Cat Tracks: Saguaro Distinguished Among Nation’s Elite

Success isn’t given, it’s earned.

The Saguaro Sabercats were presented with a special award Friday morning being named one of the top 50 high school football programs in the nation by the National Guard and Max Preps Tour of Champions. The back-to-back state champs were honored during an on-campus pep rally. It marked the second time in recent history the east Valley power received the distinguished reward.

“To be mentioned next to the 2008 squad is a huge honor for this 2014 team,” head coach Jason Mohns told Sports360AZ.com after the presentation. “It really is the icing on the cake after an undefeated, phenomenal season.”

The Division I State Champion Chandler Wolves were the only other Valley school to receive the same award this season.

The Sabercats capped off the perfect season with a convincing win over Williams Field at Sun Devils Stadium back in late November.

“We had all the talent in the world,” Saguaro junior quarterback Kare’ Lyles said. “Having that team bond and having almost that family mentality was a real special thing.”

The 2015 squad returns plenty of talent on both sides of the ball but will have to adjust with life without early enrollee Texas A&M Aggie Christian Kirk and getting everyone’s best shot next fall.

“We’re going to be a big target next year,” junior wide receiver/cornerback Byron Murphy explained. “A lot of people are going to try and take us out but we are going to try and keep it going and get another undefeated season next year.”

The bar has certainly been raised.