Serina Gutierrez – Tucson, AZ
Week 6 for High School football continued this week at Sabino High School where the Sabercats (4-1) took on Catalina (5-1). Sabino would come into this game ready to give Catalina a run for their money. The Trojans, fresh off a 21-7 win against Tanque Verde, would enter the Sabercats’ home in hopes of another win. With a pair of class reunions showing up, Sabino fans proved to be just as hyped as their players. With roaring fans and a pumped up team, Sabino took the field through their Sabercat tunnel and a line of cheerleaders.
With the 1st quarter underway, Sabino showed everyone their high defensive game. The Sabercats stopped the Trojans in their tracks at the 15 yard line forcing them to punt. Though Catalina put up a defensive edge on their end as well. They sacked Sabino’s quarterback on the 2nd play, and then intercepted the ball to regain possession frustrating the Sabercats’ sideline. Though, after stopping Catalina once again, quarterback Alex Bell (#1) would throw the ball down field for a 38 yard gain and then run the ball in himself 1 yard for Sabino’s first touchdown of the night. Both teams would end the 1st quarter with a punt from each side.
The Sabercats not only worked their magic on the field, but they also found themselves getting to Catalina on a psychological level as well. The Trojans were penalized 3 times for a false start due to Sabino’s fake-out calls forcing them to think the play has already started. This worked in their favor by helping them get closer to scoring position, but they would punt in the end. Though Catalina would regain possession and get stopped by Sabino’s rock-hard defense in 4 plays causing them to put as well. The Trojans would not turn over just yet though. Tra Daniels (#21) would force and recover a fumble giving his team possession. Though they would not do much as the Trojans were no match for Sabino’s defense and would punt for the 3rd time of the night. With 2:21 left before the half, Alex Bell (#1) would find teammate Luke Moran (#5) for a 4 yard touchdown. As well, after forcing Catalina to punt yet again, Isaiah Smotherman (#20) would run the ball 15 yards for the Sabercats’ second touchdown of the quarter.
Catalina would come back from halftime ready to try and put some points on the board, but Sabino would not let them budge. They would start off with a punt and Sabino would definitely capitalize. The Sabercats’ James McClay Jr. (#25) and Jayson Petty (#32) would put their team up even more with a touchdown each, 5 minutes apart from each other. Bennett Nottingham (#7) would seal the deal for his team with a touchdown in the early minutes of the 4th quarter making it 42-0. Sabino would change their quarterback from Alex Bell (#1) to Diego Armijo (#8) for the final minutes of the game. Catalina will host Empire on Friday night at 7pm. Sabino will travel to Pushe Ridge Christian Academy to try to extend their 4 game win streak to 5.
