VarsityXtra

It’s easy to see why many people think Scottsdale Saguaro has a legitimate chance at a third straight 4A-I state title next year, and why Scottsdale Chaparral may be the team to derail them. The number of athletes from these intracity rivals playing Division I college football next season could reach double figures.

 Here is a look at the players from the class of 2009 garnering the most interest:

Saguaro

Corey Adams (DE, 6-3, 277) - The team-leader in sacks a year ago despite playing with three other Division-I bound defensive linemen, Adams is the second-biggest recruit in Arizona behind Phoenix Desert Vista’s Devon Kennard. Adams has an offer from nearly every traditional college power (USC, Florida, Ohio State and Michigan head the list) and will go anywhere he chooses.

Kody Koebensky (OL, 6-4, 290) - The Saguaro offensive lineman recently committed to Arizona State but had been offered by Arizona and Washington State. He really performed well at summer camps after playing in the shadows of higher-profile teammates last season.

Beau Burton (RB, 5-11, 210) - Burton emerged as a talented tailback as a sophomore and played a huge role in the Sabercats’ 2006 title. He split carries with Justin Shelton last season while also playing cornerback, so his numbers weren’t as gaudy as expected. He is getting some interest from Arizona and Arizona State, and should be counted on more offensively with Shelton and fleet-footed quarterback Tim Ruben gone.

Justin Jungblut (DE, 6-6, 250) - A defensive end with size, Jungblut has gained five offers already mostly based on potential. With so much talent ahead of him last year, Jungblut had just 38 tackles, but a big senior year could really make his stock soar.

Paul Porras (WR/S, 6-2, 170) - An all-around threat for Saguaro the past two years, Porras has been a key piece in the both state titles. He is an accomplished receiver and punt returner, and also played well at safety last season. Porras plays basketball and does long jump in track during the winter and spring seasons, so he may be a little behind the players that focus on football year-round. He is a playmaker though, and an offer from Army likely will not be his only one.

Max Smith (TE, 6-3, 250) - With Burton and Ruben’s legs, the Sabercats didn’t have to pass the ball much last year. Smith had 0nly 17 catches for 207 yards, but has the tools to be a Division-I athlete. Smith has been offered by Idaho, and with new quarterback Cole Rarrick, he could see more opportunities in the passing game. He was also the team’s punter.

Chaparral:

Craig Roh (DE, 6-5, 225) -Roh’s stock skyrocketed this summer, and once an offer from Oklahoma came in, every other big-time program followed suit. He has the size and speed to become a special player at the next level.

Taylor Lewan (OL, 6-6, 270) - A transfer from Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, Lewan’s most recent offer came from Arizona State to push his total to three, and more could come rolling in soon. Lewan will help anchor an offensive line at Chaparral that is bound to be one of the best in the state.

Derrick Nsubuga (DT, 5-11, 270) - Nsubuga had a good junior year and has tremendous strength (he can bench press 400 pounds), but a lack of height will keep him on the D-I bubble. He and Roh on the defensive line will give opposing running backs and quarterbacks fits.

Tyler Williams (TE, 6-2, 225) - The younger brother of Arizona State wide receiver Kyle Williams, Tyler had a nice junior season for the Firebirds, catching 36 balls for 580 yards and 10 touchdowns. It’s also possible he finds a place to play Division-I football, but no offers yet.

Spencer Stone (QB, 6-0, 185) - Stone took over as the starting quarterback at Chaparral midway through its first game last season and never looked back. He will be one of the best quarterbacks in the state next season, but a lack of height may force him to go to a smaller school. “If he was two-to-three inches taller, he would have 20 offers by now,” Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle said.

Brandon Martin (WR, 6-4, 195) - With the departure of Mike Cummings, Martin will be Stone’s go-to receiver this season. A breakout year could really go a long way in helping his recruiting.

Signability concerns helped drop Chaparral left-hander Danny Coulombe into the 17th round of the major league baseball amateur draft.
He was looking for a signing bonus of $500,000, which scared off most teams. The Dodgers finally selected him, and the club told Coulombe they will be watching him pitch during the summer.
Coulombe said his thoughts about signing now are the same as they were before the draft.
“If I get my number I’ll go pro,” he said. “If I don’t I’ll go to college and enjoy my college career.”
Coulombe was the Tribune’s player of the year this spring, going 9-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 138 strikeouts.
He has a fastball that can hit 92, but sits in the 86-90 range. His curveball is his best pitch.
Coulombe’s dad grew up near Dodger Stadium, and his grandmother is still a big fan. Coulombe was able to get her a signed bat from former manager Tommy Lasorda.
“She loved that,” he said.
Coulombe said he likes the team, too.
“I think it’s a great organization,” he said. “My dad grew up in the left field stands. It’s a great baseball town.”

A colleague passed this along from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about a high school team and its small collection of meatheads who threw at an umpire after being unhappy with his balls-strikes.

Here’s the Youtube clip. Savages at best.  And poorly “acted.”