Although Sabino returned with only eight starters (four on offense and four on defense), reports of their rebuild may have been greatly exaggerated.

The Sabercats lost more than 20 seniors, including quarterback Cameron Hackworthopened their season last week with a 40-0 win over Coolidge. Sabino took a 33-0 lead in the first half.

Hackworth set Southern Arizona records for most passing yards (8,799) and touchdowns (97).

Sabino, experienced defensive tackle Paul Ortiz returned a Coolidge fumble 17 yards to give the Sabercats a 26-0 lead. Ortiz, who did not play football last year, recovered two fumbles and had four tackles, including a sack.

Sabino Junior Running Back/Outside Linebacker Zachariah Haley ran for 109 yards and two scores on 15 attempts in the aforementioned win over Coolidge. Haley ran for 578 yards as a backup last year and had two 100-yard games.

Although Tanque Verde lost its season opener 26-13 to Phoenix Christian, Gift Torgeson made 25 tackles. Torgeson had 15 solo tackles and two TFLs.

Two Canyon del Oro graduates will have bragging rights at Arizona Stadium on Saturday when offensive lineman Sa’Kylee Woodard’s New Mexico Lobos plays against Running Back Kayden Lukes Arizona Wildcats. Both are absolute freshmen at their respective schools and led CDO to the 2023 Class 4A state championship.

“Incredibly proud of them,” Tanque Verde head coach Jeffrey Bollnow told azpreps365.com. “Because it takes guts to go out there and play that type of football game. It’s very physical. That was a great team. They’re going to do really well this year. You know, I’m excited to see how we bounce back from this. We have a week off, so we can reorganize things and take those lessons to heart and hopefully learn from them and move on.”

The second-year head coach just led TV to its first ever playoff win.

“FAST FACTS: Canyon del Oro will take the state’s longest active winning streak into its opener in Mesa against Eastmark next Friday. The Dorados will be seeking their 15th consecutive win,” @gridironarizona posted on X (Twitter) earlier this month.

CDO is one of two 2023 champions that went undefeated last year, along with 1A winner Winkleman Hayden, which was 12-0 but lost in the playoffs the year before. All other 2023 champions lost during the season: Open champion Peoria Liberty lost to Corona (Calif.) Centennial; 6A champion Scottsdale Saguaro had five losses, including a 21-14 loss to Salpointe Catholic at home; 5A champion Gilbert Higley lost two; 3A champions lost three, including 49-7 Mica Mountain, and 2A champion Scottsdale Christian lost two.

Salpointe Catholic (10-3*) in Marana (5-6*)

Location: 12000 W. Emigh Road

Two of Southern Arizona’s best players will face off in what will likely be Salpointe’s only game against Tucson-area opponents this season. The Lancers’ 27-game winning streak against Southern Arizona teams could be in jeopardy. Their last local loss was in 2017 to future UA player Jamarye Joiner and Cienega. Marana is led by senior receiver and Washington newcomer Dezmen Roebuck. Both teams made the playoffs in their conference. Marana did so after a 1-4 start when they had four road games to begin the 2023 season.

Sahuaro (3-7*) against Sabino (1-0^)

Location: 5000 N. Bowes Road

The traditional rivals from Tucson’s east side are renewing their annual series. Although Sabino is the Class 3A school and Sahuaro is the 4A one, the Sabercats have been the big brother of late, winning four straight and holding a 17-3 record against their rival since 2004. Sahuaro’s last win in the series was 47-13, as senior Izaiah Davis rushed for 170 yards on 19 carries. The Cougars won two straight against the Sabercats in 2018 and 2019.

*Record 2023; ^Record 2024; Sabino was 11-3 in 2023