Division III spotlights their best in Saguaro-Cactus match-up

The Saguaro Sabercats (11-2) are back once again in the state championship game coming off another stellar season.  Head Coach John Saunders’ team rolled through the division III competition, finishing the season with two losses.  One of those losses to a team in the Division I title game (Desert Vista) and the second to a team in the Division II title game (Chaparral).

The Cactus Cobras (11-1) are familiar to success in the state of Arizona as well and this season was no different.  Head Coach Larry Fetkenhier’s team outscored their opponents 526 to 158 leading up to the State Title game.

That one loss on the Cobra record, a 62-24 loss at Saguaro back on September 23rd.  In the game, one of the best (if not the best) players in the state, D.J. Foster ran for 270 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries.

Foster has had a remarkable senior season individually, including scoring ten touchdowns in a game against Sunrise Mountain in the opening round of the playoffs. However, he explained that the State Championship is the ultimate goal.  “The 10 touchdowns, none of that means nothing to me without a state championship,” Foster explained.

Cactus Senior Denzel Dotson who is committed to play at Washington State next year explained their game plan is simple, “We have to execute and we have to contain D.J.”

As for Foster’s recruitment, many still believe that Arizona State was at the top of his list along with Oregon but with the uncertain future of ASU Head Coach Dennis Erickson, no decision has been made.  

Saguaro and Cactus kick off from the Walkup Skydome on the campus of NAU at 7:30pm.