Eric Sorenson
The long wait is over.
Arizona high school football is back and the “Zone Read” couldn’t be happier. After 3A got us kicked off, the big school pads will be popping under the lights this week.
Let’s get it.
I-10 Itinerary
When you’re the top dog in Tucson, you need hit the road to find a dog park your size to play in.
Salpointe Catholic will make four trips to the Valley this season, including a three-consecutive game-stretch in the first half of the season. The Lancers only non-region game in the 520 area code is their season opener at Marana, about 30 minutes from SC’s mid-town campus in the shadows of the University of Arizona.
#LancerNation pic.twitter.com/NX945LIoMp
— Salpointe Football (@SCLancerNation) December 20, 2023
The heavy travel schedule this fall, at a high academic school like Salpointe, is another wrinkle for first-year head coach, Pat Ryden.
“It’s tough,” Ryden said. “Not only are our varsity boys missing more class because we’re traveling up here every other week, I’m more worried about our younger kids who are traveling to Phoenix every other week. It’s rough on those [freshman]. They’ll play on a Wednesday, get home at 11 at night, and have to go to school the next day. They have lots of exams at the end of the week.
“I think it’s one of those things where I try to stay as consistent as possible. We’ll get into a routine and consistency of what we’re doing.”
The Lancers are also looking to add a game this fall.
“We have a nine-game schedule currently because Bishop Alemany, the Catholic school over in [Mission Hills] California,” Ryden explained. “We traveled over there last year…it’s was supposed to be a home-and-home. They called us back in March and asked us if they could get out of the game. We said we were as long as we could find a suitable opponent.
We are still looking for a game WEEK 5 (September 27th)
Please email pryden@salpointe.org
— Salpointe Football (@SCLancerNation) August 19, 2024
“Somehow the AIA took Valley Vista off our schedule and gave us Centennial…[the AIA] came back with Basha, and I think Chandler was an option [to replace the Bishop Alemany game]. With the schedule we had already, I didn’t think either was good. Hindsight, looking back, I’d take Basha, I’d take Chandler – just so our kids could have 10 games.”
CD Ohhh?
The last calendar year has been an interesting one at Corona del Sol.
The Aztecs finished last season 3-8, getting shut out at Salpointe in the first round of the 6A playoffs. The defense struggled – allowing a shade under 40 points a game in Corona’s eight losses. Last off-season assistant coaches left, or were not retained. The 6A Central Region’s top passer, Connor Ackerley, graduated, and is now at Western New Mexico. The Aztecs’ top wide receiver, University of Washington commit, Raiden Vines-bright, transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. Top 2027 talent Jai Jones is now at Chandler.
CdS was bullied up front on both sides of the ball, mostly due to inexperience. Stopping the run was a major problem, as was big in-game deficits against a loaded schedule.
So why is head coach Jake Barro optimistic about Corona’s remodeled 2024 version?
“This year we will be much more experienced up front,” he said to the “Zone Read.” “We also hired a new strength and conditioning coach, Pete Salazar, who has been instrumental in getting our kids ready to play at this level of competition.”
585 lbs quarter squats @CdS_Football @CoachBarro @gridironarizona pic.twitter.com/JcP95Fb6xT
— Trae “Heisman” Walker (@TraeTheHeisman) August 21, 2024
The progress in the trenches was evident this summer as Corona performed well at ASU’s Big Man Competition. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be key as the Aztecs break in a new quarterback to replace the three-year starter, Ackerley.
Great camp week! Time for a little break then back at it. Love these players! pic.twitter.com/vUsxNLFL5u
— Jake Barro (@CoachBarro) June 28, 2024
The schedule will again be challenging with match-ups against annual powers Pinnacle, Chandler, Salpointe, and Brophy among others.
“It really is a tough one,” Barro explained. “Our goal is to get through it so we are in the playoffs. Then try to get that big playoff win for this program.”
The Aztecs open their season on the road Friday against Barro’s former school, Casa Grande.
DD Back to AZ
As Arizona high school football officially ramped up this weeked, so too does the college scene.
The nationally-ranked Arizona Wildcats open their first Big 12 season at home against Mountain West opponent New Mexico – which features several AZHS prep standouts, including starting quarterback, Devon Dampier.
COMMITTED‼️🐺#GoLobos @CoachGonzUNM @Coach_Ridenour pic.twitter.com/lxvVMIoQRi
— Devon Dampier (@Devonddampier) October 12, 2022
In the Lobos’ Week 0 loss to Montana State, the former Pinnacle and Saguaro star shined. The true sophomore, who was named UNM’s QB1 this off-season by new head coach Bronco Mendenhall, was efficient completing 18-26 for 172 and a touchdown. He also rushed three times for 34 yards, including this nifty 24-yard naked boot score down the UNM sideline.
4 🎯 5 for 7#505SVF | #EarnedNotGiven | #GoLobos
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) August 24, 2024
Dampier, who led Saguaro to an Open Division Championship as a junior, is excited for the biggest challenge of his young college football career Saturday night in the Old Pueblo.
“It’s a great feeling knowing you’re going to be playing a great team like [Arizona],” Dampier said to the “Zone Read.” “You know they’re going to be ready. It’s going to be a great experience for me. Playing a team that’s highly ranked, especially in my home state. There’s going to be a lot of support coming out for me that I’ve heard from already.
“It’s really exciting.”
The Lobos appear to already be headed in the right direction under new head coach Bronco Mendenhall – who has a history of turning around struggling programs.
Despite UNM being a 4-plus touchdown underdog, Dampier won’t blink on the big stage under the brights back in his home state, and believes the Lobos will be well-prepared with a regular season game already under their belts.
“For me, I do best when I play the same level of football, regardless of who or where we’re playing,” he explained. “It’s definitely a lot better to play free. Having already played, I think each of our players got to see how our coaching staff works and operates during a game.”
Two of Dampier’s Saguaro teammates have joined him in Albuquerque after transferring to UNM this past off-season – running back Javen Jacobs (ASU), and wide receiver Shawn Miller (Illinois).
Look for much more on Dampier in upcoming “Zone Read” columns.
Be safe, and enjoy the return of football in State 48.
We made it.
