As the Arizona high school football season approaches its close, the Star looks back at the best of last week while charging ahead toward what we might be able to expect from teams calling Tucson and surrounding communities home as they take part in state semifinals and championship games this Friday and Saturday.
Team of the week
They say it’s hard to beat a team twice in the same season. Nobody told Sabino.
Sabino upset No. 1 No. 1 Bullhead City Mohave in the Class 3A semifinals, 30-16 — the Sabercats’ second win over the Thunderbirds (11-2) in four weeks.
Sabino senior quarterback Cameron Hackworth passed for 209 yards and one score with one interception, completing 17 of 23 attempts.
Hackworth is at 8,681 passing yards, according to AllSportsTucson.com — just behind Catalina Foothills alum Rhett Rodriguez’s 8,694 for the Southern Arizona record.
Sabino, winner of three 4A state championships, goes for its first 3A title on Saturday.
Mica Mountain's Jonah Garcia (13) gets just free enough to haul in a the catch in the arms of Northwest Christian's Devon Helmer (15) in the fourth quarter of the state 4A playoffs quarterfinals at Mica Mountain High School, Tucson, Ariz., November 18, 2023. Garcia dragged Helmer along for about 20 yards after the catch to score.
Stat book
Another week, another stat-stuffing week for CDO senior Kayden Luke. He ran for 235 yards and two scores on 45 carries in the Dorados’ 33-27, four-overtime win over Chandler Arizona College Prep in the 4A quaterfinals.
Mica Mountain senior receiver Jonah Garcia had six catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 win over Phoenix Northwest Christian in the 4A quarterfinals on Friday.
Salpointe Catholic junior Thomas Regina had 10 solo tackles, 1 assist and one sack in the Lancers’ 35-25 win over Gilbert Williams Field in the 6A quarterfinals last week.
Recruiting trail
Salpointe hosts Scottsdale Saguaro in the 6A semifinals. Senior running back Jaedon Matthews, who ran for 191 yards in the quarterfinals, leads the way for the Sabercats. Matthews is a three-star recruit that committed to Georgia Tech over the likes of UA, ASU, Duke and Colorado.
Next level
Salpointe alum and former Texas star Bijan Robinson went to the Lancers’ playoff game and the UA’s date with Utah last week as the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons had a bye.
Quotable
“We’re excited,” CDO head coach head coach Dustin Peace said about playing Mica Mountain in the 4A semifinals to AllSportsTucson.com. “I don’t think we played our best game against Mica that week. We know our backs are against the wall, and they’re going to come out and fight, but we’re excited for that matchup. What a fun storyline and all that other number. That means a Tucson team will be in the state championship. Our group has been very, very hungry for three years, and we have an opportunity.”
The Dorados earned the higher seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs by beating Mica Mountain 17-15 at home on Oct. 13.
Salpointe’s Luis Cordova (72) celebrates with Jaxson Banhie (5) after a touchdown during the Lancers' win over Valley Vista High School at Salpointe Catholic High School, 1545 E. Copper Street, Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 15, 2023.
Going social
“Got the opportunity to see my old teammates ball out in a great game in their playoff run! Congrats @JaxsonBanhie @BanhieNoah.
@elijah_rushing on the win time to win state!!”
— Tanque Verde senior Gavin Gilbert tagged Salpointe seniors Jaxson Banhie and Elijah Rushing and sophomore Noah Banhie in a post on X (Twitter). The 2A San Pedro Region Defensive Player of the Year took in Salpointe’s quarterfinal win and posed for photos with the Banhies, Rushing and Salpointe senior Orlando Gonzalez.
Video Vault
With Sabino (3A finalist), Salpointe (6A semifinalist), Mica Mountain and Canyon del Oro (both 4A semifinalists) the last teams standing, here's a video look at some key moments from the seasons the Sabercats, Lancers, Thunderbolts and Dorados put together in 2023 (videos by James Kelley).
VIDEO: Mica Mountain kicker Landon Hubbard connects on a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter to put the Thunderbolts up 9-7 over Canyon del Oro. Mica Mountain couldn’t hold on to that lead, with CDO eventually winning 17-15. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro’s Chase Laux completes a 46-yard halfback pass to teammate Chance Cassell. That set up a field goal to give the Dorados a fourth-quarter lead over Mica Mountain late in CDO’s tight 17-15 win over the Thunderbolts in a showdown of previously-unbeaten Tucson-rea 4A leaders. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro’s Kayden Luke scores on a 4-yard touchdown run during the Dorados’ tight 17-15 win over Mica Mountain in a showdown of previously-unbeaten Tucson-rea 4A leaders. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro’s Sa’Kylee Woodard gets into the backfield for a sack on a two-point conversion try by Mica Mountain. The stop secured a 17-15 win for the Dorados over the Thunderboltsin a showdown of previously-unbeaten Tucson-rea 4A leaders. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Mica Mountain receiver Jack Bradley catches a 10-yard touchdown catch near the pylon to get the Thunderbolts on the board in the first quarter of what would turn out to be a 17-15 loss to Canyon del Oro. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Mica Mountain tight end Jimmy Leon hauls in a 3-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jayden Thoreson along the back of the endzone to cut the score to 17-15, before a two-point attempt to tie in the final minute against Canyon del Oro. CDO (7-0) would stop the conversion attempt, holding on for 17-15 win over previously-unbeaten MM (6-1) on Oct. 13, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro’s Kayden Luke scores on a 14-yard touchdown run during the Dorados’ tight 17-15 win over Mica Mountain in a showdown of previously-unbeaten Tucson-rea 4A leaders. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro kicker Reece Douglas connects on a 21-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Dorados up 10-9 in what would turn out to be a 17-15 CDO win over Mica Mountain. CDO improved to 7-0 with the win on Oct. 13, 2023; Mica Mountain to 6-1 on the 2023 season. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro two-way standout Kayden Luke says the Dorados have what it takes to win a state title (video by Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Canyon del Oro coach Dustin Peace says RB-LB Kayden Luke is unlike any other football player in Tucson (video by Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain junior running back Conner Hangarner scores on a seven-yard touchdown run during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over Northwest Christian on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain senior wide receiver Jonah Garcia scores on a 28-yard touchdown reception during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over Northwest Christian on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain junior cornerback Nathaniel Bryant intercepts a Northwest Christian pass during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over the Crusaders on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain senior wide receiver Jonah Garcia scores on a 16-yard touchdown reception during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over Northwest Christian on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain junior kicker Landon Hubbard connects on a 32-yard field goal attempt during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over Northwest Christian on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Mica Mountain senior cornerback Will White intercepts a Northwest Christian pass during the Thunderbolts’ 38-17 Class 4A state quarterfinal win over the Crusaders on Nov. 24, 2023. (James Kelley /Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Mica Mountain High School senior wide receiver Jonah Garcia scores on a 60-yard touchdown pass play from Jayden Thoreson late in the Thunderbolts' 35-25 4A state playoff win over Phoenix Northwest Christian on Nov. 17, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star) MM sr WR Jonah Garcia 60 TD
VIDEO: Mica Mountain Junior Conner Hangarner scores on a 7-yard touchdown run during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over Sabino on Friady, Sept. 8, 2023.
VIDEO: Mica Mountain senior Will White intercepts a pass during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over Sabino on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Mica Mountain senior Jonah Garcia scores on the 32-yard touchdown reception during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over Sabino on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Mica Mountain senior Jack Bradley hauls in a 14-yard touchdown catch during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over Sabino on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Mica Mountain senior Kason Colbert runs for a 5-yard touchdown during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over Sabino on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO:Sabino junior Shamar Berryhill scores on a 1-yard touchdown catch — the only touchdown the Sabercats would muster — during a 49-7 loss to Mica Mountain on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Sabino quarterback Cameron Hackworth made an impact with an interception on defense for the Sabercats in what ended up a 49-7 loss to Mica Mountain on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Mica Mountain's Kason Colbert rumbles for a 58-yard touchdown run during the Thunderbolts' 49-7 win over previously-unbeaten Sabino on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Mica Mountain's Jordan Perry blocks a Sabino punt, resulting in a safety and a 36-7 lead at the time for MM. Mica Mountain would go on to win 49-7. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy's Elliot Lovett 5-yard touchdown reception during the Lions' 40-27 loss to Sabino High School on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy quarterback Bubba Mustain scores on a 1-yard touchdown run during the Lions' 40-27 loss to Sabino High School on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy quarterback Bubba Mustain scores on a 10-yard touchdown run during the Lions' 40-27 loss to Sabino High School on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Sabino High School's Brit Roberson scores on a 13-yard touchdown reception during the Sabercats' 40-27 win over Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Sabino High School's Max Trainer scores on a 5-yard touchdown reception during the Sabercats' 40-27 win over Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Sabino High School quarterback Cameron Hackworth keeps it himself and runs for a 67-yard touchdown during the Sabercats' 40-27 win over Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Sabino High School's Jack Skaggs forces a fumble during the Sabercats' 40-27 win over Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Sabino High School running back Mason Cade takes the snap himself and scores on the goal line keeper during the Sabercats' 40-27 win over Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Sept. 29, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
Sabino football coach Ryan McBrayer discusses his lofty expectations for his Sabercats this upcoming 2023 season. Video by Michael Lev/Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Prolific dual-threat Sabino High School quarterback Cameron Hackworth share's what he’s looking forward to this season with the Sabercats. Video by Michael Lev/Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic senior edge Elijah Rushing sacks the opposing quarterback during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic senior Keona Wilhite intercepts a pass and returns it 74-yards for a pick-six touchdown during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic senior edge Elijah Rushing sacks the opposing quarterback during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic junior cornerback Armani Sheriff intercepts a pass during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic’s Morgan Quiri hauls in a 35-yard touchdown reception during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic freshman quarterback Matthew Avelar scores on a 2-yard keeper during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic freshman quarterback Matthew Avelar scores on a 5-yard run during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic junior free safety Richard Archuleta intercepts a pass during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: High school football: Salpointe Catholic junior kicker Kyah Francone connects on a 41-yard field goal attempt during the Lancers’ 41-0 Class 6A state playoff win over Corona del Sol on Nov. 9, 2023. (James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star)
Former Salpointe Catholic star Bijan Robinson discusses his 2023 bye-week plans and returning to his home state after the Falcons' loss to the Cardinals (video by Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star)
VIDEO: Marana's special teams unit teams up to block a Salpointe field goal try, but the Tigers still fell to the Lancers 35-14 on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Orlando Gonzales gets outside and breaks free for the 60-plus-yard touchdown run during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Elijah Rushing smacks into the opposing quarterback during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Keona Wilhite makes the tackle, keeping the opposing runner from finding open space, during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Jaxson Banhie scores on a 30-plus-yard touchdown run during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Elijah Rushing and Keona Wilhite — both committed to play college football locally for Arizona next season — jointly crunch the opposing quarterback during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Keona Wilhite swats a ball away at the line during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Richard Rivera scores on a 40-yard touchdown off a screen pass during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe's Taylor Nagore runs the ball in for the score during the Lancers' 35-14 win over Marana on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Salpointe Catholic's Elijah Rushing sacks the Marana quarterback during the Lancers' 35-14 win over the Tigers on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
VIDEO: Marana's Dezmen Roebuck catches a touchdown pass during the Tigers' 35-14 loss to Salpointe Catholic on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Video by James Kelley/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
