Saguaro, Chaparral battle could be their last

Saguaro and Chaparral could be playing football for the last time.

That's what makes Saturday so magical.

It is the first time the Scottsdale schools will meet for a prize this big.

Their biggest confrontations for regional titles got nasty enough between programs that draw players from the same McCormick Ranch neighborhood.

After Saturday's Class 4A Division I championship battle at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium, Chaparral's next football team may compete for a championship with Peoria Centennial after a move to 5A-II. Saguaro may find a new arch-rival in Notre Dame Prep in 4A-II.

That's the disparity between enrollments.

But the balance of football programs is found on the college recruiters' wish lists.

While Chaparral's big two are defensive end Craig Roh (Michigan commit) and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (name your major college and he's on its most-wanted list), Saguaro has a boatload of seniors headed for the next level.

Already, Saguaro's got five players who have committed: running back/defensive back Beau Burton (Utah), receiver/defensive back Paul Porras (Rice), two-way lineman Justin Jungblut (Boise State), two-way lineman Kody Koebensky (Arizona State) and tight end/linebacker Max Smith (ASU).

That doesn't even include the best of the prospects, two-way lineman Corey Adams, who will pick among ASU, Ohio State and Southern California during the Under Armour High School All-American Bowl in January in Orlando, Fla.

Then, there is receiver/defensive back Erik Brown, who moved in last summer from Texas. He is bound to sign with a four-year school. Same with 6 foot 4 inch, 215-pound quarterback Cole Rarrick. Running back/linebacker Austin Swindle is another possibility.

"Eight D-I guys, they're a shoe-in to win this game," said Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle, who is taking the reverse psychology approach after three of his four career head-coaching losses have come against Saguaro.

It's uncertain how the schedules will be made next school year, but if Chaparral isn't going to gain any power points by playing Saguaro, a school in a lower classification, who knows if there will be a football rivalry anymore.

Demon Classic

Salt River's 1A boys basketball team will play this weekend in the Dysart Demon Classic in El Mirage.

It will be the only 1A school in the tournament which comprises mostly of 5A and 4A schools. But coach Ernest Shand likes a challenge.

His team opened last week with a 55-47 win over 2A Superior. Anthony Vallone had 14 points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block for Salt River. Nathaniel Joe added 11 points and four assists.

Nuno MVP

Pinnacle senior point guard Nuno Muandumba was selected Most Valuable Player of the Paradise Valley Basketball Invitational last weekend.

Pinnacle went 4-0 in the tournament, which did not have a championship game. Its wins came against Glendale Deer Valley, Peoria Sunrise Mountain, Fountain Hills and Gilbert Perry.

Muandumba, who has signed with Lamar, averaged 19 points and eight assists. Pinnacle's Clark Cannon joined Muandumba on the all-tournament team.

One and done

Aaron Windler's first game as Chaparral's boys coach couldn't have been more intense.

With four seconds left, the scored tied and Chander Seton Catholic with possession, Seton turned the ball over. Chaparral threw a long inbound pass to sophomore guard Zeke Chapman, who was fouled while attempting a 3-point shot that missed. Chapman made a free throw and Chaparral won 60-59.