4A-II CACTUS NEVER SEEMS TO RUN OUT OF TALENT

Note: This preview focuses on schools throughout the City of Phoenix, the northwest and southwest Valley, western, northern and northeastern Arizona.

By Don Ketchum

No matter how many players graduate every year, Glendale Cactus coach Larry Fetkenhier always seems to find a way to mold his program into a contender.

The new season should be no different, as Cactus figures to have a strong chance to capture a second straight Class 4A Division II championship out of the Black Canyon Region.

The Cobras always seem to have a balanced club, although this season might feature more offense led by lineman Ryan Nowicki and running back Lashunn Norris.

Phoenix Greenway saw longtime coach Mike Brown depart (now at Tolleson), which could signal a period of adjustment for new coach K.J. Anthony. But Anthony has been an assistant at Greenway for several years and knows most of the players coming back.

Greenway has had a good run on tight ends for awhile, and now has another, Tyler Bergsten.

Veteran coach Donnie Yantis should have his Phoenix Paradise Valley players primed for another season. Paradise Valley reached the quarterfinals last season before losing to eventual state champion Cottonwood Mingus.

The Trojans annually have a few good skill players and a top-notch lineman usually surfaces. This season, keep an eye on Austen Salazar.

Phoenix Cortez (coached by Jeff Huelster), Phoenix Thunderbird (Brent Wittenwyler) and Phoenix Washington (Jon Becktold) are aiming for breakthrough seasons.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for Cactus is expected to be Cottonwood Mingus, from the Grand Canyon Region. Coach Bob Young always seems to produce a competitive product on an annual basis. Mingus reached the semifinals in 2009 before falling to Tucson Santa Rita.

Mingus is led by quarterback Nick Alred, who was the region’s MVP last season and passed for more than 2,000 yards.

The Grand Canyon Region is slimmed down this season after the closing of Flagstaff Sinagua due primarily to budget concerns. That leaves Flagstaff and Coconino as the only remaining schools in Flagstaff. Both schools should be strengthened by a number of transfers from Sinagua.

Flagstaff also has a new coach, Eddie Campos, who was Sinagua’s first coach in 1989 and has been out of football since midway through the 2003 season.

“It’s exciting. We’re working toward a good season,’’ Campos said.

“We are asking an awful lot of the kids, changing some offensive and defensive schemes. It’s been a bit difficult, since I only got hired in July, but the players have done a tremendous job.’’

One of the Sinagua transfers, Cody Livingston, should be one of the key elements on defense. The offense is expected to spread things out more, but will rely quite a bit on the running of Brashar Gill.

Coconino coach Tadd Ragan believes the infusion of new players will help his program improve on a 4-6 finish from last season.

The players are working extremely hard and have been throughout the summer,’’ Ragan said. “They are excited about the potential we have this season to do well. If we stay focused and healthy, good things should happen for us.’’

Ragan lists quarterback Casey Sifling and linebacker Justin Gahr as his top returnees. Howard Riley and Andrew Ohumukine are expected to provide strength and stability up front.

Bullhead City Mohave has a strong contingent of returning players and could develop into a region contender. Lineman Josh Bruns is among the leaders.

More than half of Page’s starters are back. The Sand Devils always face one of the traditionally tough schedules in terms of travel.

Peoria Liberty made a strong showing last season under coach Dan Filleman, reaching the quarterfinals,  and is the likely favorite to gain a high playoff seed from the Skyline Region. The team returns 11 starters.

Andre Gattie is developing into a strong quarterback and leader for Liberty.

Bobby Barnes is back for another season at Buckeye, and his team must replace a number of starters. The key is getting the younger players to mature quickly in order for the team to remain in contention. Cody Bostick, a linebacker and running back, is among the team leaders.

Buckeye Youngker, one of the newest schools in the southwest Valley, was 1-8 in 2009, its first varsity season under coach Jason Stuewe.

The coach expects a significant improvement with his first senior class this year, led by running back Johnny Dix, fullback Edgar Chavez, tight end Jordan Faenza and guard Bryant Quinones.

“Everyone in the program has a chip on their shoulder, wanting to show ourselves and to the state that last season was far from a true indicator as to what the Roughriders are truly capable of doing,’’ Stuewe said.

After guiding Tolleson’s program over the last few years, Rich Wellbrock has moved to Goodyear Desert Edge. Quarterback Tanner Lung is expected to lead the Scorpions.

Buckeye Verrado, another relatively new school, is led by lineman Jake Benson.