Gridiron Guide: Pusch Ridge features 'unbelievable' view
Pusch Ridge towers over a bank of stadium lights at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy’s football stadium, providing one of the best views in the area.
School: Pusch Ridge Christian
Name: None
Address: 9500 N. Oracle Road
Opened: 2000.
The lowdown: Several other schools in the area can brag about their view of the mountains but none compare to the scenery at Pusch Ridge. The Lions’ home field is tucked in at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, providing one of the most incredible backdrops in the state. Additionally, thanks to a series of donations, the school is a year removed from a $150,000 overhaul of the field, which included new grass, new goal posts, an irrigation system and fencing.
Don’t miss: Third-year coach Troy Cropp says the sense of community at home games is unlike anything else he’s seen. That is a mainly a result of the area youth team that shares the same colors and mascot, and is mostly comprised of students from Cornerstone Christian Academy, the main feeder school for Pusch Ridge. “It’s almost like we’re a small town, in the middle of Tucson, as far as family support,” Cropp said. “They come and tailgate, families of kids who are kindergarten, not even close to high school age.”
Biggest game: Pusch Ridge gave up an early touchdown but responded with 56 straight points to win its first postseason game at home in the first round of the 2009 Class 2A state playoffs.
The Lions topped visiting Morenci 56-7 behind four touchdown passes by senior quarterback Greg Schimke, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 177 yards. Senior wide receiver Trevor Cook hauled in two touchdown catches while Brett Overstreet rushed for 63 yards and two scores.
Performance for the ages: Three players surpassed 100 yards rushing each as Pusch Ridge took down visiting Chandler Valley Christian 60-42 in a wild first-round Division V playoff game last season in front of a packed house. Taylor Fitzgerald led the trio of seniors with 14 carries for 219 yards and a touchdown while Tyler Overstreet gained 121 yards and scored three times on 19 carries. In addition to six tackles and a sack, Mitch Reilly rushed 13 times for 109 yards and a touchdown in the final home game for the three of them.
Quotable: “It’s unbelievable, we have a great view. It’s a really good location, it’s probably the best location of any high school in town, as far as the view from the field.” – Cropp
Daniel Gaona
