From No Game to Big Game; Saguaro Beats Casteel

Story by Jordan Spurgeon

In a game that could only happen in 2020, the Saguaro Sabercats and Casteel Colts played under strange circumstances on Friday night.

Both schools were in jeopardy of not playing games this week, after Saguaro’s original opponent, Horizon, and Casteel’s opponent, Perry, dealt with COVID-19 cases.

At 8:20 a.m. on Thursday morning, Colts head coach Bobby Newcombe and Saguaro head coach Jason Mohns spoke on the phone about potentially playing each other. Despite the implications it could have on the Open Division playoff picture, both schools agreed to play by the end of the afternoon.

The Colts entered 3-1 in their first season in 6A, and Saguaro was 2-1 after a loss to Hamilton last week on ESPN. Saguaro won 48-20 on Casteel’s senior night.

The Sabercats were explosive in the first half, with quarterback Xander Werner rushing for three touchdowns and throwing another, en route to a 34-7 halftime lead. He added one more rush touchdown in the second half.

The Colts were able to move the ball downfield, but penalties held them back. They did find the end zone for the first time on a trick play, though, with quarterback Dane Christensen tossing to running back Jayce Knutsen, who threw a touchdown pass to Zach Miller.

Christensen entered the game leading the state in passing yards with 1,137. He finished 31-54 with 358 yards and two touchdowns.

The Sabercats defense was stout, led by outside linebacker Tristan Monday who recorded two sacks. They were able to pick off Christensen three times, by Myles Crutchley, Quintin Somerville, and Carlos Griffin.

Next week, Saguaro is scheduled to play Campo Verde. The Colts will face Chaparral.