CDO was losing 14-21 to Apollo with 4:30 left in the first half. Ka’Deem Carey “only” had 118 yards at that point with 50 of it coming off of a touchdown run in the second quarter.

The Dorados would punt the ball away with 3:06 left and Apollo would give the ball back after LB Jake Middleton recovered a fumble at the 25 yard-line.

A penalty pushed CDO back and then a snap would fly over the head of QB Mike Lewis and, instead of falling on the ball, Lewis attempted to pick it up but Apollo fell on the loose ball.

Apollo got the ball back with 2:00 left, riding a 7 point lead at their own 37 yard-line. CDO looked like they were missing something. They looked normal.

Apollo smelled blood and they attempted to move the ball again. A late score probably would have caused CDO to panic. Instead, a short running play, an incomplete pass and a short pass to the sideline left them with a 4-2 with 1:11 left.

Apollo had failed to run the clock out or score. And, for a few moments, Apollo was going to go for it on the fourth down play at their own 45 much like the New England Patriots attempted a few nights before. They wisely decided to punt the ball away after a timeout.

It was the right thing to do. Play the odds that your defense can stop CDO and go into the locker room with a 21-14 lead.

CDO took the punt and began at their own 19. A penalty moved it back to the 14 with 1:04 left. They looked satisfied being down by 7. Carey would rip off a 15 yard run on the next play. 52.8 seconds left. His next run went for 71 yards.

21-21 with 30 seconds left. And things went down hill from there for Apollo.

Apollo QB Jon Brown had complete control of the game at that point. He had already thrown for over 160 yards in the first half. Rather than getting under center and taking a knee, Apollo remained in attack mode.

They had their own bad snap and the Dorado defense crushed him at the 14 for a big loss and they sent him out of the game.

To the beginning:

CDO scored on their first drive on a 12 yard run by Lewis. It looked good early. But then Apollo started to pass at will with an open receiver coming from the double wide-out position, utilizing picks and screens. Apollo tied the score on a 4 yard run set up by a pass interference penalty in the end zone.

CDO would punt and Apollo marched down the field again and scored on a 2 yard run, again set up by a pass interference penalty in the end zone.

Carey would then score on the 50 yard run.

I can’t imagine what Apollo could have been saying in their locker room. They dominated yet Carey pulled off two long touchdowns to go with 207 yards in the first half. CDO, on the other hand, did not panic.

“We stuck to the basics. We wanted to come out and have some fun and play some football,” Dorado WR/S Jared Tevis would later say.

And, so the fun began.

CDO would score on the first drive of the second half on a 14 yard run by Carey. Lewis hooked up with WR Kelton Beattie for 27 yards on the drive to set up Carey.

Apollo got the ball back and it was clear Brown was still feeling the effects of being hit hard. They were forced to punt after an incomplete pass and a sack and CDO took the ball again after the 24 yard punt.

8:55 left in the third.

Lewis would score again on a 10 yard run with 8:09 left. The score was now 35-21 CDO.

More fun.

CDO lineman David Studer would knock down Brown’s third down pass attempt and he would then break through the line to block the punt. CDO took over at the 13 yard line with 7:12 left.

Carey would score again two plays later. 42-21. 6:32 left.

Apollo was still falling apart and their fake punt at midfield resulted in excellent field position for CDO again with 3:40 left.

Carey would score again, this time from 25 yards out. 49-21 1:10 left.

Apollo would have to punt again with 18.9 seconds left in the third.

Carey would take the direct snap and scamper 57 yards to score again on the next play. 56-21 End of third quarter.

Tevis intercepted Brown on his next pass and would return it to the 13. Lewis would run it in again from the one yard line. 63-21 CDO.

Apollo would score on the second and third team defense to cut the lead to 63-27 with a failed 2 point conversion and then they would pull off an onside kick.

They would add another score and 2 point conversion to make the final 63-35.

Carey would finish with 427 yards with 6 touchdowns. CDO scored an incredible 6 times in the third period.

Brown, to his credit would throw for 250 yards in the loss. That would be enough to win against any other team – but not tonight.

Tonight belonged to Southern Arizona.

“Tucson teams are for real. I’m happy for Cienega and Sabino…we are representing,” Carey.

Cienega beat Bradshaw Mountain 50-7 and Sabino beat 2 seed Cactus Shadows 63-42 in other 4A I games.

Scottsdale Saguaro is the lone Phoenix area team left.

CDO will play Cienega next Friday at Tucson High and Saguaro hosts Sabino at Paradise Valley High School.

The championship game will be at Arizona stadium on Saturday, December 5 at 6 pm. We are now guaranteed a Tucson team will be in it.

To his credit, Carey thanked his blockers and said he just followed their blocks.

Dorados coach Dustin Peace told his team that they played “devastating” football, “That’s how we do it at CDO.”

FROM THE NOTEBOOK

Former Arizona stars Ricky Hunley, Julius Holt and Randy Robbins watched the game from the end zone. Randy’s son Josh plays for CDO.

That’s big time star power for Arizona at a night when Oregon could have shown up to show interest in Carey. They did not.

CDO announcer and former Arizona tight end Bill Nettling joined Hunley, Holt and Robbins at halftime.

Apollo had 40 fans at kickoff. Their fan and band bus was late. Their stands were full by the time Carey had 200 yards.

Tevis is the real deal. He may lack size but he is one of Arizona’s best defenders.

4A II

Santa Rita beat Amphi 48-0 and will now play top seed Mingus at North Canyon High School next Friday night.

Palo Verde beat Liberty 40-17 and Douglas lost to 2 seed Cactus 70-21 on the other side of the bracket.

Palo Verde will now face Cactus at Paradise Valley High School at 3 pm next Friday.

The 4A II championship game is also at Arizona Stadium.

5A II

Sunnyside lost 34-24 to Marcos de Niza.

2A

Willcox plays Yuma Catholic at 5 pm tonight at North Canyon High School. The winner goes to the state championship game to be played at NAU.

Boys Basketball Preview

1A

When St. Gregory beat Valley Union 46-32 to win back to back state championships last winter, they solidified themselves as a power in Arizona.

Bennett Sawyer scored 19 points in that game for St. Gregory but he graduated. Blake Gephart, Jason Rickel and Zach Mulder return for their last year and juniors Frankie Mgbolu and Jacob Baranowski were on the All-Tournament team.

Valley Union gets a rematch on January 8 but, unlike St. Gregory, they didn’t lose any players to graduation. Saul Mancinas, Jason Collins, Jose Gamez and 6’2” Jesus Cordova return to challenge St. Gregory.

Tanque Verde and Duncan each lost in the first round last year. Tanque Verde lost 5 seniors making this a young team. Duncan was totally devastated by losing 7 players to graduation.

Brandon Spalten returns for the Academy of Tucson.

2A

Thatcher lost in overtime to Precision in the championship game 75-72 behind Jon Orr’s 20 points. He and six of his teammates graduated and the Eagles might find it difficult to replace them. 6’5” Dayton Barney will have to lead the team this year.

2 Seed San Manuel lost to 3 seed Willcox in the first round and then Willcox lost to Thatcher in the next round. The Miners come back with 8 seniors and Willcox has Shane Hicks and Rudy Verdugo returning.

Benson lost in overtime in the first round to San Carlos. San Carlos then beat Bisbee. Dain Dastrup returns for the Bobcats while Sergio Rivera returns for Bisbee.

Greg Schimke and Trevor Cook will turn in their helmets and once again lead Pusch Ridge. 6’4” Daniel Bays and 6’3” David Hoffman return for Desert Christian.

3A

Safford lost in the semifinals to top seed Estrella Foothills. Safford was 24-7 last year but they only had two guys under 6 foot. They lose 6’8” Jake Taylor but bring back 6’8” Colby Wilson. Size equals skill in basketball and Safford has plenty of size.

Demetri Hayes returns as the top scorer for Empire. Santa Cruz got hit hard when Joseph Douglas graduated but Chris Bradley returns.

4A I

Cholla lost in the first round, as did Sabino. Pueblo lost in the first round to Cienega in the first round but lost to Catalina Foothills in overtime 79-75.

The Foothills then lost to Sunnyslope in a semifinal game.

Cat Foothills will have to play without Sterling North and his 16 points per game but they have Jake Klewer and Connor Bailey returning. Brandon Burnett returns for Cienega but they lose Coree Aten and Seth Mejias-Brean.

Matt Korchek will play again for Sabino. The rest of 4A I had a pretty disappointing season last year and it will be interesting to see which team steps it up this year.

4A II

Palo Verde lost in the first round last year. Leading scorer Derrion Coleman returns.

Amphi lost to Santa Rita in the semifinals 66-61. They will be led by Lester Medford and Malcolm Millner.

Santa Rita lost to Greenway in the championship game 60-58. Terrell Stoglin comes back for his last year with the Eagles. He had 28 points in the championship game. That was the third straight loss and 4 of the last 5 for Santa Rita in the final. Stoglin heads to Marylan next year.

5A I

Buena made it to the semifinals before losing to St. Mary’s. They upset Mesa Mountain View along the way. Anthony Miller is gone and so is Daniel Chavez. They lose their top five scorers. Devonte Malcolm is now their leader.

Salpointe said goodbye to Frank Kalil but Colby Weaver is just a junior and so is Emilio Acedo. Tucson High will have at least 8 seniors this year.

5A II

Rincon lost in the first round where they were upset by South Mountain. Juan Pablo Favela will have

to make due without teammates Travis Timmons and Gilbert Tafoya.

Ryan Rosthenhausler returns for his final year for Sunnyside. Mountain View no longer has Aaron Anderson so Scott Volpe will have to step up.

Top seed Ironwood Ridge lost the championship game 42-39 against 2 seed North. Brandon Duliakis graduated so did Chad Carter. Lawrence Hampton is now a senior and Tyler D’Amore returns also.

UA recruit Daniel Bejarano played for North in that game. Brandon Duliakis is playing for former UA coach Russ Pennell at Grand Canyon.

Alexa Cash

She did it without the media hype. She is unassuming and quiet. Her dad is her sometimes coach and her mom has been seen keeping score but they have stayed in the background, quietly preparing their daughter for the spotlight rather than demanding it or even seeking it. They aren’t “connected.” (Well, they are related to Johnny Cash).

The Buccaneers of Eastern Tennessee State signed Cienega pitcher Alex Cash at precisely 7:14 pm last night. Why? Because 14 is her favorite number.

Former Marana catcher Marlina Delisa is entering her sophomore year there. She was named to the all Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team.

I had a chance to talk with her future college coach, Andrea Mangrum, about Alexa and her team:

TC: Can you give me some of your thoughts on Alexa and what she means to the team?

She is a coach’s dream because of her ability to play defense and hit when she is not on the mound! She throws a hard ball with great movement, so that will bring a new mix to our pitching staff. The sky is the limit for her future at ETSU. I believe she has the chance to be one of the best players on our conference and help take this program to places it has never been before. She is also a very composed athlete who handles the pressures of the game in a very mature manner. This will be key for her success as a freshman at this level.

TC: I noticed you have two pitchers who will graduate this year (Marissa Hardy and Darci Gilbert) – how does Alexa fit in the future of your team?

The senior class we are losing was my 1st recruiting class here at ETSU. They have been program changers for us and will leave here being 4 year starters. It was a challenge to replace such amazing young ladies both on and off the field. The 2 pitchers we are losing have been such a cornerstone in the progression of this program. Most D1 schools have to bring in 1 elite pitcher every recruiting class, but we had to bring in 2. I feel so blessed to have accomplished that goal and am honored to have the opportunity to coach Alexa for the next 4 years.

TC: Also, can you give me some quotes on former Marana High School catcher Marlina Delisa?

Marlina came out with a bang her freshmen year. She was a key hitter in our lineup for most of the

season. We expect her to be a key component in our offense again this year. She has improved tremendously with her quickness and game awareness as a catcher. She has worked hard in the off season to get stronger and it shows with her power at the plate. She is a joy to have on the team and is doing a great job representing our program. She opened up some doors in the Tucson area and as you can see it has helped with the signing of Alexa. We hope this relationship grows and more young ladies want to spend their college career at ETSU!

TC: Anything else you would like to add about your team would be great.

We are a very solid academic team and our players demonstrate great character on and off the field. I believe those components off the field, make us great on the field. My staff believes in discipline and team work because we know that talent is never enough. We want our players to leave our program and make a position impact in society. We are involved in community service throughout the year and it has helped our players see that giving is more rewarding than receiving. I love being called “coach” because I know I am the once influencing my players on a daily basis. My staff is very positive and we have 4 core values in our program: pride, attitude, character, and teamwork. We work hard to instill these within every player’s heart because we know these are more important than winning and losing on the field. And if we execute these values we will be successful on the field.

Cienega:

This makes the fourth player for Eric Tatham’s Cienega team to be signed to a D I school this year: Morgan Doughty, Colorado State; Emily Pohl, Colorado State and Ashlee Brawley, Arizona

Cienega High School has six athletes signed when you add Jacquie Cason for Volleyball at UTEP and Sun Park for Golf at Yale. This is the most impressive signing list in Southern Arizona.

Alexa’s mom told me she was excited but on the phone she sounded like her normal self.  She told me the campus was beautiful and the coach was great when she visited ETSU earlier this month, “Marlina was awesome.”

“I want to thank all my coaches, the Thunder organization under Tony Rascon for giving me my first national exposure, my current coaches and my teammates.  I wouldn’t be here without them.”

ETSU gave Alex a full-ride (she has to pay for her own food).  We joked that the no food clause would have been a deal breaker for many teenagers.  “I think I’ll survive.”

I think she will too.

“My name is Luke Davis. I’ve always loved to write, on anything and everything, but in college I became fascinated with the field of journalism.” From Luke’s blog.

Luke was only 30 years old. I know I can speak for the entire Tucson Citizen family when I say his wife and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

People who are way smarter than me might quote from scripture or from verse to help you with your loss but I am only able to talk about Luke as a colleague. I know my words are so inadequate.

Luke had his whole life ahead of him. It is the memory of what he was and the dream of what he might have been that makes this so difficult to understand.

I only spoke with Luke once. It was during a CDO football game.

He was a nice guy and he asked me how the Citizen was doing.

I enjoyed his work at the Citizen where he worked general news and later with the Northwest Explorer where he finally got to work with sports. It was his self-described passion. I looked forward to his take on a game that we both covered.

Luke died last Saturday in a collision on I-10 near Picacho Peak. It was reported that he was on his way to watch a Coyotes game with his wife Nikki.

Nikki was also in the car when it was hit by another car that crossed over the medium. She is recovering from her injuries.

You can see much of Luke’s work at his blog: http://lukemdavis.wordpress.com/

He also kept a twitter account where he filed his last sports report at 8:45 pm on November 13:

“Another N. Side football team goes down: Pusch Ridge loses to Yuma Catholic 28-7 in the quarterfinals of 2A playoff action.”

http://twitter.com/azsportswriter

You can read a great story on Luke at his newspaper:

http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/11/18/opinion/editorials/doc4b03355c91053831840583.txt

I’m going to cover the CDO football game in his honor.

Football Picks Week 13

Undefeated team: CDO 11-0
I was 11-5 last week. My total is now 153-38.

We are down to 9 teams left in Southern Arizona from 2A to 5A. We also have 4 home games.

The Sunnyside game will be shown on aia365.com.

5A II

5 SUNNYSIDE: W North Canyon 24-20; W Nogales 22-19; W Mesa MV 23-18; W Mountain View 43-20; W Sahuaro 47-7; W Buena 35-10; W Tucson 35-14; W Ironwood Ridge 35-14; W Rincon 72-27; L Salpointe 7-10; W Horizon 48-7.
NEXT at 4 Marcos de Niza.

This game begins at 7 pm and will be broadcasted on aia365.com. Sunnyside is on a roll. I’m picking them by 10.

4A I

1 CDO: W Ironwood Ridge 27-13; W Santa Rita 27-9; W Tucson 27-9; W Queen Creek 30-7; W Nogales 56-13; W Saguaro 44-0; W Cat Foothills 35-7; W Flowing Wells 35-7; W Pueblo 52-0; W Sabino 34-21; W McClintock 49-26.
NEXT 8 Apollo.

Apollo had a very bad loss to 11 Independence in late October. CDO has had very few difficulties. CDO by 14.

4 CIENEGA: W Buena 28-7; L Cactus Shadows 33-32; W Sahuarita 41-14; W Ironwood Ridge 19-7; W Flowing Wells 42-6; W Cat Foothills 56-0; W Desert View 40-6; W Marana 56-14; W Nogales 47-14; W Sahuaro 34-14; W Nogales 51-14.
NEXT 12 Bradshaw Mountain.

Bradshaw Mountain squeaked into the playoffs but then upset 5 seeded Peoria to get this far. Cienega will be ready and win by 17.

7 SABINO: W Sahuaro 57-17; W Moon Valley 28-7; L Santa Rita 16-27; W Mountain View 28-21; W Marana 48-0; W Desert View 56-14; W Pueblo 59-0;W Cat Foothills 42-10; W Flowing Wells 56-0: L CDO 21-34; W Kellis 49-7.
NEXT at 2 Cactus Shadows.

By losing to CDO Sabino got put into a game with the 2 seed. Not many teams can say they played the top two seeds. They came close at CDO. I’m picking Sabino in the upset special by 3.

4A II

3 PALO VERDE: W Cat Foothills 13-7; W Sahuaro 9-7; L McClintock 5-17; W Amphi 31-0; W Catalina 30-0; W Cholla 28-0; W Douglas 16-6; W Sahuarita 40-7; W Rio Rico 56-8; W Santa Rita 24-23; W Greenway 35-15.
NEXT 6 Liberty.

The Titans get to host another game. They should win if they don’t catch themselves looking to next week. PV by 14.

5 SANTA RITA: W Rincon 3-33; L CDO 27-9; W Sabino 27-16; W Rio Rico 69-0; W Cholla 55-0; W Douglas 40-0; W Amphi 37-7; W Catalina 45-7; W Sahuarita 34-6; L Palo Verde 23-24; W Notre Dame 33-0.
NEXT 13 Amphi.
13 AMPHI: W Marana 21-0; W Seton 42-34; W Flowing Wells 28-7; L Palo Verde 0-31; W Rio Rico 55-14; W Sahuarita 21-7; L Santa Rita 7-37; W Cholla 55-13 L Douglas 28-30; W Catalina 27-10; W Williams Field 35-34 OT.
NEXT at 5 Santa Rita.

This rematch will be closer than the last one. This is the game of the week. Santa Rita by 10.

10 DOUGLAS: W Bisbee 42-19; W Nogales 27-20; L Desert View 7-38; W Catalina 27-22; W Sahuarita 21-14; L Santa Rita 0-40; L Palo Verde 6-16; W Rio Rico 46-26; W Amphi 30-28; W Cholla 34-12; W Arcadia 35-17.
NEXT at 2 Cactus.

Douglas has a long trip ahead of them to Glendale. They pulled off a major upset last Friday. This is too much to ask for. Cactus by 24.

2A

9 WILLCOX: L 14-34 Lordsburg (NM); W Baboquivari 61-0; W 28-21 Safford; W 35-6 Peoria; W Pima 28-0; W Morenci 36-0; W Tombstone 48-0; W Bisbee 55-16; W Thatcher 41-0; L Benson 27-34; W Red Mesa 48-20; W NW Christian 31-20.
NEXT at 5 Yuma Catholic.

The table was set for Pusch Ridge when Willcox knocked off top seed NW Christian last Friday and 2 seed Benson lost to a 7 seed. They could not come through. Now, Willcox is in the driver’s seat. Willcox by 7.

Girls Basketball Preview

Practice began November 2 and games can begin November 23. Most area schools will begin December 1.

1A

St. Gregory lost in the second round of the state playoffs last year to eventual runner-up Pima 40-38. They were the second seed in the South because St. David took the top spot.

St. David also lost in the second round to eventual state champion Surrey Garden 46-38. Surry was listed as a 3 seed from the West and that remains the toughest section of 1A.

St. Augustine took the third seed and lost in the first round as did 4 seed ASDB.

Bowie/San Simon and Duncan are the only East teams in 1A that we consider part of Southern Arizona. They both lost in the first round.

St. Gregory: Emma Finkelstein and Taryn Parsons enter their senior year.

St. David: Lost top two scorers Breana Carpenter and Barbara Kartchner but keep the third scorer, junior Kayla Carpenter. Marissa Garcia is a senior.

Duncan will bring back at least five seniors including forward Bonnie Bodine.

2A

Willcox was the East top seed and made it all the way to the championship game last year where they lost to the North top seed St. Johns 49-34.

Thatcher made it to the second round where they almost upset Camp Verde 42-41.

Benson and Tombstone each lost in the first round.

Pusch Ridge was one of the best teams but lost in their regional tournament to North Pointe Prep and it counted against them.

Willcox: Lost two big players in Alesha Jones and Chachi Klump but keep center Susie Guerrero for one more year and Shelby Harguess is only a junior.

Thatcher: 5’11” Chelsea Motes and 5’10” Salena Scroggins return.

Pusch Ridge: Hannah McLeod is gone and so is Jessica Villerius. 6’1” Cheyenne Link returns as does Vanessa Cook.

Benson: Kayla Haro returns.

Tombstone: 6’4” A’Jha Edwards is now a senior.

3A

Safford was a 4 seed and made it to the second round.

Safford: Guard Miranda Mazenek returns for her last year.

Empire: Shelia Oliver is the leading scorer and she is only a junior but they lose Katie Kelly. Dani Hawley is a senior.

4A II

Palo Verde was a 4 seed but was upset by 5 Mingus in the second round 49-47 last year.

Douglas made it to the second round while Catalina lost to Palo Verde in the first round.

Sahuarita also lost on the first round.

Palo Verde: They no longer have Amber Cordova or Cindy Miranda but 6’1” Darian Sanders is only a sophomore and Grace Rivas has one more year.

Catalina: Jasmine Grant is now a senior but Jordan Button is gone. Darcy Earnhart is a junior and now becomes the number two scorer behind Grant.

Sahuarita: Ivana Vidal has graduated and so has her “Moose” nickname. Unfortunately, so did 15 points a game. Clarissa Jimenez comes back for her last year.

Amphi: Essence Johnson is a now a senior and so is Vanessa King.

Cholla: Top scorer Laura Lopez is only a junior and second leading scorer Alicia Hunter enters her final year.

Rio Rico: Lost Hannah Simpson but Tibisay Alvarez has one more year.

Santa Rita: Chasity Smith is only a sophomore.

4A I

Canyon del Oro won the state championship last year going in as the 1 seed. Cienega lost in the first round as did Nogales and Catalina Foothills.

Sahuaro made it to the second round.

CDO: Nadi Carey is gone and so is Sarah Batterton. Six seniors have gone on. Sydney Lewis returns. It could be a down year.

Cienega: Top scorer Alyssa Deal is only a junior and second leader Megan Placencia returns for one more year.

Nogales: Olivia Valencia is now a senior. Nogales lost 10 seniors last year.

Cat Foothills: Shakayla McEaddy returns.

Sabino: Kaitlin Allison returns as the leading scorer.

Marana: Jamee Swan is only a sophomore and Lindsay Honea returns. Look for Marana to make some noise this winter.

5A II

Ironwood Ridge and Rincon lost in the first round last year.

Ironwood Ridge could use help from the volleyball team again this year – especially from Brianna Hughes.

Rincon: 6’0” Gabby Lacy returns as does Alyssa Mort.

Mountain View: Tiffany Clausen is now a senior.

5A I

Buena lost in the first round and Tucson made it to the second round last year.

Salpointe: Twin towers Erin Castaneda and Monika Brady come back for their last year.

Buena: Leading scorer Keyondra White returns as does Taneka Ruben.

Tucson: Christine Clark has one more year. Ratanya Newsome joins Clark.

Rushing Leaders:

Carey: CDO: 156-1921 (12.3)
Woody: Empire 187-1678 (8.9) (end)
Williams: Mountain View: 242-1374 (5.7) (end)
Willis: Cienega: 163-1354 (8.3)
Graf: Benson: 155-1327 (8.6) (end)
Morales: Catalina 199-1320 (6.6) (end)
Cline: San Manuel: 100-1191 (11.9) (end)
Gastelum: Amphi: 160-1142 (7.1)
Fraser: Sabino: 138-1135 (8.2)
Kriesel: Tombstone: 120-1026 (8.6) (end)
Hill: Palo Verde: 140 974 (6.9)
Meraz: Desert View: 167-951 (5.7) (end)
Nelson: Sabino: 84-911 (10.8)
Leahy: Palo Verde: 108-888 (8.2)
Brahler: Ironwood Ridge: 158-879 (5.6) (end)
Murray: St. David: 91-810 (8.9) (end)
Fields: Santa Cruz: 113-765 (6.8) (end)
Davis: ASDB/SA: 120-750 (6.3) (end)

Passing Leaders:

Zuniga: Nogales: 148-280 2374 (end)
Schimke: Pusch Ridge: 136-225 2264 (end)
Alvarado: Safford: 117-225 1916 (end)
D’Amore: Ironwood Ridge: 125-216 1714 (end)
Phelps: San Manuel: 75-116 1548 (end)
Shazier: Sunnyside: 89-158 1534
Mills: Cienega: 100-179 1504
Larriva: Catalina Foothills: 127-239 1387 (end)
Davis: St. David: 79-138 1364 (end)
Garlets: Santa Rita: 64-109 1258
Smith: Tucson: 93-200 1239 (end)
Santana: Desert View: 84-166 1189 (end)
Meza: Santa Cruz: 86-176 1180 (end)
Mendivil: Empire: 95-167 1131 (end)
Haynes: Tanque Verde: 70-131 1070 (end)
Ackerley: Sahuaro: 62-161 1020 (end)

Receiving Leaders:

Howard: Sunnyside: 47-963 (20.5)
Villegas: Nogales: 53-910 (17.2) (end)
Simon: Cienega: 50-802 (16)
Ruiz: San Manuel: 32-784 (24.5) (end)
McEuen: Safford: 28-749 (19.7) (end)
Cook: Pusch Ridge: 33-699 (21.2) (end)
Aguilar: Sahuaro: 34-692 (20.4) (end)
Tracey: St. David: 28-660 (25.6) (end)
Vance: Pusch Ridge: 36-610 (16.9) (end)

They call themselves the “Dynamic Duo.”

Deshawn Hill and Dylan Leahy have played together since their Pop Warner days and they are now sharing running back duties for Palo Verde.

Their ability to run and break open a game was on display last night as the Titans defeated Greenway 38-15 in the first round of the 4A II playoffs at home.

Leahy gained 122 yards in the first half and finished the game with 154. Hill only carried the ball twice in the first half for 5 yards but gained 156 in the second half.

Add another 57 yards by Hassan Cross and Palo Verde finished with 364 yards on the ground after taking into account sacks and other carries. The team average per carry came out to over 7 yards.

Palo Verde only attempted two passes so you can tell this is a run-loaded team.

Greenway, by contrast, threw the ball 31 times but only completed 13 of them for 201 yards. They attempted to run the ball but the swarming defense kept them to only 50 yards in 24 attempts. The defensive line was so dominant, they were able to stop Greenway on three fourth down attempts.

The Game:

The game started out interestingly enough as Greenway faked an onside kick with their kicker but then had another member of the kicking team run up and complete the play. The ball went through the hands of a Palo Verde lineman and Greenway jumped on it.

They started out at the 46 yard-line and reeled off a 14 yard run on their first play. They were now deep into Titan territory and it gave the impression that this game was going to be a tough one for the defense.

After a couple of play, Greenway QB Zander McKean hit TE Tyler Bergsten for another 14 yard gain to the 17 yard-line.

The defense held on the next three plays, including a hit on McKean by DE Arrion Griffen as he threw an incomplete pass on 3-9. Greenway’s field goal attempt sailed to the right and Palo Verde took over at their own 20.

The Titans first drive was unremarkable but it included an 11 yard reverse by WR Cameren Gause that would expose a weakness in Greenway’s defense that the Titans would exploit later in the game.

Greenway took over after a punt at their own 20. They moved into Titan territory again but were faced with a 4-2 at the 37 where they were stopped on a 1 yard gain.

Palo Verde took over at their own 36 with 5.3 seconds on the first period clock. Leahy took the ball up the middle and the Titans were winning 7-0 after the extra point. 64 yards on one play after they stopped Greenway on a fourth down showed that the game had shifted to Palo Verde.

Until…..Daniel Rankin took the kickoff and ran it back from his own 10 to the Palo Verde 13 – 77 yard return.
Rankin plays QB for Greenway when they are in the “Wildcat” offense.

The Titans defense held again as Greenway was forced into a field goal again to make it 7-3 with 10:52 left in the first half.

Another onside kick appeared to work but it only went 9 yards. Palo Verde took over a midfield.

Palo Verde was able to move the ball down to the 21 on seven straight runs until a false start penalty moved them back to the 26. A sack then moved them back to the 36. A delay of game penalty moved them back to the 41.

On 3-28, Palo Verde exploited the weakness they saw in Greenway’s pursuit defense when they faked a reverse with WR Cross keeping the ball and running 41 yards for a touchdown. 14-3 after the extra point.

Greenway took over with 5:17 left at their own 35 after the kick went out of bounds.

They were aided by a roughing the passer penalty and drove down to the 26 where they were faced with another 4-2 situation. They went for it but Rankin was stopped after a 1 yard gain.

Palo Verde ran out the clock to end the half.

Greenway changed their game plan and came out passing. Bergsten caught a 40 yard pass, Ronnie Sellers caught a 25 yard screen on a 4-11 play at the 32 yard-line and Bergsten caught a 6 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good. 14-9 Palo Verde with 9:12 left in the third.

The Titans were able to drive to Greenway’s 40 yard line until they tried the end around again with Cross. He lost two yards on the play but, more importantly, he was knocked out of the game with what appeared to be a sprained neck injury.

Greenway’s next drive stalled as they faced another fourth down decision at their own 46. They made the wrong decision as they were stopped for no gain.

Palo Verde attempted a half-back pass on their next drive but Hill over threw a wide open Gause. The drive continued through the fourth period as Hill gained a first down on a fourth and inches run at midfield.

Hill was able to rip off a 30 yard touchdown run later in the drive to make it 21-9 with 9:33 left in the game.

As before, Greenway ran the kickoff back fro their own 8 to the Titan’s 21. This time Sellers returned the ball for 71 yards.

WR Chase Harpole caught a touchdown pass on the next play to cut it to 21-15 with 9:15 left. The two-point conversion failed.

They tried another onside kick but were off sides twice.

Palo Verde took over at the 45. Hill took the first handoff for 27 yards to the 18. He took the run to the 9. Then to the 5. Leahy brought it down to the 3.
It appeared Hill scored a touchdown on second and goal from the 3 but he was ruled down at the 1 yard line. After reviewing my photos of the play it is clear that he did get in and was way beyond the 1 even if he was stopped.

No matter, Leahy ran it in on the next play to make it 28-15 after the extra point. 6:34 left in the game.

Greenway came out throwing again and connected on a 31 yard pass on their next drive on a 3-15 play. An incomplete and a 15 yard sack set up an interception by Leahy that he returned from the 50 to the 28 yard-line.

Leahy suffered a minor neck injury on the play as he was tackled horse-collar style on the return.

The Titans drive stalled at the 27 after a false start penalty. That’s when Asani Igulu kicked a 44 yard field goal to put Palo Verde up 31-15 with 3:47 left.

Igulu is without a doubt the best kicker in this division.

McKean threw another interception, this time to DB Junior Casillas. He returned it 68 yards from the 23 to the 9 yard-line. Casillas was later rewarded as Palo Verde allowed him to run the ball in on 1 yard run with 43.6 seconds left in the game. 38-15 Palo Verde.

Post Game:

Todd Mayfield didn’t say much to his team. He reminded them that they were hosting next week and

went through the list of Tucson teams who will also get to host. He mentioned they were all spokes in a wheel.

That they were.

T/DT Bradley Virgin refused to take credit for opening up holes for Leahy and Hill, “We open the holes but they have to run through them.”

Virgin was a major part of the running game and was key to stopping Greenway on the three fourth down attempts that failed.

Hill mentioned that they (Leahy) played like the “Dynamic Duo.”

Leahy said the key was to stay focused, “We followed the blocks and the rest just happened.”

Leahy said his neck felt fine.

The Titans were aware that Greenway ran trick plays but were not aware of the constant onside kicks.

Had they practiced gaining one yard in practice rather than focusing on onside kicks perhaps Greenway could have kept up with Palo Verde.

Playoffs:

3 Palo Verde now hosts 6 Liberty next Friday.

5A II

5 Sunnyside beat 12 Horizon 48-7 and will travel to 4 Marcos de Niza.

11 Ironwood Ridge lost to 5 Desert Mountain 14-10

4A I

1 CDO beat 16 McClintock 49-26 and will host 8 Apollo next Friday.

4 Cienega defeated 13 Nogales 51-14 and will host 12 Bradshaw Mountain who upset 5 Peoria 31-28.

7 Sabino beat 10 Kellis 49-7 and will go to 2 Cactus Shadows after they beat 15 Sahuaro 63-16.

4AII

10 Douglas beat 7 Arcadia 35-17 and will now travel to 2 Cactus.

13 Amphi beat 4 Williams Field 35-34 in OT and will now travel to 5 Santa Rita who embarrassed 12 Notre Dame 33-0.

16 Catalina lost to 1 Mingus 48-0.

2A

9 Willcox upset 1 NW Christian 31-20 in second round action and will play 5 Yuma Catholic at North Canyon High School next Saturday.

Yuma upset 4 Pusch Ridge 28-7.

2 Benson was also upset by 7 Valley Christian 48-35.

2009 5A I SWIM & DIVE
TUCSONCITIZEN.COM SOUTHERN ARIZONA ALL-STARS

Girls Coach of the Year: Sam Busch, Salpointe
Boys Coach of the Year: Matt Hough, Salpointe

Girl Swimmers of the Year: Stephanie Sinn & Miranda Lyle
Boy Swimmers of the Year: Alex Leighton, Roger Page & Tyler Mattingly
Girls Diver of the Year: Taylor Trujillo
Boys Diver of the Year: Kevin Steffes

This was probably one of the most difficult selections I’ve had to make this fall. There were no clear cut state champions or one single dominate swimmer in this division.

In many ways that is a testament to Salpointe’s swim team – it was team effort for both the girls and the boys.

If just one part wasn’t swimming well then there would be obvious ripple effect.

That said, Stephanie Sinn and Miranda Lyle set themselves higher by being a part of four of the top times in this division in either an individual event or a relay.

Stephanie Sinn
200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Breast, 400 Free Relay & 500 Free.  I added her time in for the 500 Free (Thanks to an alert reader), giving Sinn top times in 5 events.  Sinn also edged out Ironwood Ridge sensation Sara Borendame to win the Southern Region Breaststroke championship. We should have known, she came in third place in the La Jolla Rough Water competition when she was only 12.

Miranda Lyle
200 Free, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay. Lyle is only a junior. Even though a top time was found for Sinn in the 500 Free, I’m keeping Lyle right here where she belongs. With the emergence of sophomore Payton Stauch and freshman Laura Graziano, Lyle should dominate next year as the leader of the team.

Alex Leighton
200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay and 100 Back. I guess your standards are high when your mom was an Olympian in your sport. He has two more years at Salpointe. He is no longer the young sensation. He must now become a leader.

Roger Page
200 Medley Relay, 200IM, 100 Free and 400 Free Relay. He was important part of the region championship. Every swimmer on his relays is coming back next year.

Tyler Mattingly
200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay. He was constantly in the top if my list of great times on distance events. The fact that he was only a sophomore only adds to accomplishment.

Taylor Trujillo
Little sister to Pima softball pitcher Jordan and tops in diving. The sole diver for Southern Arizona at state.

Kevin Steffes
One of a handful of divers in our area. He was able to break into the top 20 for the state and he is number one in this division.

Girls – Team
1. Salpointe
2. Tucson
3. Buena

Boys – Team
1. Salpointe
2. Tucson
3. Buena

Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay
1 Salpointe
Welchert, Ana JR Sinn, Stephanie SR Munroe, Alex JR Stauch, Payton SO
2 Buena
Boardman, Kylie SO Blankenship, Nicole SO Pembrook, Taylor JR Austin, Brittany SR
3 Tucson
Derstine, Greta SR Kulla, Charlotte SR Thompson-Bruder, Emily JR Gilbert, Malyn JR

Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay
1 Salpointe
Leighton, Alex SO Simonson, Jojo SO Page, Roger JR Hines, John SO
2 Tucson
Freitas, Jacob JR Munoz-Tucker, Julian FR Oshell, Sam SR Meeboer, Garret SR
3 Buena
Tom Riehle JR Isaac Gorski JR Nick Heidrick JR Zach Fitzmaurice JR

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe JR Lyle, Miranda
2 Salpointe SO Stauch, Payton
3 Salpointe FR Graziano, Laura

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe SO Mattingly, Tyler
2 Salpointe JR Sarikas, John
3 Salpointe JR Smith, Dan

Girls 200 Yard IM
1 Salpointe SR Sinn, Stephanie
2 Salpointe SO Owen, Madeline
3 Buena JR Pembrook, Taylor

Boys 200 Yard IM
1 Salpointe JR Page, Roger
2 Salpointe SO Mattingly, Tyler
3 Salpointe JR Gautreau, Matt

Girls 50 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe SO Byl, Meredith
2 Salpointe FR Graziano, Laura
3 Salpointe JR Munroe, Alex

Boys 50 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe SO Hines, John
2 Salpointe SO Botelho, Mike
3 Salpointe SO Emerson, Taylor

Girls 100 Yard Butterfly
1 Salpointe JR Lyle, Miranda
2 Salpointe JR Welchert, Ana
3 Tucson JR Thompson-Bruder, Emily

Boys 100 Yard Butterfly
1 Salpointe SO Leighton, Alex
2 Salpointe FR Balserak, JC
3 Salpointe JR Gautreau, Matt

Girls 100 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe FR Graziano, Laura
2 Salpointe JR Munroe, Alex
3 Salpointe SR Vasey, Tierney

Boys 100 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe JR Page, Roger
2 Salpointe SO Mattingly, Tyler
3 Salpointe JR Smith, Dan

Girls 500 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe SR Sinn, Stephanie
2 Salpointe FR Graziano, Laura
3 Salpointe JR Lyle, Miranda

Boys 500 Yard Freestyle
1 Salpointe SO Mattingly, Tyler
2 Salpointe JR Sarikas, John
3 Salpointe FR Muldoon, Lawrence

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Salpointe
Graziano, Laura FR Vasey, Tierney SR Munroe, Alex JR Lyle, Miranda JR
2 Buena
Boardman, Kylie SO DeLeon, Carmen SR Pembrook, Taylor JR Austin, Brittany SR
3 Tucson
Kulla, Charlotte SR Thompson-Bruder, Emily JR Gilbert, Malyn JR Derstine, Greta SR

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Salpointe
Leighton, Alex SO Hines, John SO Smith, Dan JR Mattingly, Tyler SO
2 Tucson
Oshell, Sam SR Lindsey, Ryan SR Freitas, Jacob JR Meeboer, Garret SR
3 Buena
Dylan Ball JR Nick Rodriguez FR Zach Fitzmaurice JR Sam Bellomy JR

Girls 100 Yard Backstroke
1 Salpointe SO Stauch, Payton
2 Salpointe JR Welchert, Ana
3 Buena SO Boardman, Kylie

Boys 100 Yard Backstroke
1 Salpointe SO Leighton, Alex
2 Buena JR Riehle, Tom
3 Salpointe SO Emerson, Taylor

Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke
1 Salpointe SR Sinn, Stephanie
2 Tucson SR Kulla, Charlotte
3 Salpointe SO Owen, Madeline

Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke
1 Salpointe SO Simonson, Jojo
2 Salpointe SR Simonson, Teddy
3 Salpointe JR Page, Roger

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Salpointe
Lyle, Miranda JR Stauch, Payton SO Graziano, Laura FR Sinn, Stephanie SR
2 Tucson
Villelas, Erica SR Thompson-Bruder, Emily JR Gilbert, Malyn JR Kulla, Charlotte SR
3 Buena
Pralle, Amanda SR DeLeon, Carmen SR Deal, Helen SO Burkham, Sarah SR

Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Salpointe
Mattingly, Tyler SO Smith, Dan JR Botelho, Mike SO Page, Roger JR
2 Tucson
Meeboer, Garret SR Freitas, Jacob JR Utegaard, Jonathan SR Oshell, Sam SR
3 Buena
Riehle, Tom JR Heidrick, Nick JR Bellomy, Sam JR Gorski, Isaac SR

Dive

Girls 1 Meter Diving
1 Buena Trujillo, Taylor

Boys 1 Meter Diving
1 Salpointe Steffes, Kevin
2 Buena Rodriquez, Jeffrey
3 Buena Chon, Rudy

2009 5A II SWIM & DIVE
TUCSONCITIZEN.COM SOUTHERN ARIZONA ALL-STARS

Girls Coach of the Year: Amy Mayhew
Boys Coach of the Year: Mike Ward

Girl Swimmers of the Year: Megan McGovern
Boy Swimmers of the Year: Aaron Weintraub
Girls Diver of the Year: Kaitlyn McLeod
Boys Diver of the Year: Jay Irwin

Megan McGovern
200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Free, 100 Back and 400 Free Relay. Because swimmers can only swim in four events during competition, many stay with four at all times. Megan happens to have a top time in five events, including relays and….she is a freshman (or was). Alexandra Nickles is also a freshman and she figured in four events.

Aaron Weintraub
200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Back and 400 Free Relay. Like McGovern, Weintraub also takes part in five events. The senior was a major part of their championship season last year. He will be missed. Reed Patterson will be ready. The sophomore figured in four events.

Kaitlyn McLeod
Back to back state championships. How about three in a row for the powerful Rincon dive team?

Jay Irwin
Irwin takes home top honors in his last year with Rincon.

Girls – Team
1. Ironwood Ridge
2. Rincon
3. Mt. View

Boys – Team
1. Rincon
2. Ironwood Ridge
3. Mt. View

Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay
1 Ironwood Ridge
McGovern, Megan FR Borendame, Sara FR Quinn, Harley FR Bolin, Elizabeth SR
2 Rincon
Weintraub, Kaley JR Urman, Nicole SO Harris, Lyda SR Walker, Kelly SO
3 Mt. View
Fall, Ashley JR Dodge, Hannah SO Wouti, Kelsey FR Whitton, Elena JR

Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay
1 Rincon
Weintraub, Aaron SR Tidwell, Brendan JR Patterson, Reed SO Sierra, Morgan JR
2 Ironwood Ridge
Berg, Matthew JR Bean, Ryan SO McGovern, David JR Zeng, David SR
3 Mt. View
Forrest, Jason JR Gomez, Tim FR Harris-Coons, Christopher SO Gomez, Christopher JR

200 Yard Freestyle
1 Ironwood Ridge FR Nickles, Alexandria
2 Ironwood Ridge FR Borendame, Sara
3 Rincon High School JR Sanders, Hailey

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle
1 Rincon SR Young, Jared
2 Ironwood Ridge JR McGovern, David
3 Rincon FR Situ, Daniel

Girls 200 Yard IM
1 Ironwood Ridge FR McGovern, Megan
2 Ironwood Ridge FR Borendame, Sara
3 Mt. View JR Fall, Ashley

Boys 200 Yard IM
1 Ironwood Ridge SO Bean, Ryan
2 Rincon SO Patterson, Reed
3 Rincon JR Mitchell, Will

Girls 50 Yard Freestyle
1 Mt. View FR Wouti, Kelsey
2 Ironwood Ridge SR Bolin, Elizabeth
3 Ironwood Ridge FR Kelley, Caitlyn

Boys 50 Yard Freestyle
1 Rincon SR Weintraub, Aaron
2 Ironwood Ridge JR Berg, Matthew
3 Rincon JR Sierra, Morgan

Girls 100 Yard Butterfly
1 Mt. View FR Wouti, Kelsey
2 Rincon SR Harris, Lyda
3 Ironwood Ridge FR Quinn, Harley

Boys 100 Yard Butterfly
1 Rincon SO Patterson, Reed
2 Rincon SR Weintraub, Aaron
3 Ironwood Ridge SO Bean, Ryan

Girls 100 Yard Freestyle
1 Ironwood Ridge FR McGovern, Megan
2 Ironwood Ridge FR Kelley, Caitlyn
3 Ironwood Ridge SR Bolin, Elizabeth

Boys 100 Yard Freestyle
1 Rincon SR Weintraub, Aaron
2 Rincon JR Sierra, Morgan
3 Mt. View SR McDade, Josh

Girls 500 Yard Freestyle
1 Ironwood Ridge FR Nickles, Alexandria
2 Rincon JR Zwart, Dary
3 Mt. View SR Dodge, Rachel

Boys 500 Yard Freestyle
1 Rincon SR Young, Jared
2 Rincon JR Tidwell, Brendan
3 Mt. View SR Daugherty, James

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Ironwood Ridge
Kelley, Caitlyn FR Adler, Maxie JR Nickles, Alexandria FR Bolin, Elizabeth SR
2 Rincon
Weintraub, Kaley JR Sanders, Hailey JR Walker, Kelly SO Harris, Lyda SR
3 Mt. View
Robertson, Jourdan SO Shotwell, Lindsey SR Coiner, Felicia JR Dodge, Hannah SO

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Rincon
Patterson, Reed SO Trouard, Andy FR Young, Jared SR Sierra, Morgan JR
2 Ironwood Ridge
Adams, Shane JR Scolman, Tucker SO Caplan, Asher SR Zeng, David SR
3 Mt. View
Sabin, Kaleb SR Aguilar, Matt JR Daugherty, James SR McDade, Josh SR

Girls 100 Yard Backstroke
1 Ironwood Ridge FR McGovern, Megan
2 Ironwood Ridge FR Nickles, Alexandria
3 Mt. View JR Fall, Ashley

Boys 100 Yard Backstroke
1 Rincon High School SR Weintraub, Aaron
2 Ironwood Ridge High School JR Berg, Matthew
3 Rincon High School JR Mitchell, Will

Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke
1 Ironwood Ridge FR Borendame, Sara
2 Ironwood Ridge FR Quinn, Harley
3 Mt. View SR Dodge, Rachel

Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke
1 Rincon SO Patterson, Reed
2 Ironwood Ridge SO Bean, Ryan
3 Rincon JR Tidwell, Brendan

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Ironwood Ridge
Nickles, Alexandria FR Borendame, Sara FR McGovern, Megan FR Kelley, Caitlyn FR
2 Mt. View
Dodge, Rachel SR Fall, Ashley JR Whitton, Elena JR Wouti, Kelsey FR
3 Rincon
Libberty-Bibbins, Mckenzie FR Unklesbay, Laura SR Conway, Renee FR Sanders, Hailey JR

Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
1 Rincon
Weintraub, Aaron SR Mitchell, Will JR Tidwell, Brendan JR Young, Jared SR
2 Ironwood Ridge
Bean, Ryan SO Adams, Shane JR McGovern, David JR Berg, Matthew JR
3 Mt. View
Daugherty, James SR Sabin, Kaleb SR Aguilar, Matt JR McDade, Josh SR
Dive

DIVE

Girls 1 Meter Diving
1 Rincon JR McLeod, Kaitlyn STATE CHAMPION
2 Rincon FR Olstead, Rochelle
2 Rincon JR Wallen, Soraya

Boys 1 Meter Diving
1 Rincon SR Irwin, Jay
2 Rincon SO Quade, Emeric
3 Rincon JR Rule, Chris

I hope there are only a few errors.  My notebook for swim/dive got very confusing but I tried to take into account times for the whole year.

Volleyball Playoffs

There was an upset, four area teams lost in the second round tonight and the two top rated teams were pushed to the limit. Amphitheater, Catalina and Ironwood Ridge survive.

4A I

It was a bad night for our 4A teams. Each lost to higher seeds in a combined set total of 9-1. 8 CDO lost to 1 Sunnyslope 3-0; 6 Sabino lost to 3 Prescott 3-1; 7 Cienega lost to 2 Cactus Shadows. In fact, all four top seeds advanced in this division.

Some of the areas top players can now focus on their club teams and recruiting.

4A II

2 Catalina advanced over 7 Notre Dame as expected but they weren’t expected to take five sets to do it. After being up 2-0, Notre Dame forced a fifth set where Catalina won 15-12.

They now play Saturday at 830 am against 3 Seton Catholic at Hamilton High School in Chandler.

5 Amphi provided the upset of the night as they traveled to Phoenix to defeat 4 Greenway 3-1. They will now face 1 Cactus at 1015 am Saturday at Hamilton High School.

5A I

Haley Howell of Salpointe

Salpointe lost to 2 Gilbert 3-0 but they pulled off a great upset in the first round to make it this far.

5A II

Like Catalina, 1 Ironwood Ridge was expected to advance. But, like Catalina, they weren’t expecting a 5 set match against 8 O’Connor at home but they got one.

The Nighthawks were down 1-0 (18-25) and then they split the next two sets to go down 2-1.

On the brink of elimination, Ironwood Ridge won the fourth set 29-27 to force a fifth where they won 15-11.

They will now play 5 Horizon at Hamilton High School, Saturday at 1:45.

Horizon defeated 13 Rincon 3-0. Like Salpointe, Rincon had a great upset over a 4 seed on Tuesday to make it this far.