Driven for Five – Saguaro Wins Fifth Straight State Title

The top song of 2012 was Gotye’s hit (scream in your car fuel) “Somebody That I Used To Know”.

That was the last time Saguaro didn’t win a state title, and since then, Saguaro has gotten to know – and very well – is the state championship wins.

With former state champions Christian Kirk and K.J. Jarrell in attendance (among others), the Sabercats cruised to a 28-7 win over Salpointe Catholic in Arizoan Stadium in Tucson. 

“It’s for (Kirk), it’s for (Luke) Rubenzer, it’s for Teddy Ruben,” Saguaro quarterback Max Massingale said. “It’s for all those guys who came before us, and I’ll tell you what, it feels great to put them right in there with us.” 

The Saguaro defense stepped up big, shutting out the Lancers while bending, but not breaking, to a strong Salpointe rushing game.

Sophomore Bijan Robinson got the ball early and often for 24 carries. He ended up with 159 yards but wasn’t able to break many big plays. When the Lancers, were knocking on the door, Saguaro limited the opposing offense. The only score of the day for the Lancers came from a Mario Padilla kick return for a touchdown to make it 21-7.

“It was tough sledding today,” Saguaro coach Jason Mohns said. “We said we wanted to get in a fist-fight today. We wanted it to be a 12-round heavyweight battle and we were prepared to get our nose bloody and make them earn everything they got. No big plays, no big, long runs. That’s what we did, and I think we wore them out a little bit.”

Massingale was incredibly efficient, going 13/18 with 231 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Logan Pettijohn. Massingale rushed for two additional touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Zach Wilson led all receivers with 122 yards on five catches. Senior defensive back Josiah Bradley also finished off a strong postseason with an interception, his fourth in three games.

Coming Out On Top

The Sabercats finish off the year 12-2, going undefeated in the state of Arizona.