Andrew Luberda: The County Line, Week Three

The County Line

Both high school and college football are in full swing, or just about – the Ivy League kicks off this weekend and the NFL on Thursday night. So, we are finally at the time of the year we’ve waited eight months for. Don’t blink, it goes fast.

Ok, let’s get started…

Coyotes’ QB Competition – Prior to last week’s home opener versus Prescott, Combs first-year head coach Travis Miller told County Line Preps he was going to rotate sophomore Trey Buck with week-one starter JD Loggins against the Badgers, hoping the competition would “increase the level of play.”

“We will focus more from a quarterback standpoint to make better reads,” Miller said. “Junior Loggins, who knows the offense really well, had some miscues.”

“It was his first varsity game action, so the nerves got the better of him (versus Casa Grande), Miller added. “So I am going with (a) competition, of which Loggins has embraced. He understands the need for crisper, cleaner play.”

The duo combined to go 12-of-26 for 106 yards and a pick (Loggins) in a 49 – 6 loss last Friday night.

Safe to say the competition will continue this week versus Bradshaw Mountain.

Next Man Up – By now most know starting Queen Creek junior quarterback Devin Larsen did not play last week versus Tucson Sahuaro, but the Bulldogs didn’t miss a beat in a lopsided 43 – 6 victory that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.

Cal Hedrick filled in quite nicely, thank you, throwing for four touchdowns on 9-of-14 passing and 110 yards.

Jake Ayala, Crew Turner (2) and Garrett Duke were each on the receiving end of Hedrick’s four scoring tosses.

Prayers Up (Twice) – First, to former Poston Butte football head coach Paul Moro, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Moro still has a slight connection with the Broncos, as current head coach Dain Thompson played for and coached with Moro at Blue Ridge.

Second, to my partner in life and business, Kelli Luberda, who underwent unexpected surgery Wednesday night and was in the operating room as I typed this piece from the hospital.

Former Bronco, Current Falcon Flexing his Mussel(man) – Poston Butte class of 2016 linebacker Chris Musselman, who was named one of Arizona’s top 40 juniors in 2015, accepted a scholarship offer from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He earned a spot on the varsity roster this season as a sophomore. In the Falcons’ opener versus Virginia Military Institute last week, Musselman recorded an interception, the Falcons first turnover of the season.

I had the privilege to speak with Chris and several members of the Musselman family during and after his Broncos’ career. Happy – but not surprised – to see him have success at the next level. Great family too.

Player of the Week and Month – Queen Creek’s Devin Larsen was the County Line Preps Little Caesars Player of the Week last week, in addition to being a finalist with Brandon Williams (San Tan Foothills) for the Player of Month. Out of more than 550 votes, Larsen garnered 55 percent of them and will be honored later in September.

Follow @CountyLinePreps on Twitter and look for this week’s Player of the Week announcement.