whitaker played a large roll. Nick Offenberger is building the blocks in year one…
On Friday night, Mesa unleashed its four new transfers from Bishop Montgomery in California. Junior quarterback Kane “Boogie” Anetema, his brother and junior wide receiver Kingston Anetema, and two cousins in sophomore linebacker Kainalu Skipps and senior tight end Caleb Tafua all played in the school’s 700th win in program history.
A 23-14 victory over Salpointe Catholic shows this team will be dangerous down the stretch…
Notable scores
Peoria 36 – St. Mary’s 35
Higley 24 – Saguaro 17
Desert Edge 29 – Canyon View 21
Milenium 45 – Verrado 38
Centennial 35 – Sandra Day O’Connor 7
The post Friday Night Notebook: Coming from a different angle first appeared on Sports360AZ.
