Sabino, Cienega expect another close battle
by Ken Brazzle on Oct. 23, 2008, under SportsClose games are the norm when Sabino and Cienega high schools get together in football.
“Every time we play them it’s a pretty good game although we haven’t beaten them yet,” Cienega coach Nemer Hassey said. “It’s a pretty good game that goes down to the wire.”
Sabino leads the series 3-0, but has outscored Cienega by only nine points in those games. The teams meet at Cienega at 7 p.m. Friday in a Class 4A Kino contest.
Cienega quarterback Seth Mejias-Brean is 0-1 against Sabino, having lost 35-31 last year to the Sabercats.
“We need to execute and stay with our game plan,” Mejias-Brean said. “Sabino is up there. They are one of the best teams we’ll play.”
Mejias-Brean has thrown for 1,179 yards and rushed for 338 this year while accounting for 17 touchdowns.
“They have some good receivers and obviously their quarterback is great,” Sabino running back/receiver Scott Brown said.
Sabino is 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Kino play. The Sabercats rallied late to beat Nogales 35-33 last week.
“We’re solid this year,” Sabino coach Jay Campos said. “We’re young but getting better each week. As the season has gone on, they keep on listening and paying attention and getting better and better.”
Sabino creates problems with its two quarterbacks, Rhett Taylor and Collin McBrayer. They have helped the Sabercats put up 91 points the past two weeks.
Cienega is 5-2 overall and 2-0 in Kino play.
“We need to be a team that can do more than one thing because Sabino is very good and well-coached, and smart,” Hassey said. “We have to be balanced and protect the football.”
For more on high school sports, check out the Grammer School sports blog.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
What: Sabino at Cienega
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Cienega High School
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