Salpointe Catholic's Bijan Robinson on state title game: 'Trying to get a W'
Sophomore running back has scored 29 touchdowns this season. He'll face the biggest challenge of his high school career on Saturday.
Bijan Robinson, Salpointe Catholic to face Saguaro at Arizona Stadium
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Salpointe Catholic running back Bijan Robinson (5) celebrates with teammate Shamon Davis (40) following the Lancers' victory against Sunrise Mountain in the 4A state semifinal playoff football game on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Salpointe Catholic will face its toughest challenge of the year on Saturday, when it takes on powerhouse Scottsdale Saguaro at Arizona Stadium in the Class 4A state championship game. The Lancers' top offensive weapon is sophomore running back Bijan Robinson, who enters the noon game just short of 2,000 all-purpose yards this season. Robinson has rushed for 1,859 yards and 26 touchdowns this season while catching eight passes for 136 yards and three scores.
The Star talked to Robinson about the upcoming title game and what it will be like to play at Arizona Stadium for the first time in his career:
How does it feel to be in the state championship game as a sophomore?
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Salpointe Catholic running back Bijan Robinson (5) break into the secondary on a 61-yard touchdown run against Sunrise Mountain during the first half of their 4A state semifinal playoff football game on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
How does it feel to be in the state championship game as a sophomore?
A: “It feels good. Last year we had the chance to win, but the team we’re about to play ended our chance to win so you know it’s a good feeling playing them again and trying to get a W.”
What do you see from Scottsdale Saguaro that presents a challenge to your team?
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The Scottsdale Saguaro players stream onto the field after winning the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2016. Saguaro won the championship 42-14. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
What do you see from Scottsdale Saguaro that presents a challenge to your team?
A: “They’re a long team and we played a long team in Sunnyside earlier this season and it was tough to run on them, but if we keep executing our offense and our plays, we’ll be fine.”
What’s it like running behind offensive tackle Matteo Mele?
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“I think we’re a good team so I’m looking forward to a game and most likely getting a win,” said offensive lineman Matteo Mele about Salpointe Catholic’s opponent, Sunrise Mountain.
What’s it like running behind offensive tackle Matteo Mele?
A: “It’s challenging, but it’s so fun, because he’s such a big dude. The challenging part is that he’s so big, when I run behind him, I can’t really see anything, but it’s fun because he pancakes everybody that he touches.”
You grew up a USC fan and a Reggie Bush fan. How does your style resemble him?
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Reggie Bush and the Trojans ran over the Wildcats in a 42-21 win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2005. USC finished 12-1 that season.
You grew up a USC fan and a Reggie Bush fan. How does your style resemble him?
A: “I’m a big finesse player and our speed. And just how I use my power to get through people. I loved to see him embarrass people and that’s what I like to do to other people.”
Earlier this season, you hurdled over a defender in a game, is that the first time you’ve ever done that?
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Sophomore Bijan Robinson leads Salpointe into Saturday's Class 4A state title game.
Earlier this season, you hurdled over a defender in a game.
#SalpointeCatholic RB Bijan Robinson just hurdled over this poor #TucsonHigh defender. 😱😱😱Arizona needs to get this dude ASAP! pic.twitter.com/FzvPH6TXfb
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 9, 2017
Is that the first time you’ve ever done that?
A: “No. It was just the first time it kinda got out there. I just love it, putting people in those kind of traps.”
Did you ever go back and watch the replay of your hurdle over and over again?
UpdatedDid you ever go back and watch the replay of your hurdle over and over again? (Like this)
#SalpointeCatholic RB Bijan Robinson hurdles over a #TucsonHigh defender for a TD. 😱 pic.twitter.com/SqYTg205BP
— High School Sports (@HSTucson) September 9, 2017
A: “When I saw it, I had to look at it like six times like, ‘I just jumped over a man.’ It was crazy.”
Are you excited to play at Arizona Stadium?
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Are you excited to play at Arizona Stadium?
A: “It’s a little nerve-racking, because there’s going to be a lot of fans and it’s in the UA stadium so I’m expected to do some more things, but it’ll be fun.”
