Page 28 - 2020 Sollenberger

5A Conference Football Preseason Rankings
Despite a rare loss in a title game, expect the Saguaro Sabercats to contend again for the Open Division championship. (Mark Jones photo/MaxPreps)
By Les Willsey azpreps365.com
1. SAGUARO: Saguaro failed to win a championship last year for the first time since 2012. Not that the Sabercats didn’t give it
a go. One of two 4A schools to crack the Open Division playoff bracket, they finished runner-up to Chandler. In the early mo- ments it looked like they would be blown out. They rallied and made Chandler sweat down the stretch. Coach Jason Mohns has racked up a 97-12 record in eight seasons. Saguaro makes the jump from 4A to 5A and most expect business as usual. Perform- ing as the Sabercats did last year shows they are worthy. Saguaro has a number of D-I prospects led by receiver-cornerback Denzel Burke (Ohio State commit) and offensive lineman Bram Walden (Oregon commit). Saguaro graduated a standout two-year start- er at quarterback, but Mohns is confident the competition for the open spot is solid. There is plenty of experience returning on both lines, wide receiver and secondary. Saguaro will compete
in arguably the top region in 5A with Horizon, Notre Dame Prep, Campo Verde, Gilbert and Maricopa. The Sabercats face Hamil- ton, Chaparral and Brophy in its three freedom games.
2. DESERT EDGE: Desert Edge was one of the favorites to reach the 4A title game last year, especially after conference foes Saguaro and Salpointe qualified for the Open Division. Desert Edge nearly pulled it off, but Mesquite had other plans by edging the Scorpions, 28-23. Desert Edge has new leadership this sea- son with brothers Marcus and Mark Carter shifting from South Mountain to be co-mentors. The Carters have much to work with from last season. Top talent is junior quarterback Adryan Lara, who passed for 4,016 yards and 41 TDs, junior running back
Jeryll McIntosh (1,325 yards rushing and 12 TDs) and senior wide receiver Andrew Patterson with 1,165 yards receiving and 11 TDs. The defense is stacked with returners as well. Top players are defensive back Steven Ortiz Jr. and linebacker Myles Hobbs, among others.
3. NOTRE DAME PREP: A bid for a third consecutive appearance in the 5A championship game didn’t materialize, but the Saints had another strong year under coach George Prelock. Prelock begins his fourth season with an impressive 37-4 record to date. Centennial, its nemesis in two title game losses in 2017 and 2018, qualified for the Open Division. San Tan Region’s Campo Verde edged Notre Dame, 20-17, in the semis. Notre Dame has more work to do this season as a new member in the San Tan with Higley and Williams Field moving up to 6A. The Saints can rely on senior running back-defensive end JD Roberts to be a
cog on both sides of the ball. Roberts was his region’s breakout player of the year in 2018. On defense he racked up 77 tackles and recorded 9.5 sacks. He was the closer in short-yardage situa- tions, posting 20 TDs among his 341 yards rushing. Quality fill-ins must emerge at quarterback, offensive line and linebacker.
The Saints lost four linemen to graduation and all their starting linebackers. Notre Dame’s schedule is its toughest yet in the Prelock-era with its new region alignment. The Saints also face Brophy Prep in their opener. The first time the parochial schools have met in the sport.
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