The Saguaro Sabercats felt like the stars were aligning for an Open Division title last year. They had a strong senior class, led by four Division I defensive linemen. They had made it to the Finals the previous year and were ready to take that next step.
The Sabercats had navigated multiple rescheduled games due to COVID outbreaks with their opponents leading up to the postseason. While they were untouched by the outside factor during the regular season, multiple positive cases on their roster when the layoffs rolled around caused them to forfeit their opening round game. “What if?” popped up plenty of times during the postseason and beyond.
But a new mantra emerged for the Sabercats: Burn the boats.
Saguaro had to be fully bought in to their process and not look back. And they’ve done just that this season and are a game away from the Open Division title after beating Hamilton 31-24 in the Open Division semifinals.
Saguaro athlete Javen Jacobs had a kick return for a touchdown and a key catch-and-run that set up a touchdown. Devon Dampier had three rushing touchdowns, and the defense came up big multiple times to limit Hamilton’s high-powered offense.
The Sabercats now face the Chandler Wolves in the Open Division Final on December 11 at 5 pm in a 2019 rematch at Sun Devil Stadium.
Jordan Hamm
