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Led by a three touchdown performance from sophomore quarterback Cameron Hackworth, the Sabino Sabercats spoiled the Arizona College Prep Knights' new stadium and home opener by cruising to a 28-6 victory.
Impact Players
Sabino 2022 RB Kenneth Blackman (5-10, 185)
Blackman was phenomenal on both sides of the ball in this game. The Senior RB finished the night with 119 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns (one on the ground and one receiving). On the defensive side of the ball Blackman recorded three tackles, a sack, and picked off a 4th Quarter pass. Watch his TD off the screen pass below, Blackman breaks a few ankles as he sprints into the end zone.
Sabino 2022 OLB Levi Miranda (6-0, 196)
Miranda is an absolute baller. The Senior defensive captain lead the team with 9 total tackles and also recovered a fumble in the Sabercats' dominating defensive performance. Miranda is a sideline-to-sideline player who possesses a non-stop motor. He's a sure-tackler who strikes with force through contact. Really good football player right here.
Sabino 2022 CB Derek Sanchez
Sanchez did a little bit of everything in the Sabercats' win. On the defensive side of the ball, Sanchez lived up to his twitter handle by shutting down opposing WR's all night long. Sanchez finished the game with 3 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a few pass break-ups. On offense, he also hauled in a touchdown pass right before the first half ended to give Sabino a 14-0 lead.
ACP 2023 RB Biruk Stephens
Stephens showed toughness running between the tackles for ACP. Stephens was able to get into a rhythm late in the 3rd Quarter, picking up multiple first downs on consecutive series. ACP Head Coach Myron Blueford had this to say about Stephens in a postgame interview with Zach Alvira, "“Because of his vision and he is patient, he reminds me a lot of LeVeon Bell," said Blueford. "We had a running back for four years but now he’s the guy. We probably need to lean on him a little more and that’s part of our maturation process as a team this year, figuring out who we are going to be if we are going to be successful."
“A lot of good things happened tonight but it reflects on what we need to change and one of those is leaning on Biruk a little more.”
Jacob Seliga's Week 1 Baller
Sabino 2022 DB Kamden Gambrell (5-11, 179)
"Gambrell really impressed me with his press coverage skills. His ability to jam receivers at the line kept ACP from being able to use the deep ball to attack. He also doesn’t get caught peaking into the backfield and focuses very well on his opponent." - Team AZV Intern Jacob Seliga
Sabino 2024 QB Cameron Hackworth (5-9, 160)
"I liked Hackworth’s ability to extend the play by rolling out of the pocket when defenders attack off the edge. He keeps his eyes downfield and makes the extra read when needed." - Team AZV Intern Jacob Seliga
Hackworth finished the night completing 15 of his 21 pass attempts for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Sophomore also ran for 32 yards and a touchdown. Pretty impressive night for the first year starter.
Who To Watch
Sabino 2022 DB Nezayah Stubblefield (6-3, 175)
Stubblefield is a long, rangy deep safety who does a great job of filling the alley to make plays. He's an active tackler who also does a really good job in pass coverage. Stubblefield recorded five total tackles, all of them solo, and forced a fumble on Arizona College Prep's first offensive drive.
Quotable
"Our defense, we want to come out here strong every time and set the tone every play...I feel blessed to have another opportunity to come out here and play the game I love." - Sabino Senior DB Derek Sanchez
“Honestly, my whole mindset was on the boys. I kinda observed and watched them. That’s what got me excited. They finally have a home," said ACP Head Coach Myron Blueford in a postgame interview with Zach Alvira. “They were super excited. The score doesn’t reflect it, but they definitely left all their heart out there. I think that was kind of the cool thing for me. When I retire I think I’ll let it all resonate. But right now, it’s all about them and I love they were able to have this experience.”
Up Next
(0-1) ACP @ (1-0) River Valley
(1-0) Sabino @ (0-0) Catalina Foothills
