Sabino first-year head coach Ryan McBrayer added a new chapter to the Sabercats’ rivalry with Sahuaro, leading his school to a 41-13 road victory over the Cougars on Friday night.
McBrayer, whose playing career at Sabino ended in 2006, led the Sabercats to their third straight win over Sahuaro. Sabino moves to 2-0, while Sahuaro starts the season 0-1.
McBrayer replaced former head coach Jay Campos, who led Sabino to 14 straight playoff appearances.
“It’s always a big one,” McBrayer said. “We just want to make sure that our east-side presence is felt. It was a statement game for us. These kids grew up together so they get excited for these things.”
Sabino gained a quick 21-0 lead and never relinquished to sour Sahuaro’s home opener.
Running back Isaiah Smotherman and receiver Luke Moran each scored a pair of touchdowns for the Sabercats, who used a balanced running and passing attack.
Sahuaro had the first scoring opportunity of the night, as the Cougars marched down inside the redzone midway through the first quarter.
Sabino stuffed Sahuaro at the 4-yard line before forcing a missed field goal attempt.
The Sabercats went on to dominate most of the first half.
On the ensuing drive, Sabino quarterback Alex Bell gave the Sabercats the lead when he held on to the ball for a 35-yard run into the end zone.
Another big run spurred Sabino’s next drive, when Bennett Nottingham ran for 30 yards down to Sahuaro’s 35-yard line. The Sabercats later scored and led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Sabino added on to its first-half lead on a 27-yard touchdown reception by Smotherton.
Sabino brought its full student section to the game, who donned all white to match the Sabercats’ road uniforms.
Up three scores midway through the second quarter, the Sabino students chanted “Why so quiet?” to a stunned home crowd.
Sahuaro managed to gain some momentum before the end of the half on a 20-yard touchdown reception by Trayvion White-Austin.
But the Sabercats did their damage early and led 21-7 at halftime.
Sabino added to the lead in the third quarter on a pair of touchdowns.
Smotherman pushed the margin to four scores on a 34-yard rush into the end zone.
Sabino then made it 35-7 on a 36-yard touchdown reception from Bell to Moran.
Sabino’s JJ Petty intercepted a pass midway through the fourth quarter to give the Sabercats the ball at Sahuaro’s 15-yard line, leading to a touchdown run by backup quarterback Diego Armijo.
Sahuaro’s Abrien Painter scored on a 10-yard reception in the game’s final minute.
