When Tucson-area powerhouse Salpointe Catholic is your season-opening opponent, it’s a challenge to look forward to all offseason and fall training camp.
The Lancers hadn’t lost to a team in Southern Arizona since 2017, when Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was a sophomore at Salpointe Catholic.
Salpointe Catholic won 23 straight contests against teams in Southern Arizona until last Friday, when the Marana Tigers upset the Lancers 27-24 behind junior quarterback Colten Meyer’s performance. The junior quarterback completed 38 of 54 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown; Meyer also ran in for the final two-point conversion of the night.
“That was a big win for us, especially since it was a first game against a good team like Salpointe,” Meyer said. “But that was the first one so we gotta keep our heads on straight and get through this season with a good record.”
After his late-game heroics, Meyer was named player of the week on ESPN Tucson’s “Spears and Ali.” Here’s what Meyer discussed, as the Tigers move on to face the Tucson High Badgers (1-0) on the road Friday night:
(Meyer’s interview can be heard on the “Spears and Ali” podcast via Apple and Spotify platforms.)
Marana receiver Dezmen Roebuck (1), left, and quarterback Colten Meyer (16) celebrate Meyer’s two-point conversion run in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of the Tigers’ win over Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 30, 2024, in Marana.
How would you describe the preparation for an opponent like Salpointe?
A: “Coach (Phillip Steward) is a great coach. In fall camp, he pushes us on the little things and getting teams prepared for a good opponent like Salpointe. A big thing with us is conditioning. I think we got them with the conditioning part. They were a little gassed at the end. ... Fans, all of them loved that win, but coach tells us, ‘New week and it’s 0-0. Let’s go out and get a win this week.”
Marana senior receiver Dezmen Roebuck, who’s committed to the Washington Huskies’ 2025 recruiting class, had 15 catches for 120 yards against Salpointe Catholic. How much does he make your life easier?
A: “Dezmen is a great guy. We’ve been playing since we were 7 (years old). He brings experience, leadership and I know I can always throw it to him.”
Considering you threw the ball 54 times on Friday, is Marana’s offense primarily air-raid?
A: “Yeah, that’s a big part of our offense that Coach Stew put in, a lot of passes.”
When the Tigers trailed Salpointe Catholic 24-9, what was your message to the team?
A: “I was like, ‘We know our offense is electric. We can score anytime — we can score fast. We just kept our heads up and pulled through.”
What was your favorite part about the win over the Lancers?
A: “Getting that first win and knowing it’s the only team Marana hasn’t beaten in Southern Arizona. So we got that one, and now we’ve beaten every team in Southern Arizona.”
Marana quarterback Colten Meyer’s (16) second-effort gets into the end zone on a two point conversion in the final seconds for the final points during the Tigers’ 27-24 win over Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 30 in Marana.
Tell us about your upbringing...
A: “Yeah, I grew up in Tucson. I was always around my cousins and they were always pushing football so when I started it, I loved it. I’ve always been a quarterback and always enjoyed leading the team. ... Looking at my cousins, it always seemed like the most fun position, always having the ball in your hands.”
Aren’t you cousins with Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet, ASU receiver Coben Bourguet, BYU quarterback Treyson Bourguet and Rylen Bourguet, who’s trying to play for USA women’s flag football in the 2028 Olympics?
A: “Yep. It was always fun going to those flag (football) tournaments in Phoenix with all of them and Toby (Bourguet), my uncle, he was always our coach and we were always on a team. It was always a great time.”
How much has playing for the nationally recognized Tucson Turf flag football program helped your game as a football player?
A: “It’s great, bringing us to a national site where we can get all eyes on (us). I love it.
“Tucson Turf is the best in America. We go around the United States beating teams. I think we’re definitely the best.”
What’s your go-to meal after a game to celebrate a win?
A: “In-N-Out. That’s my go-to after the game. ... I get a double-double, a pink lemonade and fries.” <&rule>
Hansen's Notebook: Marana football snaps 7-year Salpointe streak vs. Tucson-area schoolsFrom Greg Hansen's Notebook: This week's short stuff, including: Marana HS ending Salpointe's seven-year win streak against Tucson-area schools; UA women's golf facing ex-coach Laura Ianello, Texas twice early on; history of coach's kids playing on UA teams; more.
Another full slate of high school football in on tap for Southern Arizona this week — this time with every game in the Tucson area taking place on Friday (though Rio Rico does play Thursday night).
High school football across Tucson and surrounding communities: A look back at the first full week of action, including big early-season wins by Marana High School, Sahuaro, and newcomer Desert Christian, and big college moments by former Salpointe, Canyon del Oro prep stars.
Sahuaro High School's wait to beat Sabino is over, but the Cougars are looking for more. On Friday Sahuaro held on to beat the Sabercats 15-14, snapping a four-game losing streak to the school's east side rivals.
Photos: Marana edges visiting Salpointe in the last seconds 27-24 to open their seasons, high school football
Marana quarterback Colten Meyer’s (16) second-effort gets into the end zone on a two point conversion in the final seconds for the final points during the Tigers’ 27-24 win over Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 30 in Marana.
Marana's Jeffrey Smith III (33) takes a poke in the eye turning the corner on Salpointe's Thomas Regina (22) in the first quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana quarterback Colten Meyer (16) throws the game-winning pass over the rush from Salpointe Catholic’s Dinos Drossos (15) in the waning seconds of the the Tigers victory over the Lancers on Aug. 30 in Marana.
Marana's Dominic Cillitto (6) cradles the game-winning touchdown throw alone in the end zone in the fourth quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's quarterback Matthew Avelar (2) beats Marana's Wyatt Berry (10) to the pylon and score in the third quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Cade Paglinawan (9) celebrates after the Lancers made a goal line stand against Marana in the fourth quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1) drags down Salpointe's quarterback Matthew Avelar (2) for a sack in the third quarter at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Jeffrey Smith III (33) pushes his way past Salpointe's Richard Archuleta (5) on a first quarter sweep, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Axel Martinez (26) trots in untouched after scooping up a Lancer fumble against Marana in the first quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's quarterback Matthew Avelar (2) goes down for a sack in the arms of Marana's Christian Berrios (8), left, Justin Elder (56) and Javi Muro (44) in the first quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's RJ Gory (87) slips the grip of Marana's Wyatt Berry (10) and eventually ends up in the end zone after a catch and run TD in the quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Jaxsun Sharp (12) gains ground while being pursued by Salpointe's Thomas Regina (22), left, and Salpointe's Dinos Drossos (15) at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Dermain Linen Jr (2) does just enough to spoil the reception for Salpointe's Morgan Quiri (14) on a deep throw in the second quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1) batters Salpointe's Matthew Avelar (2) out of bounds in the second quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Axel Martinez (26) lunges for a final yard in the arms of Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1), top and Dominic Olivas (9) during the second quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1) wraps up Salpointe's RJ Gory (87) after a catch at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Nathan Spivey (8) loses his grip on the ball trying to get up the middle against Marana in the second quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Cade Paglinawan (9) and Salpointe's Noah Banhie (99) sack Marana's quarterback Colten Meyer (16) in the early going of the third quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's quarterback Matthew Avelar (2) swings a pass to Salpointe's Axel Martinez (26) against Marana in the third quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1) takes advantage of a slip by Salpointe's Alon Deon (17) in the third quarter in Marana on Aug. 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Richard Archuleta (5), left, and Alon Deon (17) drag down Marana's Jaxsun Sharp (12) after his catch in the third quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana’s Greg Webb (11) puts the hit on a Salpointe running back for what was eventually ruled a fourth-quarter safety — the second Tiger safety on the night in a win over the Lancers on Aug. 30 in Marana.
Marana's Greg Webb (11) asks the official for a safety call after his tackle late in the fourth quarter in their high school football game against Salpointe, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's Morgan Quiri (14) brings down a catch despite being the arms of Marana's Dermain Linen Jr (2) in the fourth quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe’s Magnus Goodman gets enough fingers on the ball to keep Marana’s Dezmen Roebuck from hauling in a catch in the fourth quarter on Aug. 30.
Salpointe’s Dinos Drossos stretches the jersey of Marana’s Sean Roebuck, stopping him after a catch in the fourth quarter of their Aug. 30, 2024, game.
Marana receiver Dezmen Roebuck (1), left, and quarterback Colten Meyer (16) celebrate Meyer’s two-point conversion run in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of the Tigers’ win over Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 30, 2024, in Marana.
Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1) jumps for joy after making the game icing interception in the last seconds of the fourth quarter against Salpointe in Marana on Aug. 30, 2024.
The Tigers run onto the field in the last of the day’s light to take on Salpointe at Marana High School, the opener for both teams, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
London Sharp tries to get a high pressure drink from the Marana team water tank just before the Tigers kick off against Salpointe, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana's Andres Taylor (7) gets a hug in the aftermath of the Tigers 27-24 upset of visiting Salpointe, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's head coach Pat Ryder and the bench call in an offensive play in the third quarter at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's head coach Pat Ryder/ waits to give an interview as the his Lancers prepare to take on Marana, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Marana head coach Phillip Steward waits to give a pre-game interview as the Tigers get ready to face Salpointe in Marana on Aug. 30. The Tigers won that game, and every one since, jumping out to a 6-0 record and the state’s No. 1 spot in both the Class 5A and ‘Open’ rankings.
Marana's head coach Phillip Steward calls in the offensive set in a goal line situation during the first quarter against Salpointe, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's head coach Pat Ryder and the Lancers make their way to the bench to get ready for the third quarter at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
Salpointe's head coach Pat Ryder awaits the damage on a penalty call against his Lancers late in the fourth quarter at Marana High School, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
The Salpointe bench and staff reacts after the Lancers picked up a penalty on fourth down, pushing them back on a field goal attempt against Marana in the fourth quarter in their high school football game, Marana, Ariz., August 30, 2024.
