VarsityXtra

      Some relatively good news has come out of Phoenix Arcadia this week. It appears the shoulder injury which knocked quarterback Colby Kirkegaard out of Friday’s 14-7 loss at Queen Creek is nothing more than a deep bruise, according to coach Jim Ellison.
      The junior, who leads the East Sky Region with a 57.1 completion percentage, will be a game-time decision for this week’s contest against Gilbert Higley.
      Ellison said Kirkegaard has full range of motion in his throwing arm and the injury seems to be getting better every day. Kirkegaard is working with a therapist and will sit out most of this week’s practice in order to improve his chance of playing.
      To understand Kirkegaard’s importance to the Titans, consider they averaged 37.3 points in the first six games with him at the helm. He directed Arcadia into the end zone on its first possession against Queen Creek. After he was knocked out of the game in the middle of the second quarter, though, the Titans attempted only three passes, one of which was intercepted, and failed to score.

Scottsdale Chaparral defensive end Craig Roh, the team’s leader in sacks and tackles, is questionable for Friday’s game against Phoenix Shadow Mountain with a quadriceps contusion suffered against Scottsdale Saguaro.

Roh went into the game with a sprained ankle, and it was a combination of both injuries that forced him to miss almost all of the second half against the Sabercats in a 21-0 loss.

“He wants to play, but we have to be smart with it,” Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle said. “We’ll see how it progresses this week.”

The fifth-ranked Firebirds have a big-time game against No. 3 Paradise Valley coming up in two weeks.

Ragle said that the offense will undergo a bit of a transformation now that leading receiver Tyler Williams is out for the season with a torn ACL. Chaparral did different things with star running back Dwayne Garrett against Saguaro, direct snapping him the ball as well as splitting him out as a wide receiver more often than usual.

“We’re going to have to get creative a little bit,” Ragle said. ‘We’re going to need somebody to step up.”

Scottsdale Saguaro tight end Max Smith had quite the weekend.

On Friday night, he earned game MVP honors by hauling in a pair of touchdowns in a 21-0 win over No. 3 Scottsdale Chaparral.

On Sunday, he was offered a scholarship to Arizona State and verbally committed five hours later.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Smith, who had been offered by Idaho but always wanted to be a Sun Devil.

Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson was at Friday’s game, and obviously came away impressed. Smith is the fourth Saguaro player to commit to a Division I school and, along with offensive lineman Kody Koebensky, the second to commit to the Sun Devils.

Defensive tackle Corey Adams has also been offered a scholarship by Arizona State but hasn’t yet decided on a college.

Here’s one double-reverse option pass play that didn’t work. It wasn’t the kind of get-to-know-you session quarterback Chase Cartwright wanted to have with Chandler linebacker Rodney Reagans, but Reagans was happy to oblige. (Jennifer Grimes/Tribune)

Whew.

Now that was a football game. A pair of top-notch teams and a hefty crowd. Chandler’s bleachers were full, and the Corona del Sol (visitor) side was 2/3 full, which is full everywhere because the Wolves probably have the largest visiting bleacher section in the East Valley (they built new bleachers and a bigger press box recently, so the visitor side used to be the home side).

Anyway, despite the turnover problems incurred by Chandler, this game showcased two of the most athletic teams in the state, and they certainly showed it off.

Hits were hard. Catches were circus-style - such as the Wolves’ Caleve Deboskie going up against Corona’s Kirby Pellant and hauling in a 50-yarder, or Jeremy Morris’ 22-yard tumble over the middle while being upended and crashing to the ground.

And the slow-footed need not apply. About three other players in town could have caught up to Kyle Yount’s heave down the right sideline early in the second quarter, and luckily for Chandler, Bryce Lamb is one of them. That was an 81-yard touchdown.

This time, however, discipline and a few strokes of good fortunate won out. Corona del Sol didn’t commit a turnover (or six fewer than Chandler), and was whistled for four penalties totaling 20 yards. There was nothing fancy about the Aztecs offense. Running the ball is what they do, and the Aztecs simply lined up and ran it right through Chandler’s gut, and it certainly helps to have Michael Lange’s speed, Evan Althiede’s surge and Kirby Pellant’s elusiveness.

Quarterback Chase Cartwright only needed to be a manager (and his 30-yard catch-and-run pass to Pellant in the fourth quarter looked like it was going to be intercepted, but probably saved the game for Corona).

A couple of Chandler’s turnovers were of bad circumstance (two of Yount’s five interceptions came when he was hit as he threw, and another was tipped by an Aztec linebacker), and a couple other plays were rotten luck against them (an enroachment penalty (which is a dead-ball infraction) on Corona wiped out a Chandler touchdown, and Yount threw an interception in the end zone on the next play).

In beating their first legitimate 5A-I playoff opponent on the road, the Aztecs showed they’re for real.

(Incidentally, based on upcoming strength of schedule, I’d say Mesa Mountain View has a better chance of running the table and finishing the regular season undefeated, mostly because Corona still has to play Chandler Basha and Phoenix Desert Vista).

Chandler can still be the real deal, too. There’s no question talent and athleticism are aplenty, but the Wolves have improvements to make between the lines and between their ears before the regular season finale against Chandler Hamilton.

A great atmosphere last night at Saguaro, and a truly dominating performance by the Sabercats. Some quick thoughts on the day after:

- Chaparral doesn’t have the playmakers on offense to compete with great defenses like Saguaro. Spencer Stone is a good quarterback, but he didn’t have anyone that could stretch the field. Dwayne Garrett is the only player on offense that will scare opponents now that tight end Tyler Williams is out for the season with a torn ACL.

- The play that resulted in Max Smith’s two touchdown catches is pure gold. Smith lines up like an offensive lineman, fakes a block and then streaks down the middle of the field. It worked both times against the Firebirds, and it’s the play that saved Saguaro’s season last year when Smith caught a 19-yard pass from Tim Ruben on a 4th-and-12 in the final minutes against Tucson Canyon del Oro in the 4A-I title game.

- Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson and assistant Grady Stretz were on hand to watch the contest. The big targets are Chaparral offensive lineman Taylor Lewan and Saguaro defensive tackle Corey Adams, but Smith opened some eyes with his play and would be a nice addition to the Sun Devils squad.

- Speaking of Lewan, the guy has an unbelievable motor. He was going up against Boise State-commit Justin Jungblut and did a great job. Lewan did go a bit overboard on some plays, drawing a pair of 15-yard penalties, but it’s much easier to correct those things than to make a kid play harder.

- Saguaro is the clear-cut No. 1 team in 4A-I, and barring injuries, a third straight title is well within reach. Chaparral, on the other hand, isn’t the second-best team in the state, or even the region. Paradise Valley played Saguaro much tougher, and I think they will beat Chaparral when the teams face off in two weeks.

- Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle is really a class act. He’s as competitive of a coach as there is, but is gracious in defeat. It was a nice moment when he grabbed Beau Burton after the game to clear the air after an incident this summer between the teams at a passing league tournament. Both teams badly wanted to win, but there is a great level of respect for each other.

The loss of running back Harrison Evens and quarterback David Viel was the biggest concern heading into the season for Marcos de Niza. The Padres were fine in the earlygoing, averaging 40 points per game through the first four weeks of the season in blowout victories.

But Marcos scored only 17 in a 3-point win over Mesa Westwood on Oct. 3 and a season-low 11 in the team’s first loss last week to Phoenix Pinnacle.

Coach Roy Lopez doesn’t seem too worried about the offense. Pinnacle’s defense has been one of 5A-II’s best all season, and Lopez was quick to credit the Pioneers.

Marcos plays Scottsdale Horizon tonight, a team that held them to nine points last season, but has struggled mightily in 2008. The Padres must find some offensive consistency because the last two region games will be against Mesa Skyline and Mesa Desert Ridge, two teams that can put points up in a hurry.

One quick injury note on Marcos: linebacker Anthony Rose missed the Westwood game with a minor knee injury, but was the team’s leading tackler against Pinnacle and will play against Horizon.

No. 4 Phoenix Arcadia (6-0) may be higher ranked and have a better record than Queen Creek (4-2), but despite those facts Titans coach Jim Ellison isn’t about to let his team take Friday’s opponent lightly.
“We thought they were a top five team coming into the season and after watching them on film we still think that,” he said.
In fact no team in the East Sky can be taken lightly.
Despite its surprising 36-6 loss last Friday to Scottsdale Coronado, Queen Creek is just outside the top five in the latest 4A-II power rankings at No. 6, and it isn’t the only East Sky team sitting high.
Coronado (45.5) is No. 1 in the 4A-II power rankings, followed by Arcadia (45.0), tied for second, Gilbert Higley (37.0) and Chandler Seton Catholic (37.0), which are tied for eighth, and No. 11 Tempe (33.5). That means the entire region would be in the playoffs if they began today.
The fact that every team has at least a .500 record also means the East Sky is not only the best region in 4A-II but also the most competitive and most wide-open.
“It’s more balanced this year,” Coronado coach B.J. Pasquel said. “Any team can beat any other team in the region on any night.”
Coronado, Arcadia and Higley are 1-0, Queen Creek, the defending champ, is 1-1, Seton is 0-1 and Tempe is 0-2, but none can be overlooked in race for this year’s title. There are no easy games the rest of the way, so the chances of having an undefeated region champion seem slim.
The East Sky sent four teams to the postseason last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if at least five advance this year.
Now, if you ask me to pick a region champion, well, your guess is as good as mine.

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.

On Oct. 23 the powers that be in the 5A conference will meet in Gilbert and become more focused on their alignment for the next two-year scheduling block.
Based on what I’m seeing and hearing everyone again is out to protect their turf. Seemingly as the camps of the haves and have-nots grow wider with each two-year block everyone wants to be competitive or have the best opportunity to be competitive.
Some schools who were used to lots of success at the beginning of the decade are enjoying less and less as population shifts. Mesa schools are part of that mix despite still having many of the top enrollments among 5A-I although their numbers are slipping.
Schools would rather be in the middle or top of say 5A-II rather than at the bottom of 5A-I. Tucson Salpointe, which has been very competitive over the years after appealing up from 3A or 4A to 5A, has its sights set on being placed in 5A-II for the next block. What Salpointe wants and what it gets may be two different things.
Skyline and Marcos like what’s happened the last two years after their separation for the most part from 5A-I competition that was saddling them with sub-par or losing records heading to state tournaments.
It’s a lot about comfort zone, but I doubt everyone will be comfortable after the dust settles next Thursday.