Sports360AZ
We are counting down to the start of the Open 8 and one of the matchups features a pair of Scottsdale school tangling as 6A Horizon makes the short drive south to take on 4A Saguaro.
Sports360AZ was able to sit down with coaches and players from both schools to discuss their season and what lies ahead for this weekend.
#3 Saguaro Sabercats
It’s been business as usual for the six-time defending 4A state champion Sabercats (9-1) who, outside of a close loss to Cathedral Catholic in southern California, rolled through the regular season despite losing star running back Israel Benjamin to a foot injury. His status is still unknown heading into the post-season.
Jason Mohns’ defense is paced by the nation’s top cornerback in Kelee Ringo and ASU linebacker commit Will Shaffer. Both talked about a myriad of topics heading into the Horizon game.
#6 Horizon Huskies
The key to this point for the 9-1 Huskies has been efficiency on both sides of the ball. Outside of a mid-season loss to fellow Open Division qualifier Pinnacle, head coach Ty Wisdom’s team has been simply dominant.
HHS is a team in transition and re-tooling after losing star senior quarterback Jake Martinelli to a season-ending knee injury against Cactus Shadows. Fellow senior Canyon Funk has been effective in relief but will be challenged by a loaded Saguaro defense filled with Division I players.
Wisdom and star senior defensive end Kyle Lewis discussed that and more in our interview below.
Kickoff from Saguaro is set for Friday at 7:00.
