Sports360AZ
Story by Jordan Spurgeon
In a game that could only happen in 2020, the Saguaro Sabercats and Casteel Colts played under strange circumstances on Friday night.
Both schools were in jeopardy of not playing games this week, after Saguaro’s original opponent, Horizon, and Casteel’s opponent, Perry, dealt with COVID-19 cases.
At 8:20 a.m. on Thursday morning, Colts head coach Bobby Newcombe and Saguaro head coach Jason Mohns spoke on the phone about potentially playing each other. Despite the implications it could have on the Open Division playoff picture, both schools agreed to play by the end of the afternoon.
We are most appreciative for the opportunity for @CoachMohns & our @saguarofootball #Sabercats to travel to Casteel HS (@CasteelAthletic) to play the @CasteelFootball #Colts tomorrow (Friday) night at 7pm.
— Sabercat Nation (@Saguaro_HS) October 29, 2020
The Colts entered 3-1 in their first season in 6A, and Saguaro was 2-1 after a loss to Hamilton last week on ESPN. Saguaro won 48-20 on Casteel’s senior night.
The Sabercats were explosive in the first half, with quarterback Xander Werner rushing for three touchdowns and throwing another, en route to a 34-7 halftime lead. He added one more rush touchdown in the second half.
TD @saguarofootball missed PAT 6-0 Sabercats 9:32 1st #Fridaynight360az pic.twitter.com/l5hFheXDLu
— Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) October 31, 2020
TD @saguarofootball 20-0 8:39 2nd Q. #fridaynight360az pic.twitter.com/I8sfUCEro3
— Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) October 31, 2020
The Colts were able to move the ball downfield, but penalties held them back. They did find the end zone for the first time on a trick play, though, with quarterback Dane Christensen tossing to running back Jayce Knutsen, who threw a touchdown pass to Zach Miller.
Christensen entered the game leading the state in passing yards with 1,137. He finished 31-54 with 358 yards and two touchdowns.
The Sabercats defense was stout, led by outside linebacker Tristan Monday who recorded two sacks. They were able to pick off Christensen three times, by Myles Crutchley, Quintin Somerville, and Carlos Griffin.
Next week, Saguaro is scheduled to play Campo Verde. The Colts will face Chaparral.
