Saguaro leans on role players with star Burke out on Friday
When Scottsdale Saguaro’s football team plays on national television for the second time in its history Friday night, it won’t look like the team coach Jason Mohns will unleash later in the season.
There will be no Denzel Burke, the two-way star who has committed to Ohio State, against 2-0 Chandler Hamilton for the ESPN2 game at Saguaro. He is out with an injury.
There will be seven transfers in street clothes on the sideline. They become eligible to play starting next week.
“We probably have seven guys who will be starters when they become eligible,” Mohns said. “It’s created opportunities for some young guys. It’s an opportunity for a guy like Carlos (Griffin).”
Carlos Griffin, a sophomore cornerback, wasn’t expected to have a varsity impact this season with a secondary that figured to be the most talented in the state.
But he stepped up in last week’s rout of Marciopa with three interceptions, taking two back for touchdowns.
“I’m extremely excited for our Hamilton game,” Griffin said. “Not every high school kid gets to play on ESPN in front of a national audience, so I’m really happy I get to be a part of this.
“I’m sure all of us as players have family all over who don’t get to see us play in person that will get a chance to see us play a tough game.”
Senior co-captain Mason Davies has helped pick up the slack at receiver with Burke out. He has four catches for 178 yards and two TDs in the 2-0 start.
“We have little to no depth at the receiver positions, which just means next man up,” said Davies, a track standout with top speed. “With Denzel out, I have had to step up these past weeks.
“Over the years our program has been great at responding to adversity. After this game against Hamilton, our trans
fers will be gaining eligibility, which will greatly increase our depth in many positions across our defense and offense.”
During the pandemic, the Scottsdale Unified School District policy on tickets is to allow two per participant per game that go to family members. It won’t be a packed stadium. But there will be eyes on Saguaro and Hamilton all over the nation with the televised broadcast Friday night.
Saguaro is 1-0 in ESPN games in its history. The last time Saguaro was on national TV, it beat Colorado power Valor Christian four years ago.
Mohns knows he’ll have a different team in December but it’s not like he doesn’t have any weapons now.
Senior defensive end Quintin Somerville is a game changer on defense, along with defensive end/outside linebacker Tristan Monday. They leaded a great defensive front, which could be the strongest part of the Sabercats’ game.
“We have to find out our identity,” Mohns said. “We’re going to change a lot
of after this game. We’ll get some serious, dynamic players eligible. This is a litmus test.”
Davies knows that Saguaro’s proud history (six state titles in the last seven years) is at stake in front of national cameras. And they’ll come out ready.
“Being a part of Saguaro has always been like a family,” he said. “The connection I have gained with my teammates over the four years I have attended Saguaro has built me and my team as a whole.
“This bond we all have is what keeps us going in tough situations and games. We are super blessed to be given this opportunity to play in this game in front of such a big stage. We are going to come out and play Saguaro football.”