As the Arizona high school football season enters 2024's first full week of action, the Star shares our weekly look back at the best of last week while charging ahead toward what we might be able to expect from programs across Tucson and surrounding communities this Friday night.
Team of the week
Although Sabino returned only eight starters (four on offense and four on defense), the reports of their rebuild may have been greatly exaggerated.
The Sabercats lost more than 20 seniors, including quarterback Cameron Hackworth, but opened their season with a 40-0 win over Coolidge last week. Sabino went ahead 33-0 in the first half.
Hackworth set Southern Arizona records for passing yards (8,799) and touchdowns (97).
Play of the week
Sabino senior defensive tackle Paul Ortiz returned a Coolidge fumble 17 yards to go ahead 26-0 en route to the Sabercatsβ route. Ortiz, who didnβt play football last year, recovered two fumbles and had four tackles, including a sack.
Sabino's Zachari Haley (19) finds a hole to pick up a few yards against Mohave in the first quarter of their game at Sabino High School, Tucson, Ariz., October 27, 2023.
Stat book
Sabino junior running back/outside linebacker Zachari Haley ran for 109 yards and two scores on 15 carries in the aforementioned win over Coolidge. Haley ran for 578 yards and two 100+ yard games last year as an understudy.
Although Tanque Verde lost its season opener, 26-13 to Phoenix Christian, junior middle linebacker/quarterback Gabe Torgeson made 25 tackles. Torgeson had 15 solo tackles and two TFLs.
Canyon de Oro's Kayden Luke (30) gets hoisted into the air by Sa'Kylee Woodard (55) after barging in for what turned out to be the winning points in a 17-15 win over Mica Mountain at Canyon del Oro High School, Tucson, Ariz., October 13, 2023.
Next level
Bragging rights will be up for grabs for two Canyon del Oro alumni on Saturday at Arizona Stadium when offensive lineman Sa'Kylee Woodardβs New Mexico Lobos plays against running back Kayden Lukeβs Arizona Wildcats. Both true freshmen at their respective schools, the pair led CDO to the Class 4A state championship in 2023.
Quotable IΒ
βIncredibly proud of them,β Tanque Verde head coach Jeffrey Bollnow told azpreps365.com. βBecause it takes some guts to go out there and play that type of football game. It's very physical. That was a great team. They're going to do really well this year. You know, I'm excited to see how we bounce back from this, we do have a bye week so we can kind of get things reorganized and take these lessons to heart and hopefully learn and move forward.β
The second-year head coach is fresh off guiding TV to its first-ever playoff win.
Canyon del Oro's players celebrate with the fans after defeating Yuma Catholic in the 4A State Football Championship game, Tempe, Ariz., December 1, 2023.
Quotable II
"FAST FACT: Canyon del Oro will take the state's longest active winning streak into its opener in Mesa against Eastmark next Friday. The Dorados will be looking for their 15th straight victory," @gridironarizona posted on X (Twitter)Β earlier this month.
CDO is one of two 2023 champions that went unbeaten last year, along with 1A winner Winkleman Hayden, which was 12-0 but lost in the playoffs the year prior. All other 2023 champs lost during the season: Open champion Peoria Liberty lost to Corona (Calif.) Centennial; 6A champion Scottsdale Saguaro had five losses; including 21-14 to Salpointe Catholic at home; 5A champion Gilbert Higley lost a couple; 3A champion lost three; including 49-7 Mica Mountain and 2A champ Scottsdale Christian lost a pair.
Games of the week
Salpointe Catholic (10-3*) at Marana (5-6*)
Location: 12000 W. Emigh Road
Two of Southern Arizonaβs best collide in what is likely Salpointeβs only game against Tucson-area opponents this season. The Lancersβ 27-game win streak against Southern Arizona teams could be in jeopardy. Their last local loss was in 2017 to future UA player Jamarye Joiner and Cienega. Marana is led by senior receiver and Washington commit Dezmen Roebuck. Both teams reached the playoffs in their conference. Marana did after a 1-4 start when they had four road games to begin the 2023 season.
Sahuaro (3-7*) at Sabino (1-0^)
Location: 5000 N. Bowes Road
The traditional Tucson area east-side rivals renew their annual series. Although Sabino is the Class 3A school and Sahuaro is in the 4A, the Sabercats have been the bigger brother of late, winning four in a row and holding a 17-3 record against their rival since 2004. Sahuaroβs last win in the series was 47-13 when senior Izaiah Davis ran for 170 yards on 19 carries. The Cougars won two in a row against the Sabercats in 2018 and 2019.
*2023 record; ^2024 record; Sabino was 11-3 in 2023
