Apache Junction defensive end Rusty Fernando has been offered a scholarship by Army. Safety Shane McCullen committed to Arizona State earlier this summer, giving the Prospectors a pair of Division-I athletes.
“I don’t think that’s happened in the time I’ve been here,” Apache Junction coach Rich Milligan said.
Fernando had 90 tackles and eight sacks last season for Apache Junction. Milligan said McCullen will play offense and defense this season, starting at running back and playing a hybrid safety/linebacker position on defense.
Milligan said changing the culture at the school is still one of his main tasks. While the community was overjoyed with last season’s 6-6 mark and state tournament berth, the team still felt like it underachieved. Even more is expected internally this season, but with the lack of participation in the program, competing with Scottsdale Chaparral and Scottsdale Saguaro is always going to be a tough task.
Milligan said losing a starter has such a bigger impact at his school than at Chaparral or Saguaro. The low participation also shows up in practice, when the first-team isn’t challenged much by the reserves.
“Our starters made no improvement from the middle of the season 0n, to be honest with you,” Milligan said.
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The latest news at Chaparral involves in the addition of linebacker/defensive end Tyler Ermisch to the fold. Coach Charlie Ragle said he’s 6-foot-2, 230-pounds and will add depth to both positions.
Ermisch transferred in from Glendale Sandra Day O’Connor, where he was an all-region linebacker last season. Chaparral returns nine defensive starters from last year’s semifinal team.
