An β€œoverrated” chant was directed towards Sabino quarterback Cameron Hackworth in the early minutes of the Sabercats’ 41-20 win over east-side rival Sahuaro on Friday.

Hackworth then scored all six of Sabino’s touchdowns β€” five passing, one rushing β€” to lead the Sabercats to their third straight win over Sahuaro.

β€œYeah, I heard the β€˜overrated’ chants, but fans in the crowd don’t really get to me,” said Hackworth, who completed 21 of 28 passes for 319 yards. β€œIt’s all about my brothers and what I got going on the field. None of that outside stuff matters to me.”

On Sabino’s second possession, Hackworth gave Sabino a 7-0 edge with a 41-yard touchdown strike. Sahuaro answered with a methodical drive that resulted in Cougars running back Nehemiah Watson scoring on a six-yard run, but the failed two-point conversion kept Sabino in front 7-6 with 11:45 left in the first half.

Sabino scored 27 unanswered points to grab a 34-6 lead entering the fourth quarter. Hackworth also completed touchdown passes to Savaughn Berryhill, Shamar Berryhill, Devon Waxwood and Brit Rosberson. Through three games, Hackworth has 15 all-purpose touchdowns and no interceptions.

β€œI love when he finds the end zone, because he seems to do it quite a bit,” said Sabino head coach Ryan McBrayer. β€œHe’s the ultimate leader. Sometimes he’s calling his own play and tells me what he sees, so with him and our offensive coordinator Sly Lewis working in tandem, those guys are running a heck of a show.”

Hackworth also had an interception as a defensive back for the Sabercats. Sahuaro scored two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 25-yard run by Watson, but the Sabercats coasted to their third win of the season.

Sabino is averaging 43 points per game this season.

β€œAny time you go up against Sahuaro, the juices are flowing,” McBrayer said. β€œWhen you look back and have more points than the Sahuaro Cougars, it’s a good day. ... We knew we had our work cut out for us, but when you have special athletes like we do, you just gotta keep it moving.”

Pusch Ridge Christian stays perfect

Pusch Ridge Christian scored three third-quarter touchdowns to break away from Catalina Foothills and cruise to a 34-9 win on Friday night. The Lions improved to 4-0.

Pusch Ridge Christian trailed 9-7 at the half when quarterback Bubba Mustain went to work. He gave the Lions a 13-9 lead with a 32-yard run. Bryce Jewell then intercepted a Falcons pass, returning it for a touchdown. Mustain capped the quarter with a 60-yard touchdown pass to his brother, Tyler.

Pusch Ridge tacked on a fourth-quarter score to win by 25.

The Lions will play Benson on Friday and at Thatcher the following week before a Sept. 30 home game against Sabino.


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Contact sports producer Justin Spears at 573-4312 or jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports