Page 64 - 2020 Sollenberger

2A Conference Football Preseason Rankings
2A’s preseason No. 1, Santa Cruz, is marching into this season seeking its first state title since 1980. (Darin Sicurello photo/MaxPreps)
By Jose Garcia azpreps365.com
1. SANTA CRUZ: Thatcher, Round Valley and Phoenix Christian are gone. But winning the 2A Conference won’t be a cinch. Santa Cruz knows it. “With Thatcher, Round Valley and Phoenix Chris- tian leaving (to 3A), if you look at our track record, those teams were giving us trouble,” Santa Cruz coach Rishard Davis said. “But we also can’t think about it just that way. Because St. Johns and Benson and teams like Trivium Prep are also looking at it like they have a shot now. That’s all the kids need, is to give them a shot. We are well aware of who is in our conference, and we can do ourselves a disservice if we think this is going to be a cake- walk.” The last time Santa Cruz played for the title, a 28-27 OT loss to Thatcher, was in 2017. The skill players on that team were more experienced than this year’s team. But what stands out, as a group, about the 2020 Dust Devils are the lines on both sides of the ball, which remain intact. The team also welcomes back tight end Dylan Hukill, Santa Cruz’s leading receiver two seasons ago, from injury. But its state title hopes will likely ride on the shoulders of the Ogle brothers, Hunter and Wyatt. Hunter, the team’s returning leading rusher and tackler, is as tough as they come. Word is that Hunter gained some speed to go along with his non-stop motor. The team’s strong safety last year, Wyatt, is moving to starting quarterback this year. Wyatt is just as tough as his brother—both are wrestling champs—but faster and will serve as another running back in Santa Cruz’s single wing. “This team is really coachable,” Davis said. “They do everything you tell them to do. I haven’t had that, especially from the seniors. Most of them have been together since elementary school.
Now it’s just a matter of if they can stay focused.” Winning the program’s first championship since 1980 is the prize if they stay focused.
2. BENSON: The program prides itself on its old school, hard- nose style of play. Eighteen-year coach Chris Determan sets that tone, and his kids follow. What isn’t present, though, for the first time in Determan’s tenure is a senior on the roster. It’s just one
of those years. But Benson still plans on making a playoff run. Nine sophomores played plenty in the previous season, and they are back. The 15 juniors on the team have played on the same teams since their Pop Warner days. Two of those players, RBs Tristan Martinez and Devin Bowling, and FB Jace Barney should keep Benson’s Wing-T moving with the help of four returning offensive linemen. “We’ll do some stuff to maximize our speed,” Determan said. There’s also depth at RB and WR. Running the offense this year will be Determan’s son, QB Brok. The defense is athletic and runs well, coach said. The head honchos on defense are Martinez, Brok, Bowling, Barney, CB Jimmy Lerblance, CB An- gel Rigney and FS Mundo Esparza. Most of the starters will play on both sides of the ball unless some of the freshmen are ready to play Benson’s physical brand of football.
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3. ST. JOHNS: The knees aren’t moving like they used to. He can’t throw a football with the same zip. But coach Mike Morgan’s love for his kids and community is as strong as ever. That keeps him feeling young and motivated. As the start of his 42nd season in coaching approaches—32nd at St. Johns—Morgan is one win away from occupying the top rung of the state’s all-time coach- ing victory ladder. “That’s what they tell me,” said Morgan about the possibility of becoming the first Arizona coach to reach 337 football victories. “It’s been a long process but something I’m really proud of to get to this point. If it happens, it’ll also be part of the community and the school as well and everybody who
has played for me at St. Johns since I got here in 1989.” Morgan’s first attempt at reaching the milestone will be against none other than St. Johns’ 100-plus year rival Round Valley on Oct. 2 at the dome in Eager. Morgan will take with him a squad with improved all-around speed. RB Ira Tullous and new QB James Thomas are the elusive ones. Tight end Slade Nevin and lineman Nick Patterson also will play big roles. Patterson (6-3, 260) is receiving Division II interest and currently holds four of the five heavyweight weight room records of St. Johns.