Ralph Amsden
Speaking of low scoring, Hamilton (7-2) used a 70 yard punt return by Morris Kroma as the first half expired, and a 4 yard TD run by Tyrell Smith with less than 2 minutes left in the game to come from behind and beat the Highland Hawks (6-3) 14-7. QB Sam Sasso went down early in the game with what seemed to be concussion-like symptoms, and was replaced by sophomore Jake Lewis. Lewis, who only found out a few days ago that he’d be pulled up to varsity from JV, did just enough to help the Huskies win, going 5/7 for 41 yards in Sasso’s absence. Hamilton dominated defensively despite the absence of junior DE Caleb Peart, who was resting an injured right leg in hopes of returning next week against Perry. Peart earned a scholarship offer from Arizona State earlier in the week.
Perry (2-8) hosted Gilbert (2-8) in hopes of earning their first section win of the season, but lost an ugly affair to Gilbert, 9-0. Through 9 games, Perry is only averaging 10 points per game, and has only scored 4 touchdowns since QB Austin Nightingale went down with and ACL injury.
Valley Christian (5-4) is having no problem scoring, as they broke their single game scoring record for the second time this year in a 73-0 route of Paradise Honors (2-7). Senior RB Cory Kasperson scored four times in the first half, and DE/TE had 131 yard receiving and a TD for the Trojans. The win puts VC over their win total last year, and continues the narrative that when they do win, they win big, outscoring opponents 294-22.
Seton Catholic (8-1) continues to improve week after week, shutting out Chino Valley (2-7), 47-0. QB Kyle Johnson keeps putting up big numbers, throwing 5 TD passes, and adding to the absurd statistic that 22 of his last 62 completions (35%) have gone for touchdowns. LB Mitchell Detente had 2.5 sacks, and the Sentinels seem do be destined to defend their 2012 championship trophy