Two weeks ago, Salpointe Catholic routed Sahuaro in the Class 4A state semifinals.
Now, the Lancers are ready for a state championship game rematch against powerhouse Scottsdale Saguaro.
Last year’s state title game didn’t go in the Lancers’ favor, with Saguaro coming out on top 28-7 at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium. But this matchup won’t be complete déjà vu.
The 2017 championship kicked off at noon on a Saturday. This year’s game will be played Friday at 7 p.m.
The change in day and time should bring in bigger crowds — and, the Lancers hope, a different result.
“Last year, it was our first time going to state, so we didn’t really know the atmosphere that we were going to play in,†Salpointe junior running back Bijan Robinson said. “But this year, we know what we’re going to get through and just get the win.â€
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Salpointe Catholic Bijan Robinson (5) runs for a touchdown on the first play of the game against Desert Edge in the first half during a game at Salpointe Catholic High School on August 31, 2018. Salpointe Catholic won 28-21.
Last year’s Lancers had one loss heading into the championship game. This time around, they’re entering undefeated.
Salpointe’s two-way star Lathan Ransom said the Lancers have become more physical — and it shows. Salpointe has outscored its opponents 598-175 this season, a number that would certainly be higher if not for assorted injuries and garbage-time substitutions.
“It’s the second time we face them, so coming up with a better game plan and we’re just excited to play them again,†Ransom said.
Robinson believes the team has improved in another area: chemistry.
“Just how we’re moving as a team from last year to this year is a big difference,†Robinson said.
The Lancers came out flat the last time they played the Sabercats, and it cost them.
Robinson, who leads Class 4a with 2,245 rushing yards, hopes to flip the outcome.
He ranks second in both scoring (210 points) and touchdowns (35). The junior has already broken a couple of school records this season.
“We’ve got to come out this year and be ready — because we know they’re going to be ready,†Ransom said.
“We’ve got to come out this year and have the intensity that they’re always going to bring to the table.â€
The Lancers still have plenty of work to do, especially against such a formidable opponent, senior Mario Padilla said.
“Having a big ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ crowd is always a plus, especially in the Zona Zoo,†he said.
“I feel like this year we’re a better overall team than we were last year.â€
Contact reporter Norma Gonzalez at 520-262-3265 or ngonzalez@tucson.com.
Norma Gonzalez
Sports reporter
