VarsityXtra

After 11 weeks of regular season action, the state tournament is revving up on Friday. Here are my knee-jerk predictions on what will happen in the first round of the 4A-I state tournament.

4A-I
No. 16 Tempe McClintock at No. 1 Tucson Canyon del Oro: McClintock snuck into the playoffs two years ago and then knocked off No. 2 seed Glendale Cactus. The Chargers are limping in this season. Will history repeat itself? Doubtful. It’’s not the easiest first round matchup for Canyon del Oro, but the Dorados look like the most complete team in 4A-I this year. Prediction: Canyon del Oro 35, McClintock 13.
No. 9 Queen Creek at No. 8 Apollo: Apollo finished 9-1, but had one of the easiest schedules in the state. Queen Creek was battle-tested, but finished just 5-5. This is a good draw for the Bulldogs. I think the experience and physicality they have seen all season will be a factor. Prediction: Queen Creek 28, Apollo 14.
No. 12 Bradshaw Mountain at No. 5 Peoria: These two teams played earlier this season, and Peoria won 35-22. I don’t see any reason why this would change. Prediction: Peoria 38, Bradshaw Mountain 21.
No. 13 Nogales at No. 4 Cienega: Two teams that also played earlier this season, and Cienega led 34-0 at the half. Not hard to predict this one. One thing I’m disappointed in is CDO and Cienega being on the same side of the bracket. I think these are the two best teams in 4A-I right now and would have liked to see them have a chance at meeting in the title game. Prediction: Cienega 35, Nogales 7.
No. 14 Agua Fria at No. 3 Saguaro: The Owls were blown out by all legitimate competition this year. The Sabercats fall under that heading, so expect the same. if I’m John Sanders, I like the draw. Playing Apache Junction in the quarterfinals and Cactus Shadows or Sabino in the semis is preferable to getting Cienega or CDO. Prediction: Saguaro 42, Agua Fria 14.
No. 11 Independence at No. 6 Apache Junction: Seton and Liberty both beat up on Independence early in the season, but Independence did beat Apollo late in the year and have won five in a row. Still, Apache Junction has too much talent and will run the ball at will. Prediction: Apache Junction 42, Independence 17.
No. 10 Raymond Kellis at No. 7 Sabino: Another game that likely won’t be very close. We’re developing a theme here. Prediction: Sabino 35, Kellis 14.
No. 15 Sahuaro at No. 2 Cactus Shadows:  Sahuaro did play Queen Creek tough earlier this year, but dealing with Cactus Shadows’ spread attack won’t be fun. The Falcons should win, which would set up a quarterfinal doozy with Sabino. Prediction: Cactus Shadows 35, Sahuaro 14.

Overall outlook: This first round has a distinct line between the haves and have-nots. If any of the top seven seeds lose, I’d be very surprised. And even No. 9 Queen Creek should be able to beat No. 8 Apollo pretty easily if it plays to its potential. But stay tuned for the quarterfinal round. There are plenty of good matchups once we get there.

It was a pretty surprising turn of events at Arcadia on Friday night, where the Titans defense played great and the team rolled to a 35-14 win over the previously undefeated Black Hawks.

A few observations:

- If the Arcadia defense can contain the run, it has the type of offense to play with anyone in 4A-II. It must be a nightmare to defend the Titans. First of all, quarterback Colby Kirkegaard spreads the ball all over the field so zeroing in on one wide receiver won’t work. Also, the passing game has to be respected, so a bruising back like Pat Schrimsher will get four of five yards a pop whenever he wants. Finally, Kirkegaard also has that ability to scramble, so even if the secondary has a play covered, he can pull the football down and take off. The biggest key, in my eyes, to stopping Arcadia is pressure on the quarterback. The defensive tackles have to stay in their gaps, and if the ends can get pressure, it can disrupt Arcadia.

- Arcadia did all this without Jake Hirschi, one of their most potent and versatile playmakers. Hirschi has a strained tendon in his foot suffered last week against Tempe. Coach Jim Ellison said that Hirschi might be back for the first round, although a more realistic timetable might be the quarterfinals.

- I’m not sure if Williams Field got rattled or panicked, but after the first two drives, the offense didn’t look good. It seemed like everyone was trying too hard and getting frustrated instead of just letting the game come to them. The Williams Field defense did a decent job and forced two turnovers to keep the game close, but the offense could never recover. Arcadia dared Williams Field to pass, so coach Steve Campbell did. Between inaccurate passes, dropped balls and good coverage, Williams Field could never get anything going in the passing game, which limited what it could do throughout the contest.

- To that end, I thought Brandon Warren should have ran the ball more. Despite Arcadia stacking the box, Warren was ripping off good gains in the first quarter. After the first couple drives, though, he was almost non-existent. Campbell began splitting out Warren to wide receiver, presumably to take advantage of one-on-one matchups, but Williams Field couldn’t get it to work. Josh Montoya and Alex Howard are two solid backs, but Warren is the one with the game-changing ability, and I thought he should have touched the ball more.

- I wouldn’t count out Williams Field, though. On the first possession, Tom Ross threw a strike to Aaron Hill for a big gain, but Hill fumbled. On the next possession, Ross missed a wide open Howard in the end zone and the Black Hawks were eventually stopped at the 1-yard line on fourth-and-goal. If the Black Hawks score there and tie the game, the offense builds some confidence and it’s a whole new ballgame. Instead, the mistakes seemed to snowball. I expect Ross to have a better game next week, and the offense has too many playmakers to be limited that much.

The Arizona Daily Star has a story up saying Santa Rita, the No. 1 ranked team in the Tribune’s 4A-II rankings, is forfeiting seven wins from earlier this season.

The story says the Eagles self-reported the use of an ineligible player, but there will be an appeal.

Santa Rita was considered one of the favorites among a crowded field trying for a title. It lost in the championship last season to Scottsdale Notre Dame.

If the forfeits stand, Santa Rita will miss the postseason.

One more week to go before the postseason is upon us.

In 4A-I, Tucson Canyon del Oro has a chance to enter the tournament as a clear-cut favorite with a win this week over Tucson Sabino.

In 4A-II, it’s a clutter that won’t be sorted out until the buzzer sounds on the championship game. Quite a few important games this week among ranked teams.

4A-I
1. Canyon del Oro (9-0): Big test this week against No. 4 Tucson Sabino. It’s been my assertion for awhile that the Dorados are head and shoulders above the rest of 4A-I. We’ll see if Sabino can give them a game.
2. Cactus Shadows (9-0): The Falcons are one win away from an undefeated season. Wow. Just, wow. They are in contention with CdO for the top seed in 4A-I.
3. Cienega (8-1): Depending on how the bracket shakes out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bobcats in the title game against Canyon del Oro. Willie Willis, Ronnie Burton and Trent Simon are three top-flight skill guys.
4. Sabino (8-1): The Sabercats’ only loss has been to 4A-II No. 1 Santa Rita, but the schedule otherwise has been weak. Sabino needs a solid showing against Canyon del Oro to stay in the state title chatter.
5. Saguaro (7-2): A good win last week against Apache Junction, and if the Sabercats take care of business against Queen Creek in the season finale, they should wrap up the No. 3 seed for the state tournament, a solid accomplishment for a completely re-tooled squad. Another title-game berth for Saguaro could happen.

4A-II
1. Santa Rita (8-1): A big game this week against Palo Verde with the region title on the line. An impressive performance against Palo Verde could solidify Santa Rita’s spot as the slimmest of favorites heading into a wide open 4A-II postseason.
2. Mingus (9-0): Mingus has given up 7, 6, 6, 2, 0 and 0 points in its last six games. Mohave stands in the way of an undefeated season, Mohave has won four straight games, but it’s doubtful they can hang with a Marauders group that is rolling.
3. Williams Field (9-0): A hiccup last week, but the Black Hawks escaped with a win over Coronado. The region title is on the line on Friday against Arcadia.
4. Cactus (8-1): Since the loss to Saguaro without QB Brody Ray, Cactus has been one of the most impressive teams in the state, with wins over Paradise Valley and Greenway, among others. Yet another team in state title contention.
5. Liberty (9-0): Liberty defeated Buckeye last week to take its place in the top-5. The schedule has been pretty easy so far this year, but Liberty has beaten everyone on its schedule, and that’s all that it can do. The state tournament will prove just how legitimate this team is.

With one week to go in the regular season, Chandler Seton is ranked 20th in the 4A-II power points.

So to make the postseason, the Sentinels would need to leapfrog four teams in the standings.

Sounds next to impossible, right? Well, Seton might have a better chance than one would think.

The five teams ahead of Seton are: Mohave, Catalina, Desert Edge, Coconino and Thunderbird.

On Friday, Mohave plays undefeated Mingus, the top team in power points. Catalina plays Amphitheater, a team that is 6-3. Desert Edge plays undefeated Liberty. Thunderbird plays a Paradise Valley squad that is 5-4 and will be a heavy favorite.

Those four teams will be underdogs in their season finales.

Coconino, the other team ahead of Seton, plays Flagstaff. Coconino has a better record, but the teams are only separated by a game. This is the game that could keep Seton out of the postseason.

Then again, the Sentinels have to beat Gilbert Higley on Friday to let these scenarios come into play.

“If we don’t win, nothing else matters,” Seton coach Rex Bowser said.

Tempe Marcos de Niza ushered in a familiar face (and a blast from the past) this week when the Padres hired Greg Vanney as their boys soccer coach.

Vanney, 35, was an all-state player who led the Padres to state championships in 1990 (a tie with Phoenix Brophy), 1991 and 1992.

He went on to play at UCLA and was drafted in 1996 by the L.A. Galaxy of the Major League Soccer.

He played professionally in L.A., as well as Europe and was part of the U.S. National team from 1997-2005 in which he participated in two World Cups.

Vanney also founded the Arizona Futbol Club (AZFC), a youth soccer club program in the Valley.

Another wild night in Toro town, where defense need not apply (and, for the most part, didn’t).

–This isn’t the Mountain View team of 2006 which went to the 5A Division I state championship game, but the Toros are pretty good.

Six weeks ago, the world was coming to an end when they got hammered by Scottsdale Chaparral and lost a closer one at Tucson Sunnyside, but they reeled off five consecutive wins between then and Friday night.

Even Friday, the Toros had a couple chances to forge ahead and win the game, but they can (and, I think, will) win the Central Region against Chandler Basha next week.

That’s pretty darn good for a team which was completely reconstructed after last year’s trip to the state semifinals.

Toros coach Tom Joseph laughed about the size/speed differential between them and Chandler before the game, and he was right, but the final score pretty much dictated otherwise. So, too, did the penalties, which cost Chandler dearly (again).

–Brett Hundley understandably got the headlines for his play, but the Toros were every bit as effective (if slightly less flashy) offensively against Chandler’s short-handed defense.

Brad Heap was nearly flawless (15 of 20 for 180 yards and two TDs with one INT) and put on a couple moves when he had to scramble. Jacom Brimhall’s fumble on the second-half kickoff proved pivotal, but he busted through the middle on his next touch and was his usual self (139 yards, TD, 2-point conversion reception).

Chase Richardson has Brimhall-esque elusiveness running or receiving, and Jordan Hinton (7 rec., 86 yards) is pretty good.

–Imagine how this game might have gone (or still be going) had Mountain View not had those two turnovers. The Wolves committed zero turnovers and had only two second-half penalties.

–Lastly, we touched on the onside kick rules here a couple weeks ago, and, sure enough, the Toros were offsides twice in the final minute while attempting an onside kick. Both times the ball went right to Chandler but the play was blown dead and Mountain View got to re-kick. The third time, Matt Gulbrandsen put down a perfect attempt and after a vicious collision and scramble, Andrew Muscara recovered it for the Wolves.

Why the Toros were basically allowed three chances at an onside kick for committing two penalties, is beyond me.

In a senior season supposedly set for sweetness, Kyle Yount’s 2009 had instead turned sour and bitter.

Coming off a 2,000-yard passing season in 2008, Yount was again annoited Chandler’s starting quarterback to start this season, but Brett Hundley’s athleticism and ability flickered late in 2008 and the Wolves knew his capabilities.

The change came during the Centennial blowout in Week 2, and Yount was obviously livid. He was moved to wide receiver (with an occasional snap at QB) and was invisible for a couple weeks.

Three weeks ago he made a presence against Mesa Red Mountain with a couple receptions as the Wolves rolled, and sent a text message to Chandler coach Jim Ewan’s wife saying it was the first time this season he’d left the locker room feeling good about himself.

“He’s such an upbeat kid, and, make no mistake, (the switch) hurt him and it ate at him,” Jim Ewan said. “But he’s done himself good by being such a team-first kid.”

Same thing happened against Phoenix Desert Vista last week, but Yount’s best game - regardless of position - came Friday night against Mesa Mountain View.

From his wide receiver position, he threw a perfect 34-yard touchdown pass to Michael Okonkwo on a trick play in the second quarter. He also caught four passes for 33 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown catch from Hundley midway through the fourth quarter to give Chandler a 45-35 lead it would need.

Yount took a clean, punishing hit from the Toros secondary in the end zone but hung onto the ball, cleared the cobwebs and promptly kicked the extra point as an emergency fill-in for the injured Logan Spears. He doesn’t have great speed or separation, but is a big target (6-foot-2) and can benefit underneath from the Wolves other vertical threats.

Yount and the Wolves have also benefited from some perspective. Chandler has a great chance to win out this regular season and host a playoff game not only because of Hundley’s remarkable talent, but because his predecessor ultimately chose winning over sulking and sympathy cards.

“Kyle’s my guy,” Hundley said. “I give him all my respect. He’s earned the ball and played his butt off.”

Here are the Super Regional breakdowns/schedules for 5A Division I and Division II girls golf which tee off Monday and Tuesday mornings for the right to play in the State Tournament on Nov. 9 and 10.

Unlike the boys, the qualifiers for the girls state tournament (team and individuals) fluctuate in numbers depending on the number of teams in each Super Regional, though individual qualifiers who are not part of a qualifying team must shoot a two-day total of 200 or below.

5A Division I

Super Regional #1  (at Ahwatukee Country Club)

Monday at 8 a.m.;  Tuesday at 8 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Top 5 teams, Top 4 individuals advance

Basha, Buena, Desert Ridge, Mesquite, Mountain Ridge, Mountain View (Mesa), North Canyon, Skyline, St. Mary’s, Trevor Browne, Xavier.

Super Regional #2  (at Ken McDonald Golf Course)

Monday at 9 a.m.; Tuesday at 9 a.m. (shotgun start)

Top 4 teams, Top 4 individuals advance

Cesar Chavez, Chandler, Hamilton, Kofa, Mesa, Mountain Pointe, Red Mountain, Salpointe, Westwood.

Super Regional #3  (at Lone Tree Golf Course)

Tuesday at 8 a.m.; Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Top 4 Teams, Top 4 individuals advance

Alhambra, Casa Grande, Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Dobson, Gilbert, Highland, North, Tucson.

5A Division II

Super Regional #1  (at Dobson Ranch Golf Course)

Monday at 10 a.m.; Tuesday at 8 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Top 5 teams, Top 5 individuals advance

Central, Chaparral, Desert Mountain, Goldwater, Lake Havasu, Marcos de Niza, Millennium, Perry, Sunnyside, Tolleson.

Super Regional #2  (at Silverbell Golf Course)

Monday at 7:30 a.m.; Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Top 4 teams, Top 4 individuals advance

Cibola, Deer Valley, Gila Ridge, Ironwood, Ironwood Ridge, LaJoya, Mountain View (Marana), Westview, Willow Canyon.

Super Regional #3  (at Encanto Golf Course)

Monday at 7:30 a.m.;  Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Top 5 teams, Top 2 individuals advance

Boulder Creek, Centennial, Fairfax, Horizon, Kingman, Pinnacle, Rincon, Sandra Day O’Connor, Valley Vista, Yuma.

Here are the Super Regional breakdowns/schedules for 5A Division I and Division II boys golf which tee off Monday and Tuesday mornings for the right to play in the State Tournament on Nov. 9 and 10.

The top 7 team scores in each Super Regional will advance to the State Tournament. The top 5 individuals who not a on state-qualifying team also advance (individual qualifiers must shoot a two-day total of 168 or below).

5A Division I

Super Regional #1  (at Maryvale Golf Course)

Monday at 7:30 a.m.;  Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Casa Grande, Desert Ridge, Dobson, Hamilton, Highland, Maryvale, Mesa, Mesquite, Mountain Ridge, North, North Canyon, Red Mountain, Skyline, Tucson, Westwood.

Super Regional #2 (at Maryvale Golf Course)

Monday at 11:30 a.m.;  Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Alhambra, Basha, Brophy, Buena, Cesar Chavez, Chandler, Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Gilbert, Kofa, Mountain Pointe, Mountain View (Mesa), St. Mary’s, Salpointe Catholic, Trevor Browne.

5A Division II

Super Regional #1  (at Aguila Golf Course)

Monday at 7:30 a.m.; Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun start)

Boulder Creek, Camelback, Central, Cibola, Desert Mountain, Ironwood, Ironwood Ridge, LaJoya, Lake Havasu, Marcos de Niza, Mountain View (Marana), Perry, Sandra Day O’Connor, Tolleson, Willow Canyon, Yuma.

Super Regional #2  (at Aguila Golf Course)

Monday at 11:30 a.m.;  Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.  (shotgun start)

Goldwater, Carl Hayden, Centennial, Chaparral, Deer Valley, Fairfax, Gila Ridge, Horizon, Kingman, Millennium, Pinnacle, Rincon, South Mountain, Sunnyside, Valley Vista, Westview.