On Saturday, August 19th I went to Coconino High in Flagstaff for the 2017 Sollenberger Classic, where Pinnacle beat Brophy 45-7. Here's what I saw:
Recap
Once Spencer Rattler realized that he wasn't going to be able to rely on the strength of his arm alone against a disciplined Brophy defense, he started to use his legs. Once Brophy had to account for his scrambling, things got messy for the Broncos. Rattler broke a 30 yard run on the Pioneers' second drive, and after a double pass got Pinnacle into the red zone, Rattler kept the ball himself for a 12-yard score.
The second quarter was all Pinnacle, and we saw the emergence of junior WR/TE Hayden Hatten as Rattler's primary receiving threat. Hatten hauled in catches that put the Pioneers near the goal line twice in the second quarter, with Amelec Juntunen and Rattler both getting short rushing TDs, and then Hatten was rewarded for his efforts with a short TD reception to make the score 28-0. Brophy's lone touchdown would come before the half, from fullback Erik Dimaria,
The first half ended with six total turnovers, three by each team, but Pinnacle firmly in the driver's seat. Notable defensive playmakers were Pinnacle's Brayden Smerz, who had both an interception and fumble recovery, and Brophy's DBs Sully Shannon and Denzel Burke (a freshman), who each made athletic plays on the ball for interceptions.
In the second half, Brophy continued to struggle to stretch the field. Hayden Hatten added a second receiving touchdown in the third quarter, and a rushing score in the fourth to cap off the route.
Players of the Game
Offense:
Hayden Hatten, TE/WR, Pinnacle
Defense:
Brayden Smerz, DE, Pinnacle
Honorable Mention:
Spencer Rattler, QB, Pinnacle
Eric Dimaria, FB, Brophy
Quotable
"In youth football I scored seven in one game" -Hayden Hatten on whether three touchdowns in a game was the most he'd ever scored.
"We're doing this against one of the best high school coaching staffs in the country. They'll find a way to come back from this." - Anonymous Pinnacle player on what it felt like to blow out Brophy
"I'm really looking forward to going up against that (Basha) offensive line. The quarterback this year is also really good (Collin Collins)... He makes the right calls and decisions." -Luke Aschenbrand on his excitement to take on a 1-0 Basha.
Prospects with Potential
Any time you see a freshman starting on varsity, it's eye opening. Brophy's Denzel Burke not only played well, he intercepted Spencer Rattler just before halftime. I'll be watching this 2021 prospect.
Pinnacle's Luke Aschenbrand is getting attention from several schools, and if he can put together some good film in his first month of the season, you might see schools like Utah State pull the trigger.
Hayden and Hogan Hatten are interesting because they have H-Back bodies, and WR skill. It's possible that we're looking at the next Kody Kohl-type tight end prospect with either brother in the 2019 class.
On size alone, Pinnacle DL Hunter Markusen is someone to watch. At 6-4, 220, if he displays quickness off the line and is able to put up some numbers, you might see him start to get more college attention.
Odds and Ends
It'll be interesting to see if the AIA keeps the Sollenberger Classic at Coconinio in Flagstaff, or if some changes might be on the horizon. I had heard rumors of several schools, including Desert Vista and Perry, turning down the opportunity to play in Flagstaff on the opening Saturday. I personally think it's a beautiful venue, and would like to see it used to host an undercard of games that would give media around the state an opportunity to see teams they wouldn't normally get to cover. Showcase some of the state's year-in-year-out small school powerhouses like Northwest Christian or Round Valley.
Pinnacle RB Kaleb Covington wasn't dressed out, and told me it's just a matter of time before he's back on the field with his teammates.
