It's often said that family comes first, but football may take exception tonight in Queen Creek.

It's another big week on the gridiron, especially in the East Valley Region, where the top four teams boast a combined record of 25-3.

Two of those clubs gather tonight for a crucial showdown with Open ranking implications, as No. 9 Highland (6-1, 1-1) travels down to No. 7 American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek (6-1, 0-1). Both teams sole loss came to undefeated Red Mountain. Both schools also qualified for last year's Open playoffs with every intention of returning.

It's an important game with big stakes.

It's also one the Brown family has looked forward to since early summer, specifically ALA-Queen Creek's Brandon Brown and Highland receiver Max Brown, who are cousins and close friends.

"This game's meant a lot to me since I found out we were playing week eight, and I had to circle it on my calendar," Max Brown said of tonight's contest. "It's a big game and we're both 6-1, it's important for Open rankings, and we all know a lot of each other, so there's a lot of energy going into Friday night, almost like a playoff game."

Brandon echoes Max's enthusiasm for tonight's game. "I'm super excited I think it's going to be an awesome game, (Highland's) a good team."

Brown & Brown Offense

Brandon is a senior who figured to play a big role in the Patriots rushing attack. He got meaningful playing time last season, rushing for nearly 400 yards while averaging four yards per carry and two touchdowns. He also saw action in last year's game against Highland, which the Hawks won 21-11, while holding ALA-QC to 76 total rushing yards. The Patriots offense has seen more consistent success running the ball this year, and Brown has been the catalyst. At 6-0, 200 pounds, Brown uses his power and speed to  average 90 yards per game. Junior Bobby Nesbit has provided another critical role the Patriots rugged ground attack, averaging nearly 65 yards per contest. Brown (635 yards) and Nesbit (435) have combined for 1,070 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, making for a powerful running back duo. Behind ALA-QC's experienced offensive line, the Patriots will try and control Highland with its strong ground game.

ALA-Queen Creek's Brandon Brown rushed for 182 yards against Mountain Pointe in week six. (Photo by Cumorah McOmber)

"Brandon runs with great power and he's not afraid of physical contact," ALA-QC coach Rich Edwards said after Brown ran for 182 yards against Mountain Pointe two weeks ago. "He's a smart runner with great instincts."

Max Brown is a 6-0, 170 pound junior whose success as a receiver this year might not have been as predictable. A terrific all-around athlete, Brown played on the junior varsity last season before being pulled up to varsity at the end of the year. Highland lost most of its top receivers last season to graduation, but when leading receiver and then junior Greg Toler Jr. transferred out of state, it left a huge void at the position. 

The Hawks prefer to use their quintessential ground attack primarily before spreading the passing game amongst a flock of receivers, but Brown's impact as a junior was immediate. In week one against Shadow Ridge, Brown hauled in a 57-yard touchdown pass, helping Highland to a 35-0 win. The next week against Centennial, Brown made a spectacular, 16-yard tip-toe touchdown catch at the end of the third quarter to tie the score. Highland went on to win 24-17. Brown, who also plays basketball and baseball, leads Highland receivers in touchdowns. He also returns kickoffs and has played considerable time on defense depending on injuries. "Max has always been a good athlete, but coming in as a junior, I tried to keep my own expectations down," Max's father Ben Brown said two weeks ago. "We're just dang proud of him."

Highland junior Max Brown (84) scores on a 57-yard touchdown reception in week one against Shadow Ridge. (Photo by Corey Cross)Cousin Brandon isn't suprised by Max's success as a junior. "I don't think people knew he was going to have this kind of a year, and I know it's kind of a shock. But for me personally, I knew all of the hard work he was putting in, so I expected him to have kind of a breakout year."

Football and BIG Family

It was that same ALA-QC--Mountain Pointe game two weeks back where the Ben Brown was on hand to watch his nephew brandon. Highland had played the previous night at Red Mountain, so the family took advantage. "We have to support Brandon when we can. He's a stud running back...it's going to be fun when (Highland) plays ALA." 

Max isn't the only cousin Brandon has to deal with tonight. Highland defensive end Logan Bonham is Brandon's first cousin on his mother's side. Playing defensive end means Logan will have his share of opportunites to reconnect with his running back cousin. 

"From Mesa down through Gilbert to Queen Creek, it seems like we're all related somehow," Brandon's father Gus said tongue-in-cheek.

Tonight's game specifically will make quite a reunion for the Browns, who might need their own section, depending on who is rooting for who. Fathers Ben and Gus Brown have six other brothers. All grew up in Mesa and/or Gilbert, with athletes running all over the family. A majority of Brandon and Max's cousins went through Highland. The most decorated thus far--Devin Brown--who is now a quarterback at Ohio State, was a standout at Queen Creek High before moving to Utah (Corner Canyon) his senior year.

"We just wished he played closer," Brandon said half-jokingly earlier this week while spending some rare in-season time with Max. "On one hand, how does anyone turn down Ohio State, it's incredible what he's done. But man it's a long way."

For tonight, the Brown family will have all-eyes on Queen Creek instead of Columbus, Ohio. But once the game starts, all the warm-and-fuzzies may dissipate, as the nerves of an important football game will absorb for relatives--especially the mothers. Like most fans all they can do is watch and hope. For the players and coaches, it becomes a physical brawl and chess match altogether, with no time for worry. The winner likely stays in the thick of the eight team Open playoff race. The loser on the outside looking in. 

Don't forget family bragging rights.

"Max and I have been training a lot together in the offseason," Brandon said. "We've built up a competitive friendship. We're excited to get after it Friday, but hopefully (ALA) can win so I hang that on him."