Veteran coach Mike Reardon, beginning his 28th year overall and 4th at Saguaro, returns a seasoned group, and one that is heavy on proven leadership in the junior and senior class. The team's 6-0 start, he believes, also can be attributed to the dedication of the athletes. He noted, "The players wasted no time in preparing for the football season. They started the summer lifting and conditioning program as soon as the previous school year ended. Lifting and running began at 6:00 AM daily. Many of our players, from freshman to seniors, have been involved on a consistent schedule throughout the summer. The coaches have noticed a major improvement in strength and athleticism." Coach Reardon points to the 2004 season (11-2) as a turning point for the program. He welcomed back 19 lettermen, including 11 starters (6 offense, 5 defense). The Sabercats compete in the 4A DI division, and this year's squad has 8 tough kids going both ways. Coach's comments below are in quotes.

The offense, unfortunately, lost their talented senior signalcaller to an injury during the 3rd game. Senior co-captain TJ Rauch (6-foot-0, 185 lbs, 3.6 GPA) was running the spread offense so effectively that the running game was highly productive. TJ was passing for over 150 yards per game, with no turnovers. He also stars on the basketball team. Stepping into the QB position was junior Tim Ruben (5-foot-11, 175 lbs, 3.6 GPA). "A very athletic playmaker, Tim does things on the field that cannot be coached. He really jumped into the fire, but his biggest asset is his versatility and explosiveness. He brings big time running ability to our option attack, especially with

an innate ability to make the defenders miss. This elusiveness gives our backs a better chance to break a big play." In the Coronado victory, Tim was effective throwing (9/13, 151 yds, 3 TD's), and running (59 yds, 1 TD). His big brother is co-captain and senior RB

Alex Ruben (5-foot-11, 195 lbs, 3.46 GPA). "A leader by example, Alex is a complete player." He recently tallied 148 yds rushing in a game, to go along with his stellar play on special teams and defense. On the latter, he is coming off an All-Region year at LB. "He is the defensive captain, and is always one of our leading tacklers. Alex is a very physical and determined athlete, who hits the holes hard, and uses his intelligence to read the backfield's intentions. Alex stated to me, "The team chemistry is great. The students and school are really behind us this year."

An outstanding WR is senior Max Tabach (6-foot-2, 185 lbs, 3.0 GPA). This all-around player "never leaves the field. He has good quickness, and is solid in clutch situations. Max is also a top defensive performer, with leadership, size, and mental toughness." This prospect has nine interceptions over the past two seasons. Basketball and golf round out his resume'. Another top offensive weapon is senior WR Chris Soto (6-foot-2, 185 lbs, 3.1 GPA). A two-way player, "Chris is a very hard worker, who is strong, and has a passion for the game. Fleet-footed senior RB Shane Anderson (PICTURED: 6-foot-0, 210 lbs, 3.67 GPA) has "abilities that come natural. Besides being one of the fastest kids in the state, he has size and an innate ability to understand the game. Add a great work ethic." Shane is coming off a memorable junior year, in which he was named 1st team All-Region WR, and 2nd team All-Region RB. In one game, he scored 5 TD's. His productivity this year includes over 900 yards of all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, returns). His goal after high school is to play football at the University of Notre Dame.

The only senior on the offensive line is Garrett Schmenk (5-foot-11, 210 lbs, 3.1 GPA). He is "strong, has a great work ethic, and his motor runs at only one speed. He is a very intense, focused blocker, who has excellent technique. Garrett is a vocal leader, whose best asset is his determination and desire." OT junior Derek Bisgard (6-foot-0, 235 lbs, 3.1 GPA) is "very intense, and can be considered a prospect. Derek is strong, and also excels on the wrestling team." The other junior bookend lineman on the offense is Chris Merrill (6-foot-1, 260 lbs), who has started since his freshman year. Besides size, Chris "demonstrates leadership potential, and is very disciplined in his work habits." The starting sophomore offensive lineman is Corey Adams (6-foot-3, 275 lbs). "Besides being the biggest player on the team, he shows good athleticism. Corey is improving with each game."

The defense has some very good underclassmen. Junior MLB Bret Spotleson (5-foot-10, 180 lbs) is "smart, and really understands the game. He is actually one of our more consistent defensive players, who grades out well on his assignments." DB Paul Porras (6-foot-0, 160 lbs, 4.0 GPA) is listed as one of the state's top college prospects in the Class of 2009. His father Tom Porras played in the CFL, and brother Tyler Porras is redshirting as a free safety at Stanford University. Paul's strengths include "speed, explosiveness, agility, and a keen awareness of how the plays are developing." Brilliant in the classroom, he is projected to be a leader much like his brother was for the Sabercats last year. Besides football, Paul is a basketball standout, and is very active in the school's track program (200 meters, 4 X 400, Triple jump). The competition is expected to be fierce among Pac Ten schools for his services on the gridiron.

The twin corner is also a sophomore. Beau Burton (5-foot-9, 180 lbs, 3.2 GPA) is described as "physical and mature, and has above average speed. He is a hard worker, a terrific team player, and has a nose for the ball." Beau also runs track. The two kickers are Dan Golden (5-foot-11, 155 lbs, Soph), and Steven Chiappetti (5-foot-9, 165 lbs, Soph, foreign exchange student from Wales). Other players that will start or see considerable playing time include: RB/LB Andrew Johnson (5-foot-9, 165 lbs, Jr), OL/DL Ryan Fowler (5-foot-11, 210 lbs, Sr), OL/DL Joe Kellogg (6-foot-2, 270 lbs, Jr), and OL/DL Richie DeFrancesco (6-foot-4, 230 lbs, Sr).

The coaching staff is outstanding, and five of the gentlemen have been with Coach Reardon since he arrived. Defensive co-coordinator John Sanders' coaching background spans 30 years, including stints at Boise State and the University of Colorado. His son John Sanders III is presently a member of the University of Arizona's football program. Defensive line coach Ron Lehnerz was a 3-time All-Conference RB in college, and a highly successful seven year run as a prep head coach culminated in his being named the state's Class "A" Coach-of-the-Year in 1981. RB coach Tom Porras was a QB at the University of Washington, and has coached at the collegiate level for over 20 years. OL coach Chris Chick played for numerous high school and college Championship teams, and is a highly regarded strength and speed coach in the off season. WR coach Frank Ruben recently became a full time member of the staff, after spending many years in the business sector. Jim Camarillo (QB and special teams) has an extensive background coaching QB's, WR's, and TE's in Arizona and California over the past 21 years. Finally, LB coach Jon Turoczy most recently served as the defensive co-coordinator at Phoenix College.

One of the truly classy features of the fall program is the school's marching band. Director Mike Miller, also entering his 33rd year as a teacher at Saguaro, guides a 95-member squad that consistently earns superior and excellent ratings in state competitions. Supported by a great booster club, the band puts on a halftime show that would rival many college performances. The program actually encompasses 145 members, if one counts the two concert and 1 jazz bands.

4A Desert Sky Region games include McClintock, Pinnacle, Chaparral, and Thunderbird. Victories to date were against Canyon del Oro, Moon Valley, Cienega, Millenium, Coronado, and Thunderbird. Relying on an

experienced and athletic group has brought the Sabercats an undefeated record entering conference play. Coach Reardon believes this is a special group, one that has really "stuck with us through the four years our staff has been at the school." The 2005 Football Program and Media Guide includes a message from the Head Coach, and it concludes with: "Winning is not a sometime thing, its an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do the right thing once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit."