We’re two days away from the big game between No. 3 Chaparral and No. 1 Saguaro. This game is getting a ton of buzz, so I’ll give loyal blog readers a position breakdown and my thoughts.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Saguaro’s Cole Rarrick is taller and probably has a little better arm. He isn’t asked to throw a lot, but he has been on target when needed, as evidenced by the 80-yard touchdown strike to Paul Porras to beat Paradise Valley two weeks ago. Chaparral’s Spencer Stone might be smaller, but the guy is a gamer. He makes the throws when it counts and doesn’t get rattled.
Advantage: Chaparral.
Running Back: Saguaro’s Beau Burton has been a man amongst boys, rushing for 1,210 yards this season and 17 touchdowns on just 99 carries. Burton came on strong at the end of his sophomore season, but never griped last season when he had to split carries with Justin Shelton and Tim Ruben. Now, he’s shouldering the majority of the load offensively. Saguaro coach John Sanders is quick to remind me that Burton’s numbers would be even better if he wasn’t forced to play defense as well. Chaparral junior Dwayne Garrett has 862 yards and 13 touchdowns on 76 carries. He’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
Advantage: Saguaro
Wide Receivers: Erik Brown and Paul Porras are dynamic threats on the outside for Saguaro, and tight end Max Smith is reliable in the middle of the field. All three have Division I offers. Chaparral tight end Tyler Williams is the go-to guy, although he’s been nursing a strained MCL. Stone likes spreading the ball out to wideouts Brandon Martin, Rob Mougey and Tommy Tyma as well.
Advantage: Saguaro
Offensive line: Saguaro’s Kody Koebensky is already committed to Arizona State, and Sebastian Sica is solid, but the rest of the line is inexperienced. Chaparral’s Taylor Lewan might be the best offensive lineman in the state this season and he is flanked by quality players that give Stone plenty of protection.
Advantage: Chaparral
DEFENSE
Defensive line: Saguaro’s Corey Adams is the second rated prospect in the state, but a sprained ankle has limited him this season. He’s also sick and missed school on Tuesday, but should play in the game. Justin Jungblut is second on the team with 18 tackles and leads the squad with four sacks. He’s committed to Boise State. Chaparral’s Craig Roh is the third rated prospect in the state, has 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks already. Derek Nsubuga is another lineman who will get after the quarterback.
Advantage: Push
Linebackers: Saguaro’s Austin Swindle had a pair of interceptions last week and leads the team in picks. Ben Bisgard is the leading tackler. Chaparral’s Tommy Russell is second on the team with 41 tackles, and Ryan Holmes has 31 tackles and a ridiculous 8.5 sacks from his linebacker spot.
Advantage: Chaparral
Secondary: Porras and Burton have started here since their sophomore years, and adding Brown to the mix gives the Sabercats an impressive amount of athleticism at defensive back. The Firebirds were beat on a deep throw late in the game against Vail Cienega, but rallied nicely to hang on for the win. Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle said he made personnel changes after that game, and the results since have been good.
Advantage: Saguaro
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brown has been electric on kick and punt returns for the Sabercats. If Chaparral kicker Ben Damari can kick the ball consistently into the end zone on kickoffs, it’s a coup for the Firebirds because it limits Brown’s touches. On the flip side, Saguaro is prone to allowing big plays on punt and kickoff returns, and Garrett could take advantage of that. Saguaro kicker Steven Chiappeti is pretty solid, but doesn’t have near the range of Damari.
Advantage: Push
TALE OF THE TAPE
This game has all the makings to be great. Turnovers, big plays, and penalties could end up being the deciding factor. In last year’s semifinal game, it was a blocked punt by Max Smith that was the difference in Saguaro advancing to the title game in a water-logged, muddy affair. Ragle said he’s been checking the weather forecast since last week, and we should have clear skies. This is going to be fun.
PREDICTION TIME
My preseason prediction had Chaparral winning this game, the region and state. After Saguaro dominated early, I switched gears. Halfway through region play, Chaparral’s been more impressive. In short, who knows? But since I must:
SAGUARO 28, CHAPARRAL 24
Feel free to leave score predictions or thoughts in the comments section.
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