GLENDALE — Salpointe Catholic took the two-and-a-half-hour trip to Glendale Cactus for a meeting of two Class 4A teams that were both still 3-0.
Salpointe won 41-15 on the road to improve to 4-0.
ÌýJunior running back Bijan Robinson has been a key to Salpointe's success, and Friday was no different.ÌýHe hinted at the game he would have early, running in an eight-yard touchdown just six plays in on the opening drive.Ìý
In the second quarter, he turned a simple screen play into a 56 yard touchdown. It was his only reception of the night.
"It was a quick play that we called," Robinson said.
It was the first play of the drive after Salpointe's defense forced a three-and-out, and Bene was looking toÌýexploit Cactus on the unusual playcall.Ìý
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"You're trying to get Bijan in space," Bene said. "He's really a great workhorse, but people load up on him, so then we spread him out in space and try to get a one-on-one matchup, and it worked out."
He finished the night with 202Ìýyards on the ground and threeÌýtouchdowns. The game plan revolved around him: he had 20 carries, while the rest of the team combined for 10 carries and five receptions. Lathan Ransom had a 26-yard touchdown of his own.
It also helped that the team picked up two touchdowns on defense:ÌýRay Figueroa and Luke Regina each snagged a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
With starting quarterback Conner CordtsÌýon the sideline with an ankle injury, Cactus rotated in playcallers.ÌýSeniors Garrett Monroe and ZaachÌýCullop traded snaps based off play call. In general, Cullop rushed more, while Monroe took a bit more to the air.
The two themselves connected on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Monroe to Cullop in the first quarter.
Still, the unusual plan for Cactus tripped them up a few times.Ìý
On first-and-10 from its own 10, Cactus lined up for the first play of the drive following Robinson's 56-yard touchdown.ÌýThe snap was high, andÌýFigueroa pounced, recovering it in the end zone for Salpointe's first defensive touchdown of the night.Ìý
Cactus' special teams helped keep the game close for awhile, with a successful two-point conversion and later blocking a Salpointe point-after attempt.Ìý
Cordts doesn't have an exact timeline for his return, but Ortiz thinks it'll be a few weeks. He's improvising until then, and while he was impressed with how Monroe and Cullop adapted, he understands it's a temporary fix.Ìý
"They battled. I think we showed the state that we can compete at the top level," Ortiz said. "When we get our injuries back, we're going to be a deadly team."
The one advantage is that it gave the Cactus offense a fresh look for Salpointe. Bene and Salpointe weren't sure who they would see at quarterback as they prepared last week.Ìý
"It's difficult," Bene said. "They have some wonderful athletes, so it's tough to game plan, because they can add that wildcat package where you have some speed. They did a nice job with getting numbers, and it was a nice little scheme by Coach Ortiz."
In the second quarter, Salpointe strung together Robinson's 56-yard touchdown with the fumble recovery in the end zone to jump to a 21-7 lead.
"I thought the tide was obviously turning, but then we missed a blocking assignment that lead to that fumble," Bene said.
"So it was disappointing, and it's the little things, the details that separate the good teams from the great teams. ... You just always work on the details, but I think we have a really solid, solid foundation."Ìý
Salpointe (4-0) hosts ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High next week.ÌýCactus (3-1) travels to Buckeye Youngker.
Photos: Salpointe Catholic beats Cactus in Glendale
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Lathan Ransom rushes against Cactus in the 2nd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Lathan Ransom celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus head coach Joseph Ortiz watches the game against Salpointe on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Zach Cullop throwsagainst Salpointe in the 2nd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene talks to coaches during the game against Cactus on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Zach Cullop rushes against Salpointe in the 3rd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Zach Cullop rushes against Salpointe in the 3rd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Garrett Monroe throws for a touchdown against Salpointe in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Lathan Ransom rushes against Cactus in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Bijan Robinson rushes against Cactus in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Lathan Ransom rushes against Cactus in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Lathan Ransom rushes against Cactus in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Zaach Cullop rushes against Salpointe in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Zaach Cullop rushes against Salpointe in the 1st quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe's Bijan Robinson rushes for a touchdown against Cactus in the 2nd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus' Garrett Monroe throws against Salpointe in the 2nd quarter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus takes the field before the game against Salpointe on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Salpointe takes the field before the game against Cactus on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus students throw up blue powder during the game against Salpointe on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Salpointe at Glendale Cactus high school football
Cactus students throw up blue powder during the game against Salpointe on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Cactus High School in Glendale, Ariz. #azhsfb
Friday night's high school football matchups, predictions and score updates
Centennial-Ironwood Ridge game highlights high school slate
Marana Jesse Valenzuela (15) hops in the air as part of a warmup drill before a game against Desert View at Desert View High School, 4101 E Valencia Rd, on September 7, 2018. Marana won 35-0.
The high school football season is approaching the halfway mark, and several teams across Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ are gearing up for another exhilarating week.
This week's games are highlighted by defending Class 5A state champion Peoria Centennial's visit to Ironwood Ridge. It'll be Phoenix-area power versus ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ power.
The Star’s Justin Spears breaks down each matchup on Friday and predicts how each game will shape up. Each contest will start at 7 p.m. and predicted winners will be in ALL CAPS.
Peoria Centennial 55, Ironwood Ridge 7 — final
Ironwood Ridge quarterback Octavio Audry-Cobos manages to tip-toe his way out of the hands of Mountain View's Brande Devoy for a few extra yards in the second quarter of their game in the Coaches for Charity season kick-off game, Thursday, August 16, 2018, Marana, Ariz.
Prediction: PEORIA CENTENNIAL (3-0) at Ironwood Ridge (1-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý2475 W. Naranja Drive
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýIronwood Ridge struggled in back-to-back games against Phoenix opponents, and guess who it plays this week? You guessed it, another Phoenix team. Maybe theÌýbestÌýPhoenix team. Centennial has won three state championships in the last four seasons, and the Coyotes show no sign of slowing anytime soon. Ironwood Ridge needs more production offensively if it hopes to pull the upset. Nighthawks quarterback Octavio Audry-Cobos completed just 4 of 8 passes for 54 yards in last week's 17-13 loss to Gilbert Campo Verde, though he also rushed for 119 of them. Expect I-Ridge to give the Coyotes a scare in the first half but fade late, and Centennial wins 49-23.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High 19, Mountain View 14 — final
Head coach Bam McRae, center, sends his players through sprints during a summer Mountain View High School football practice, 3901 W. Linda Vista Blvd., on July 17, 2018, in Oro Valley, Ariz.
Prediction: Mountain View (0-3) at TUCSON HIGH (4-0)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý400 N. 2nd Ave.
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýMountain View is off to its worst start in nine seasons, the rest of one of the most brutal schedules in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Games against Ironwood Ridge, Gilbert Higley and Queen Creek Casteel are about as brutal as it gets. Things won't get any easier Friday, when the Mountain Lions take on ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High. While Jesus Montano and Gary Love have carried the Badgers' offense, it's their defense that's been the most impressive this season. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High’s has allowed just 18 points in four games. Senior linebacker Marcus Latimer is averaging nine tackles per game. Expect Latimer to step up in what will be ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High’s biggest test of the season. The Badgers win 34-30.Ìý
Sierra Vista Buena 27, Desert View 8 — final
Desert View Tullah Salat (5) holds onto the ball as he's surrounded by Marana defenders in the second half during a game at Desert View High School, 4101 E Valencia Rd, on September 7, 2018. Marana won 35-0.
Prediction: Desert View (1-2) at SIERRA VISTA BUENA (2-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista
Matchup:ÌýBuena has strung together wins against Sahuaro and Empire since falling to Catalina Foothills. Quarterback Jovoni Borbon is averaging just over 171 passing yards per game, though he has just three touchdowns in that span. Desert View faced a gunslinger quarterback last week in Trenton Bourguet and it didn’t end well. Expect the same results this week. Colts roll 27-13.
Cienega 56, Rincon/University 15 — final
Cienega’s Thomas Webb Jr. (4) stiff-arms Marana’s Zach Roberts © (30) during the first half of the Cienega vs. Marana high school football game on Aug. 25, 2017, at Marana High School, 12000 W Emigh Road, in Marana, Ariz.
Prediction: Rincon/University (0-3) at CIENEGA (2-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýCienega suffered its first regular-season loss since 2015 last week against Peoria Centennial. Fortunately, the Bobcats return home to play a Rincon team that hasn't won yet this season. Expect the home team to roll 56-0.Ìý
Gilbert Williams Field 33, Marana 14 — final
Marana quarterback Trenton Bourguet (5) runs with the ball in the first half during a game at Desert View High School, 4101 E Valencia Rd, on September 7, 2018. Marana won 35-0.
Prediction: Gilbert Williams Field (3-1) at MARANA (4-0)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý12000 W. Emigh Road, Marana
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýThe last time Marana faced Williams Field, the Tigers were bounced 41-14 in the second round of the playoffs. The Tigers have Friday night's game circled on their calendars. Expect Marana to rely on senior quarterback Trenton Bourguet, who ranks seventh in the state with 1,031 passing yards and is on pace to set several program and division records. A win against Williams Field would make the Tigers a state title contender. Expect them to win 35-28.
Sunnyside 21, Pueblo 14 — final
Pueblo's Sergio Zazueta (74) helps teammate Julian Lopez (25) pick up a few more feet against the resistance of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s David Lopez (3) in the third quarter of their game at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High School, Saturday, August 25, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Prediction: SUNNYSIDE (2-1) at Pueblo (1-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý3500 S. 12th Ave.
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýThe southside matchup is a tale of two teams. The Warriors got their first win last week against a struggling Cholla team. Sunnyside, meanwhile, has outscored its opponents 76-19 in the previous two weeks and are one victory away from matching last season's win total. Expect the Blue Devils to do it, topping Pueblo 14-7.
Sahuaro 47, Cholla 0 — final
Brothers on the Sahuaro football team include l-r standing; Phillip 32 and Connor Burish (twins), Travis Armstrong, 73 (seated) and twin brother Trevor, 70, standing; Amir Hunter-Huggins, 25 and younger brother Amad Hunter-Huggins, 14, Cameron Williams 30, standing in back, and Christopher Williams, 50 (twins), right.
Prediction: Cholla (0-4) at SAHUARO (3-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý545 N. Camino Seco
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýThe Cougars are legit, especially after handling Tempe Marcos de Niza 42-13 last week. The Chargers won't likely have an answer for Sahuaro running back Cameron Williams, who has scored eight touchdowns in four games. The Cougars will bounce the Chargers 42-0.
Salpointe Catholic 41, Glendale Cactus 15 — final
Salpointe's Bijan Robinson (5) checks for pursuit as he nears the end zone on a 77 yard touchdown against Del Valle in the third quarter of their game at Salpionte High School, Friday September 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Prediction: SALPOINTE CATHOLIC (3-0) at Glendale Cactus (3-0)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý6330 W. Greenway Road, Glendale
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýSalpointe Catholic two-way standout Mario Padilla injured his groin last week, and didn't play in the second half of the Lancers’ win over El Paso Del Valle. Even if he’s limited Friday against Cactus, the Lancers should be OK. Bijan Robinson is still around: The running back rushed for 276 yards last week and is averaging 254.7 per game, which is the fourth-best total in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Can Cactus slow Robinson and Salpointe down? The chances are slim. Expect Salpointe Catholic to beats another Phoenix team, 49-28.
BONUS HSFB GIF! 's Bijan Robinson untouched 77 yards to the house against Del Villa.
— Kelly Presnell (@KellyPresnell)
Casa Grande 70, Rio Rico 7 — final
Rio Rico QB Sean Fanning, right, hands off to running back John Brewington during football practice Sept. 18, 2013. Fanning and the Hawks are coming off their best season ever.
Prediction: Rio Rico (1-3) at CASA GRANDE (3-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý2730 N. Trekell Road, Casa Grande
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýRio Rico is fresh off a blowout loss to Nogales and against a Casa Grande team that had a disappointing finish at Walden Grove, this should be over by the end of the third quarter. Casa Grande wins 31-7.
Snowflake 21, Pusch Ridge Christian 7 — final
Pusch Ridge's Dakota Haynes runs up the middle against Casteel's defense during the 3A state title game at Campo Verde High School, Nov. 25, 2017 in Gilbert Ariz. (Darryl Webb/Special for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥)
Prediction: SNOWFLAKE (3-1) at Pusch Ridge Christian (1-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý9500 N. Oracle Road
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýPusch Ridge Christian is 0-2 at home this season, and we wouldn't be surprised if the Lions bounced back after losing to CDO 33-7 last week. Snowflake’s only loss this season came to Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin. Expect Snowflake to escape with a 21-13 win.
Flowing Wells 50, Paradise Valley 43 — final
Raashad Henderson (23) scored the winning touchdown for Flowing Wells to cap a late comeback in the team's season opener.
Prediction: Paradise Valley (3-0) at FLOWING WELLS (3-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý3725 N. Flowing Wells Road
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýFlowing Wells got its season back on track with last week's 40-12 win over Amphi. Now, the Caballeros will now face an undefeated Paradise Valley squad led by quarterback Ben Finley, who has thrown for 719 yards in three games. Flowing Wells running back Raashad Henderson has been one of the breakout backs in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Last week, he exploded for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Flowing Wells will be in another close matchup, but we learned in the first week to not pick against the Caballeros in close games. Henderson hauls the Cabs to a 27-20 win.
Sabino 14, Lakeside Blue Ridge 7 — final
Sahuaro's Izaiah Davis (1) drags Sabino's Richie Piña (46) a few steps closer to the goal line during a run in the first quarter of their game at Sabino High School, Friday, August 31, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Prediction: SABINO (1-2) atÌý Lakeside Blue Ridge (2-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý1200 W. White Mountain Blvd., Lakeside
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýNo team in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ wanted to forget about its first two games of the season more than Sabino. The Sabercats finally picked up their first win last week against Catalina Foothills. The Sabercats utilized yet another quarterback in sophomore AJ Skaggs, who completed 12 of 14 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns. If Skaggs repeats last week’s performance, Sabino should win 27-13.
Walden Grove 49, Nogales 0 — final
Players sport their school gear during the Nogales High School football team's practice on Sept. 1, 2016, at the school, 1905 N. Apache Blvd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. The Apaches travel to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s northwest side for Friday's game against Ironwood Ridge High School.
Prediction: Nogales (2-1) at WALDEN GROVE (2-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý15510 S. Sahuarita Park Road, Sahuarita
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýWalden Grove had a statement victory over undefeated Casa Grande last week. In the previous week, the Red Wolves beat Class 3A powerhouse Pusch Ridge Christian for the first time in school history. CoachÌý Corey Noble is gaining some traction with this Walden Grove team, and expect another win this week. Let’s call it 35-23.
Canyon del Oro 46, Amphitheater 0 — final
Canyon del Oro's Stevie Rocker goes flying after being dragged down by Flowing Wells' s Brian Cruz-Estrella just short of the goal line in the first quarter of their game at Flowing Wells High School, Friday, August 17, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Prediction: Amphitheater (1-3) at CANYON DEL ORO (2-1)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý25 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýThe Dorados are going to win for one reason: Stevie Rocker. The sophomore rushed for 213 yards on 15 carries last week against Pusch Ridge Christian, and is averaging 203.7 yards per game. We wouldn't be surprised if he ran for 300 yards this week. Expect CDO to rollÌý56-14.
Empire 55, Palo Verde 12 — final
The Titans logo graces the track around Palo Verde High School's football field in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, AZ. Photo taken Wednesday, August 5, 2015. Photo by Ron Medvescek / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Prediction: Empire (0-3) at PALO VERDE (1-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý1302 S. Avenida Vega
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýThe Ravens are itching for a win, but don’t expect that to happen this week. Palo Verde wins on a last-minute field goal, 13-11.
Payson 71, Catalina 51 — final
Members of the 2018 Catalina High School Trojans get in some drills during voluntary football practice at the school in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, AZ. on July 16, 2018.
Prediction: Catalina (1-2) at PAYSON (1-2)
Where: 301 S. McLane Road, Payson
Matchup: Expect the Trojans to try to run past Payson as they hit the road for a far-flung nonconference game. Leon Hayes is averaging exactly 100 rushing yards per game, and he’s scored three touchdowns so far this season. Payson’s defense has allowed 19 total points over the last two weeks combined. Expect the home team to prevail in a low-scoring contest. Call it 17-13.
Miami 6, Santa Rita 3 — final
Tanque Verde football players at practice in 2018. Former Tanque Verde coach Richard Sanchez is now at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High Magnet.Ìý
Prediction: MIAMI (1-2) at Santa Rita (0-3)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý3951 S. Pantano Road
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýRichard Sanchez and Santa Rita have been outscored by their opponents 138-6. The Eagles won’t get shut out Friday. Miami wins 21-7.
Winslow 0, Tanque Verde 0
Yard lines are drawn on the football stadium at Tanque Verde High School. Mamta Popat / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥Ìý
Prediction: WINSLOW (2-2) at Tanque Verde (1-2)
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:Ìý4201 N. Melpomene Way
²Ñ²¹³Ù³¦³ó³Ü±è:ÌýTanque Verde won last week for the first time in 11-plus months.ÌýThey'll play Winslow tough on Friday, but expect the out-of-town visitors to win 21-20.
Ìý
