Phoenix, AZ

Clear, 82°

Full forecast

Daily Independent Apache Junction / Gold Canyon Cave Creek / Carefree Chandler Fountain Hills Gilbert Glendale Litchfield Park / Goodyear Mesa Paradise Valley Peoria Phoenix Queen Creek Scottsdale Sun City Sun City West Surprise Tempe

Log in

NORTH VALLEY PREPS

2026 Preps football preview: Pinnacle

Pioneers to lean on defense as young offense finds its footing

Pinnacle linemen getting work in during summer practices. (Independent Newsmedia/Brittany Bowyer)

Pinnacle linemen getting work in during summer practices. (Independent Newsmedia/Brittany Bowyer)

PHOENIX — The pain and heartbreak from last year’s disappointing football playoff exit hasn’t been forgotten at Pinnacle.

After watching a promising year end sooner than expected, the Pioneers have been using the disappointment as motivation, rather than just dwelling on it. Every workout and practice has been fueled by their desire to come back stronger than they were before.

However, the Pioneers know it’s going to be an uphill battle for them this season, specifically for the offense.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

The latest edition of the Phoenix Independent

View this issue

Browse other issues

Latest Opinions

Rep. David Livingston’s record: Conservative or extreme?

OPINION — David Livingston entered the Arizona Legislature as a conservative voice. Fourteen years later, his record has moved beyond traditional conservatism toward extremism. His …

Why I’m not voting Andy Biggs for governor

OPINION — As a Sun City resident, I am always happy to walk and drive through my neighborhood and see lots of solar panels and a growing number of hybrid cars and electric cars. ... …

Finding a home is only half the dream

OPINION — Long before a home is permitted or built, someone has imagined a life inside it. Sometimes that dream arrives at 28. Sometimes at 68. It may mean a first set of keys, a …

10 things I’m not thanking Rep. Hamadeh for right now

OPINION — In response to the recent letter thanking Abe Hamadeh for his support of the One Big Beautiful Bill, I’m not thanking him for these 10 things:

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family …

Most recent

Metropolitan Division foes meet when Philadelphia hosts Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes face the Philadelphia Flyers in a matchup within the Metropolitan Division Saturday.

Nashville plays Dallas in Central Division action

Avalanche take on the Blues following MacKinnon's 2-goal performance

Capitals take on the Lightning following Tuch's 2-goal game

Detroit and Winnipeg take the ice for out-of-conference matchup

Boston visits Minnesota after shootout victory