Preps

Andrew Luberda: ‘The County Line’ Week Two

The County Line

After a few games last Saturday, the college football season ramps up this weekend. The Arizona high school season, however, is entering Week Two (really three), and there is plenty to talk about.

So, with apologies for missing my deadline earlier this week, let’s get after it…

Divine Intervention –Following the tragic passing of Geno Coleman, the father of Queen Creek football brothers Dayson and Dante Coleman, the latter sibling asked his father to “keep watching over me.” It certainly appears Geno has done more than “watch over” both of his boys on the football field, at least.

Prior to the Bulldogs’ Zero Week opener, Dante was presented a plaque in memory of his father. During the game versus Cesar Chavez, Dante blocked a third-quarter PAT to preserve a one-point lead for his team.

The following week, in Dayson’s JV opener against Hamilton, the Bulldogs went for the winning two-point PAT, and this happened:

And, of course, last week Queen Creek defeated Hamilton, a game in which Dante scored the game-sealing touchdown.

During a video interview about the passing of their father, both players were asked if they’d thought about the season without their dad being in the stands. Here is Dayson’s response:

Shout out to the Broncos – Many of us in the area have witnessed several acts of kindness recently, including the Bulldogs’ “Hugs for Holly,” several football teams participating in the others fundraising car washes and events, and others. The Poston Butte football team is also doing its part, spending part of its Friday game days visiting area elementary schools to read to students. Broncos’ head coach Dain Thompson planned the community service for his team prior the season. Kudos to the Broncos and Coach Thompson for getting it.

Feels Like the First Time – Even though former Combs offensive coordinator Travis Miller has been in The Coyotes’ Den previously, Friday will be his first as the team’ head coach.

The Yotes, who suffered a lopsided 47 – 11 at Casa Grande in last week’s season opener, will host Prescott (0-1) in Miller’s head-coaching debut.

“I am sure I am no different than any head coach ever was in this position – excited and anxious,” Miller told County Line Preps via email this week. “What I am really looking forward to is for my boys to break out.

“I think the boys need to break out of their own mental cages,” he added. “Once they realize their potential, they could really be great team.

“Prescott is a big, physical opponent, coming off of a tough loss, so we have our work cut out for us. We will see how ready our boys are on Friday night.”

Expect the Coyotes to be howling in their den.

Biggest Game of the Year? – Is Friday’s game versus Gilbert Christian the biggest of the year for the San Tan Foothills’ football team?

Week Two seems a little early for such a description, but the contest does pit a pair of 2 – 0 teams that currently are considered among the best in 2A.

The Sabercats are averaging 47 points per game in their two wins, while the Knights hung 52 points on Pima in last week’s season-opening win.

As prolific as the offenses for both teams have been, it’ll be the defense of either team that is the key to victory on Friday in Gilbert.

I can only assume both teams would prefer to play their biggest game of the year in November. Friday could go a long way in determining the chances of either team reaching that goal.

The Little Caesars Player of the Week – Last week we presented San Tan Foothills senior Brandon Williams with his award at the school.

You can find this week’s winner here.

Also, follow County Line Preps on Twitter to vote for The Little Caesars Player of the Month.

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