On paper, Catalina Foothills is outmatched heading into Saturday's 4A state title game at the University of Phoenix Cardinals Stadium against top-seeded Scottsdale Saguaro.
Foothills, which debuted as a program in 1994, is seeking to make history, becoming the first team in the program's history to win a state title. Someone once wrote about a certain David toppling Goliath, so why can't the Falcons write its own story? Here's seven reasons why Catalina Foothills will win the 4A state title.
1. Rhett Rod.
He's the real deal. Rhett Rodriguez, son of University of Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez, is a four-year starter under center that has helped change the image and culture of the Catalina Foothills football program. In his career, Rhett Rod has passed for 8,559 yards and 77 touchdowns with just 13 interceptions. He's also added 38 rushing TDs. He can make all the throws and rarely makes a bad decision on the field.
2. Best WR tandem in Southern Arizona.
The senior duo of Bryan Beckon and Jimmy Stewart have terrorized defenses all season long. The two have combined for 82 receptions, 1,963 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. On defense, they've tallied seven interceptions, three fumble recoveries and one blocked field goal.
3. 20 Seniors.
A group that bought into coach Jeff Scurran's vision for the program, despite Foothills going 16-26 during the 2009-2012 seasons. They've gone 34-12 since. The seniors have accounted for 2,011 rushing yards of the Falcons' 2,246 team rushing yards and 135 of the team's 136 receptions. The defense relies on seniors like Brandon Smith, who leads the team with 107 total tackles, Mason Westmoreland who has amassed 90 total tackles and Max Michalczik who has recorded seven sacks.
4. Coach Jeff Scurran.
He's rebuilt programs like Canyon del Oro, Sabino, Santa Rita and literally created the Pima Community College program. Scurran has recorded 296 career wins, including 217 wins in Tucson, and is headed to his eighth state title appearance. Coach Scurran is highly regarded as one of the best when it comes to the X's and O's of football and with this much time to prepare for a rematch with Saguaro could help him come up with a successful scheme.
5. Ball security.
Heading into the 4A state championship, Foothills has committed four turnovers. Rodriguez has thrown three interceptions and the Falcons have lost one fumble, which came last week against Higley. In order to beat Saguaro, Foothills will have to play a near perfect game, which means no turnovers.
6. Star player out for Saguaro.
Senior TE/DE Jared Poplawski, an ASU signee, was injured in last week's win over Salpointe Catholic. This could be in the Falcons favor, as the Sabercats will be without a vertical threat at tight end. Poplawski's year is finished with four receiving touchdowns and 3.5 sacks. However, it could backfire if Saguaro just subs in more beef on the offensive line to create alleys for the running game.
7. Any Given Saturday?
I saw Scurran made some noise earlier in the week when he mentioned the Higley-Foothills contest was the “real state championship,” as it is unfair that perennial state-power Scottsdale Saguaro is in 4A. While that's most likely true, as Saguaro has 20 players with intentions of signing with Division I schools, Scurran and the Falcons wouldn't be the first disadvantaged team to take a shot at Goliath. If he's looking for sources of inspiration or strategies used by underdogs he could watch some of these football films featuring underdogs: Little Giants, Waterboy, The Replacements, Invincible, Remember the Titans and Rudy.
