The Scottsdale Unified School District's football media day showcased preparations for the upcoming season, with key insights from various high schools. Desert Mountain aims to defend its 5A championship, gearing up for the season opener against Saguaro, while Chaparral looks to improve from a 3-7 record, bolstered by returning starters. Saguaro and Coronado are struggling with player numbers, fielding only varsity teams this year. Under new leadership, Coronado seeks to bounce back after a winless season. Meanwhile, Arcadia aims to build on last year's 4A final appearance with a strong defensive lineup.

By the Numbers
  • Desert Mountain captured its first 5A championship last season.
  • Chaparral has nine starters returning on offense and eight on defense for the upcoming season.
  • Coronado scored only 60 points in their 0-9 season last year.
State of Play
  • Desert Mountain is focused on finding a new quarterback, with three strong candidates.
  • Saguaro has adopted a creative approach to practice despite limited player numbers.
  • Chaparral's sophomore quarterback Ryan Trocki is showing significant improvement.
What's Next

The upcoming season will reveal if Desert Mountain can successfully defend its title, and how effectively Chaparral's returning starters can elevate the team's performance. Coronado鈥檚 quest for wins will be closely monitored as their player count increases. Additionally, the competition intensifies as Arcadia aims to build on its previous playoff run.

Bottom Line

As teams prepare for the new season, the focus remains on development and resilience, especially for those like Coronado and Chaparral looking to improve from difficult previous years. The success of these teams will hinge on leadership, player development, and the ability to overcome challenges.