As high schools around the Valley partake in their summer camps across Arizona and the southwest, kickoff of the 2014 season is quickly approaching. Here are some story lines to keep an eye out for:
Replacing Desert Mountain Stars
Tony Tabor begins the post-Kyle Allen and Mark Andrews era. Both players are now playing on Saturdays and were two of the top recruits to ever come out of Arizona. Tabor has brought Desert Mountain football to new heights, but will have to continue the program’s progression without two of his best players.
Christian Kirk’s Landing Spot
Christian Kirk is one of the top receiver recruits in the country and has been a nightmare for defensive coordinators across the state. After receiving 37 offers, Kirk has narrowed his final ten schools which include Texas A&M, Ohio State, Auburn, USC, UCLA, and hometown Arizona State. Kirk’s announcement should come sooner rather than later, as he plans to graduate in December and enroll in college in January, wherever that may be. Until he does make a decision, anticipate plenty of college coaches on the sidelines of Saguaro’s games.
New Trend In The Chandler-Hamilton Rivalry
Chandler was finally able to get on the board last year, notching their first win ever against Hamilton. The Huskies got their revenge, beating Chandler in the playoffs to end the Wolves’ season. Chandler is working to even up the scoreboard against the Huskies. ASU commit Bryce Perkins looks to build on Chandler’s 10-2 record last year, and make a deeper run into the playoffs.
Paul Moro’s New Chapter
Moro won 13 states championships and over 300 wins with Blue Ridge. He now starts a new legacy with a growing Poston Butte program. Moro continues to close in on the state’s career win record and will start the new era against Queen Creek on August 22nd.