Amphi High School wrestling coach Sam Portillo is connected.

With one month remaining before the start of the high school football season, Steven Erly learned Monday he will be eligible to play.

Canyon del Oro's Ka'Deem Carey never lacked for attention on the state's high school football scene. Let the 16-year-old CDO star junior running back/ defensive back tell the story, and the praise arrived sooner than he expected and maybe sooner than was justified.

Last year ended in misery for the Santa Rita football program, a close loss in the state championship to powerhouse Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, leaving the school short of its first-ever title.

Whirled around on a coaching carousel since Mark Brunenkant's resignation in 2006, the Catalina Foothills High School football program now has its fourth head coach in as many years.

Twelve years and seven miles separate Scott McKee from Sabino High School.

All games start at 7 p.m. unless noted.

Canyon del Oro football coach Dustin Peace glances uneasily at the results of the Dorados' last two games against Santa Rita, both of which are painted colorfully onto the wall in the team's game room.

Two plays — that was all it took for Canyon del Oro High School to take control of a game that was tied 6-6 at halftime.

A lonely pool sits directly across the street from Sunnyside High School.

Desert View is unbeaten through three football games for the first time this millennium — the last time was 1998 — and has a good chance to go 4-0 before facing Catalina Foothills in Week 5.

If there's one mantra that Sunnyside football coach Richard Sanchez expects his teams to live by year in and year out, it is continual improvement.

The NAU football team will welcome former Marshall coach Jack Lengyel and Cardinals announcer Ron Wolfley to campus on Aug. 11 when the team hosts its first annual NAU Lumberjacks Football Kickoff Banquet at Ardrey Auditorium.

There was a different feel on the football field Monday.

The Arena Football League is on the brink of folding and declaring bankruptcy, an inglorious end for the 22-year-old indoor league that has suffered through a year of turmoil.

NAU football coach Jerome Souers announced on the Big Sky Conference coaches teleconference Wednesday that the team has hired David Reeves as its special teams coordinator and safeties coach.

CANTON, Ohio -- Practically giddy with excitement over his upcoming induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ralph Wilson greeted Bruce Smith in the middle of a hotel ballroom to pose for a picture Friday afternoon.

Florida tops coaches' poll Defending national champion Florida tops the USA Today preseason football coaches' poll, receiving 53 of 59 first-place votes.

CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- All that was missing were the chicken wings, because the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony had a distinct Buffalo flavor.

Coconino High School athletics and activities are hosting a golf tournament Saturday, Aug. 15 at Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club.

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) -- Michael Vick returned to the area that once celebrated his brilliant play on the football field, this time for the first of what he hopes will be dozens of appearances around the country to urge low-income youths to avoid the tragic trail left by dogfighting.

The NAU football team will hit the practice field today at 11:30 a.m. for its first practice of the fall, leading up to its season opener Sept. 12 against Arizona. The squad has several new coaches and a few key holes on the field to replace from last season.

Former football standout Alvin Rex and the most successful volleyball team in school history will be inducted into the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame, athletics director Jim Fallis announced this past weekend.

NAU senior tight end Shaun Fitzpatrick had to do a double-take when he took the field Monday for the Lumberjacks' lone practice of the day.

PAGE -- Page High School completed the hiring of new coaches for the 2009-10 school year Tuesday night, as coaches for baseball, track and boys soccer were approved by the school board.

Twenty-four years ago an estimated crowd of 12,000 fans packed the Walkup Skydome to watch Coconino and Flagstaff High play for the city football championship.

Football coaches at Flagstaff's three Class 4A, Division II teams consider state power Cottonwood Mingus a benchmark for success.

Michael Herrick clearly entered NAU's first scrimmage of fall practice on Saturday as the team's No. 1 quarterback. All Herrick and the Lumberjack coaching staff were looking for was a solid performance from the junior and an opportunity to raise his confidence three weeks before the season opener at Arizona.

The Flagstaff area high school hockey team will hold an informational meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Jay Lively Ice Rick.

The Flagstaff area high school hockey team will hold an informational meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Jay Lively Ice Rick.

COTTONWOOD MINGUS MARAUDERS Last season's record: 9-3 overall, 5-0 region; lost to Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep 52-16 in Class 4A, Division II quarterfinals.

Week 1 Capsules EL MIRAGE DYSART DEMONS at FLAGSTAFF HIGH EAGLES When: 8 p.m. tonight. Where: Walkup Skydome. Region: Dysart, Class 4A Division I West Valley; Flagstaff High, Class 4A Division II Grand Canyon.

Arizona State will be an underdog in five of its 12 football games, favored in four and three -- no matter what the point spread -- will be toss-ups.

COTTONWOOD MINGUS MARAUDERS Last season's record: 9-3 overall, 5-0 region; lost to Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep 52-16 in Class 4A, Division II quarterfinals.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- The University of Michigan says it is investigating allegations that its football program regularly violates NCAA rules limiting how much time players can spend on training and practice.

Usually, college football teams like to have their bye weeks close to the middle of the season so they can give their players some rest in the heart of their schedule. It also gives them some time to heal from injuries that accumulate during the first half of the season.

Jeremiah Smith has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his post as Flagstaff High School's head football coach, school administrators said Wednesday.

DENVER -- Ken Whisenhunt graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in civil engineering, but at this time of year, the Cardinals' football coach might wish he had studied accounting.

SINAGUA MUSTANGS at WINSLOW BULLDOGS When: 7 p.m. tonight. Where: Winslow High School. Region: Sinagua, Class 4A Division II Grand Canyon; Winslow, Class 3A North.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah quarterback Terrance Cain was perfect in his first quarter of NCAA football, then pretty good the rest of the way.

WINSLOW -- Rusty Robertson implored his notoriously slow- starting Winslow football team to get out of the gate quickly Friday night against Sinagua.

The Coconino football team committed seven turnovers en route to a 51-0 loss on the road at Scottsdale Arcadia on Friday night.

Matt Whelan initially embraced the notion of playing the majority of his high school football games in NAU's Walkup Skydome.

GLENDALE KELLIS CARDINALS at COCONINO PANTHERS Where: Cromer Stadium. Region: Kellis, Class 4A Division I West Valley; Coconino, Class 4A Division II Grand Canyon.

Coconino High School rededicated a renovated Cromer Stadium on Friday night.

The Flagstaff High football team misfired on several key opportunities in the first half and stumbled to a 48-7 loss at Gilbert Williams Field in a non-region game Friday night.

Trevin Wade has what coaches call a nose for the ball -- clichйd shorthand for a kind of football voodoo that is equal parts positioning, skill and dumb luck.

TUCSON -- The last time Brian Riley stepped foot inside Arizona Stadium, he was a true freshman tight end on the NAU football team, watching the Lumberjacks' game against the Wildcats in 2007.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Two games into his college football career, 19-year-old quarterback Matt Barkley already has a place in Southern California lore.

Dave Dirksen has raved about the promising young players in Sinagua's football program ever since he grabbed the reins last spring.

Football and cheer sign-ups Willcox Youth Football and Cheer League is starting sign ups for those ages 5 to 11 for football and 5 to 14 for cheer.

Free sports physicals will be held at Willcox High School gymnasium Friday, July 31, beginning at 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Football and cheer sign-ups Willcox Youth Football and Cheer League is starting sign ups for those ages 5 to 11 for football and 5 to 14 for cheer.

Free sports physicals will be held at Willcox High School gymnasium Friday, July 31, beginning at 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Football and cheer sign-ups Willcox Youth Football and Cheer League is starting sign ups for those ages 5 to 11 for football and 5 to 14 for cheer.

Free sports physicals will be held at Willcox High School gymnasium Friday, July 31, beginning at 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free Sports physicals Free sports physicals will be held at Willcox High School gymnasium Friday, July 31, beginning at 1 p.m.

It is time again for Willcox Youth Football and Cheer to begin. Sign ups are being held at our WASA Football and Cheer camps held this week from 9 a.m. to noon, and 5 to 7 p.m. at WHS, and/or WMS. You may register at the camps, or pick up registration forms at the WASA office, Willcox Real Estate Co., or Walker Family Medicine, or print them off of our website, www.willcoxfootball.com. The forms may also be returned at the same locations.

Free Sports physicals Free sports physicals will be held at Willcox High School gymnasium Friday, July 31, beginning at 1 p.m.

It is time again for Willcox Youth Football and Cheer to begin. Sign ups are being held at our WASA Football and Cheer camps held this week from 9 a.m. to noon, and 5 to 7 p.m. at WHS, and/or WMS. You may register at the camps, or pick up registration forms at the WASA office, Willcox Real Estate Co., or Walker Family Medicine, or print them off of our website, www.willcoxfootball.com. The forms may also be returned at the same locations.

It is time again for Willcox Youth Football and Cheer to begin.

It is time again for Willcox Youth Football and Cheer to begin.

Football and cheer sign-ups Willcox Youth Football and Cheer registration forms are at the WASA office, Willcox Real Estate Co., or Walker Family Medicine, or print them off of our website, www.willcoxfootball.com

Football and cheer sign-ups Willcox Youth Football and Cheer registration forms are at the WASA office, Willcox Real Estate Co., or Walker Family Medicine, or print them off of our website, www.willcoxfootball.com

The Willcox prep football program is hoping to take a step forward under new head coach Jim Hughes, a 55-year-old former Thatcher coach with an impressive resume.

Willcox High School Volleyball is 28 girls strong - the most Coach Todd DeBaun has seen in eight years, seven of which he coached.

"The kids never gave up" at Lordsburg, said WHS football head coach Jim Hughes. Willcox trailed 14-0 at the half, tied it at 14-14 (behind scores from Rudy Verdugo and Gerald Fleming) before the end of the third, but gave up two big turnovers and lost 35-14. "We know what kind of team we can be," said the coach, who is preparing the varsity for their home opener against Baboquivari on Friday at 7 p.m.

Sixteen in a row is on the line when defending east-league champion Willcox plays at last year's runner-up, Desert Christian in Tucson in the soccer season opener on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Willcox Cross Country Team is having its annual fund-raising Dos Cabezas Bike-a-thon on Saturday, Sept. 19 starting at 8 a.m. from the Willcox Gymnasium. All bike riders are invited to join the team.

Cowgirls volleyball varsity, including Adrienne Machiche and Kelsey Osterman, proved they could win again (3-0) when they played against Desert Christian at home Thursday. Coach Todd DeBaun said he changed the starting line-up following their 3-0 loss to Safford Sept. 10. DeBaun said they played at Safford "tentatively and nervously ... they lost their focus." At the Morenci Invitational over the weekend, the team was seeded No. 2 after the 8-team round robin. In bracket play, they beat Bowie 2-1; lost to Animas N.M. in three and beat out Morenci (2-0) for third place in the tournament.

High school football takes a page out of the Boy Scouts' handbook these days: it's all about being prepared. Teams in Arizona are allowed four weeks of practice leading into their season openers. But that doesn't mean they don't get to work long before that time.

One week remains for MLB draft picks to sign with their teams. Some, like Prescott High School grad Dillon Baird, have signed already and have gotten started in the minor leagues.

The annual Punt, Pass and Kick competition took place Saturday morning at Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley.

Bradshaw Mountain will kick off this year's schedule of scrimmages for local teams today at home versus three-time defending Class 4A, Division I state champ Scottsdale Saguaro.

MAYER - The Orme football team hits the practice field at 1 p.m. on a Monday afternoon. It's not the first practice of the day for the Warriors and it won't be the last. For the boarding school located just off Interstate 17, things work differently.

CHINO VALLEY - It's hard to imagine a team can get better after losing its best player on each side of the football. That said, Chino Valley aims to do just that this season.

PRESCOTT VALLEY - They've got a new quarterback, a new field and a coach making his return to the sidelines. It's a new season for the Bradshaw Mountain Bears. A season far removed from a tumultuous 2008.

MAYER - Looking for a one-man wrecking crew in Class 1A football this season? Orme tailback Alfonzo Broom just might fit the bill if he accomplishes anything similar to what he did Friday night. Broom ran for an astounding 364 yards and 5 touchdowns on 26 carries and ran back an 80-yard go-ahead TD on a kickoff return with 1:20 left in regulation to lift the Warriors to a 39-38 victory over Mayer in the 2009 campaign opener for both teams.

The Chino Valley football team opened the season on a sour note thanks to Friday's 21-0 loss at Camp Verde.

APACHE JUNCTION - By the second quarter on Friday night, the Bradshaw Mountain defense had yet to take the field and it still trailed 12-0

The fall prep season kicked off last week when area teams began their respective football and volleyball seasons. This week, the remainder of the seven-sport season gets underway. Here's a look at golf, swimming and badminton.

Is there a big difference between Class 4A, Division I and 4A, D-II? Prescott, of 4A, D-I, opens the season tonight at Mingus, of the lower division. With the Marauders being one of the top teams in their class, a win for the Badgers would be big.

COTTONWOOD - Unlike the past two seasons, the Prescott football team didn't have to open the season with No. 1 Scottsdale Saguaro. Even so, a trip to Cottonwood Mingus proved to be a tough start as well.

PRESCOTT VALLEY - For the Bradshaw Mountain football team, this year's switch from Class 4A, Division II to 4A, D-I has been nothing short of a wake-up call in the first part of the 2009 season. Yes, for the second straight week the Bears played a Top 5 team in the upper tier of 4A. However, they showed few signs of being able to compete against the big boys.

The Chino Valley High School boy's soccer team's road to last year's Class 3A state title culminated in a 2-0 defeat of Willcox in the championship game. Cougars coach Jim Clark no doubt hopes remnants from that great day carries over to this season.

His youngest son, Max, graduated and the Prescott High School wrestling team had one of its better seasons in more than 20 years. What better time to walk away for coach Dan Payne? Just don't call it a retirement.

PRESCOTT VALLEY - For the Bradshaw Mountain football team, this year's switch from Class 4A, Division II to 4A, D-I has been nothing short of a wake-up call in the first part of the 2009 season. Yes, for the second straight week the Bears played a Top 5 team, this time one from 4A-II. However, they showed few signs of being able to compete against the big boys.

Originally published Sept. 19, 2008. PRESCOTT VALLEY - It may have been game number three of the season, but 2008 began on Friday night for the Prescott football team. After two crushing defeats to the top two teams in the state to start the year, the Badgers looked like a different team against cross-town rival Bradshaw Mountain, winning 35-21.

PRESCOTT - With the score tied, 16-16, and Bradshaw Mountain's Ben Pigg getting ready to kick the potential game-winning extra point in double overtime, Coach Chuck Apap pulled him aside. "I've got a timeout. Do you want me to call it and give you a breather?" Apap told the Bear senior. "No, I'll just kick it," Pigg replied.

PRESCOTT - The Prescott High School swimming and diving team begins its meets by gathering in a circle in the pool with two swimmers in the middle - one on the other's shoulders. The one on top puts his swim cap over his nose and blows it up until it pops off. A little unusual, but a team moment before they break up and swim largely for themselves.

Just like last season, either the football team from Prescott or Bradshaw Mountain is going to leave the rivalry showdown with its first win of the season. But if both teams plan on getting back to the state tournament, the Bears could use 'W' a lot more than the Badgers.

After being outscored a whopping 82-19 in its opening two games against a pair of Top 5-ranked Class 4A, Division I teams, the Bradshaw Mountain football team may have finally found its way Friday night - at Bill Shepard Field of all places.

Zack Loveall threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns - all to cousin Justin Loveall - to lead the Bagdad football team to a 49-12 win over the visiting Orme School in the Sultans' 1A West Region opener Friday. Zack Loveall, who threw 12-for-17, also rushed for a score.

Former Bradshaw Mountain High standout football player Adam Beauchamp led Missouri State's defense in Saturday's 24-14 win home field win over Tennessee-Martin.

The Prescott and Bradshaw Mountain high school boys- and girls cross country teams earned team titles in separate multi-team meets in the Valley on Wednesday.

Last year the Fire Department won by a score of 52-36. This year the Police Department looks to even the score in the 2nd annual Guns vs. Hoses benefit flag football game.

The Fire department brought too much manpower for the Police Department to handle in the Guns vs. Hoses benefit football game at the Cave. The Police and Fire Departments took the field Friday night to raise money for the Mingus Union Football Team.

By Coach Bob Young To mark our 10th anniversary of holding our double-days in California, the Mingus Football Team kept a diary for all to share.

Last season the Mingus Union football team made it to the second round of the 4A II State Playoffs before being ousted by the eventual State Champs, Notre Dame. Since last year, the team has been working hard and is back with new faces. The team returns with All Region players and two players vying for the starting job at quarterback.

Senior girls soccer star Des Braly has a new sport for the fall. In previous years she has been part of the Mingus dive team and the girls cross country team. This year, with the encouragement of her track coaches, she is now part of the Marauder football team.

The Cave was packed Friday night as the 4A II Mingus Union High School football team hosted the 4A I Prescott Badgers in a non-conference matchup.

PAYSON - The Mingus Union football team continues its dominating ways with a win over 3A Payson on Friday night, 42-14.

The Cottonwood Youth Football League kicked off its season on Saturday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

The Safford Bulldog Basketball Camp kicks off its fourth year starting Monday, July 27, at Safford High School.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

A football camp held at Thatcher High School runs tomorrow through Thursday.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Less than one month before the start of what would be his third season at Safford, Chenelle Jones handed in his resignation.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

It all happened so fast. The head football coaching position at Safford High School was vacated Monday and filled by late Thursday morning.

Thatcher football is used to rocky starts. By the end of the season, however, those starts usually don’t mean much.

A topsy-turvy last month hasn’t unnerved the Safford football team.

Fort Thomas coach Wil Hinton knew Ajo wasn’t going to be much of a challenge for his football team Friday night.

A rivalry as intense as any in the state comes to a head on the gridiron again Friday night at Safford High School.

Local children had a chance to share the field with Eastern Arizona College football players Saturday morning.

Thatcher football is used to rocky starts. By the end of the season, however, those starts usually don’t mean much.

A topsy-turvy last month hasn’t unnerved the Safford football team.

Fort Thomas coach Wil Hinton knew Ajo wasn’t going to be much of a challenge for his football team Friday night.

Safford 7 Thatcher 6 Pima 54 San Carlos 6 Fort Thomas 44 Cibecue 0 Check Wednesday's Courier for all game recaps

A rivalry as intense as any in the state comes to a head on the gridiron again Friday night at Safford High School.

Local children had a chance to share the field with Eastern Arizona College football players Saturday morning.

Click here to view clips of the Safford versus Thatcher football game.

Much has been said about Pima’s move to Class 2A in football.

Safford 7 Thatcher 6 Pima 54 San Carlos 6 Fort Thomas 44 Cibecue 0 Check Wednesday's Courier for all game recaps

Click here to view clips of the Safford versus Thatcher football game.

Much has been said about Pima’s move to Class 2A in football.

Safford 7 Thatcher 6 Pima 54 San Carlos 6 Fort Thomas 44 Cibecue 0 Check Wednesday's Courier for all game recaps

Click here to view clips of the Safford versus Thatcher football game.

Much has been said about Pima’s move to Class 2A in football.

Safford 7 Thatcher 6 Pima 54 San Carlos 6 Fort Thomas 44 Cibecue 0 Check Wednesday's Courier for all game recaps

Willcox 28, Safford 21 Show Low 56, Thatcher 0 Fort Thomas at Veritas Prep — canceled

Click here to view clips of the Safford versus Thatcher football game.

Much has been said about Pima’s move to Class 2A in football.

Some doubt and worry may have tried to creep its way into the minds of Monsters players and fans after a close call against Pima in the season football opener.

Safford (2-1) at Tucson Empire (3-0), 7 p.m. Thatcher (0-3) vs. Benson (2-1), 7 p.m. Pima (1-1) vs. Bisbee (2-1), 7 p.m. Fort Thomas (3-0) at St. David (3-0), 7 p.m.

Willcox 28, Safford 21 Show Low 56, Thatcher 0 Fort Thomas at Veritas Prep — canceled

Click here to view clips of the Safford versus Thatcher football game.

A telling sign of team maturity was the Bulldogs' perseverance during the weeklong 2009 Bulldogs' Football Camp, which ended Friday at Kingman High with a trip to see the Arizona Diamondbacks . The camp began with 44 players and grew to 53 before the week ended.

Practice begins at 6:30 a.m. Monday for the Kingman High cross country teams at the KHS football field. All athletes need to have completed clearance cards before they can start practice. Clearance cards are available at the KHS athletic department. For more information, contact coach Anne Bathauer at (928) 692-6450.

Mandatory football practice for Kingman High begins Monday at KHS. The Bulldogs will have two-a-days Monday through Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. When school starts Thursday, regular practices will begin immediately after school.

Into their third week of practice, the Kingman Academy High football team has started to insert its offensive and defensive schemes, with the players turning up the energy level a notch with only 18 days until the season opener for the Tigers.

Parents, businesses and football junkies will have the opportunity to watch the Kingman High Bulldogs from the advantage point of reserved seats this season.

The opening of football practice was never designed to be easy, and the Kingman High Bulldogs didn't get any slack from Rob York's first full week as the new head coach.

The pads are on, the hits are hard and the Kingman Academy football squad is gearing up for the 5-team preseason scrimmage Saturday at the Laughlin Jamboree. The scrimmage will give the Tigers' coaching staff a look at the team before the season opener Aug. 29 at Southside Park against Phoenix Crestview Prep.

Oakland Raiders' Super Bowl legend Cliff Branch was spotted at Wal-Mart Aug. 14 where he sold autographed paraphernalia for football fans.

Though it will be about knocking heads with teammates, the Kingman High football team is more than ready for the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage at 7 p.m. Friday at Lee Williams Stadium on the campus of White Cliffs Middle School.

Oakland Raiders' Super Bowl legend Cliff Branch was spotted at Wal-Mart Aug. 14 where he sold autographed paraphernalia for football fans. Branch donated the proceeds and his time to the Children's Miracle Network. "I come over here once a year, every year," Branch said.

When the Tigers take the field at 7 p.m. Saturday against Phoenix Crestview Prep at Southside Park in their season opener, the Kingman Academy football team will look to its defensive unit to carry the load.

The fields are freshly marked, the helmets are painted and the chin straps are about to be snapped on. All seems right in the world now that high school football season is upon us. It's football weekend here in Kingman, and with two first-year coaches in town, I for one can finally breathe after holding my breath in anticipation.

Though it will be about knocking heads with teammates, the Kingman High football team is more than ready for the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday at Lee Williams Stadium on the campus of White Cliffs Middle School.

Fans met all the athletic teams representing Kingman High Friday at the Annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage and got their first glance at the 2009 Bulldogs at White Cliffs Middle School. And many of those fans are anxious for the start of the new season which kicks off when the Bulldogs face rival Lake Havasu at 7 p.m. Friday at WCMS.

This season's big game may not be so big when the Kingman Academy football team travels to Phoenix Friday to take on the Charter Athletic Association's defending state champions, the Avondale Estrella Sidewinders. Estrella was waxed by Mesa Sequoia 62-0 Friday.

The anticipation of football season concludes today when Kingman High knocks helmets with Lake Havasu at 7 p.m. at Lee Williams Stadium at White Cliffs Middle School. The Bulldogs will not only have to deal with the excitement of a new season, but they must calm the jitters of facing a county rival.

The Tigers' defense shut down the Avondale Estrella Sidewinders and gave their offense plenty of opportunities to score, as the Kingman Academy football team remained unbeaten with a 34-0 win Friday in Phoenix. Estrella managed only 124 total yards in offense and threatened the end zone only once - and that was late in the game.

The Bulldogs' defense stopped two Lake Havasu drives in the red zone during the waning moments of the fourth quarter to preserve a 14-7 win for the Kingman High football team Friday at White Cliffs Middle School.

They avenged one of their two losses from a year ago last week. The Kingman Academy football team is now poised to take care of the second one when the Tigers host Mesa Sequoia at 7 p.m. Saturday at Southside Park.

Usually a team gets several non-region games under its belt before starting the region season, but that's not so this year for the Kingman High football team. The Bulldogs face Boulder Creek at 7 p.m. today in Anthem in a Northwest Region contest.

Boulder Creek came ready to play and the Kingman High football team didn't. As a result, the Jaguars ran past, through and over the Bulldogs in a 42-0 Northwest Region game Friday in Anthem.

What the Tigers wanted was revenge. What they got was another piece of motivation as the Mesa Sequoia Stallions overpowered the Kingman Academy football team 47-8 Saturday at Southside Park.

If Sedona Red Rock High head football coach Rob Lezcano could pass a law stating his Scorpions need only to play the second half, skipping the first half entirely, he probably would do so.

For the second straight week, Sedona football fans watched their team fall behind early, this time to

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In dire need of a winning season, the Sedona Red Rock High football team went to work this last month with lunch pail and hard hat in hand.

Second year Head Coach Rob Lezcano began his interview stating this August was the hardest training camp ever assembled in Scorpion football history.

He

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The age-old argument of what activities can be called a sport, or those that can’t, is never solved and is always based on personal opinions, never fact.

Baseball, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, cross country, track and field and softball are all

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When 17-year-old Sedona resident and student Brad Lenzen began his high school sports career at Sedona Red Rock High, fellow students and coaches wouldn’t give the young man a chance.

Standing nearly 6-feet, 4-inches tall, Lenzen is a gangly fellow, or a steel string bean one might say.

At first glance, one

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For the first time this season the Sedona Red Rock High football team struggled to do anything offensively, and defensively, well, the score speaking for itself as they lost to rival Camp Verde High on Friday, Sept. 11, 42-0.

“Defensively we were in gaps all night and just didn’t make the

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SIERRA VISTA — Buena High School cross country runners Bora Leonard and C.J. Metcalf were the overall champions at the Sierra Vista Parks and Leisure Services 5k Run in the Park on Saturday.

SIERRA VISTA — For years University of Arizona football and basketball coaches have visited Sierra Vista to speak to local fans and help raise money.

Monday’s coming will mark seven weeks till the end of summer.

SIERRA VISTA — While Buena High School students are still a couple of days away from heading back to class to shake the summer cobwebs out of their brains, members of the Colt football team arrived on campus a little early to shake the lead from their legs.

TOMBSTONE — The positive note on which the Tombstone High School football team closed the 2008 season, carried into the summer workouts and into the first week of official practice.

Herald/Review BISBEE — Only 22 silver helmets dotted the practice field at Bisbee High School Friday afternoon.

SIERRA VISTA — Former Buena High School state wrestling champion, Emilio Gonzalez, has accepted a scholarship to wrestle for Northern Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa.

FORT HUACHUCA — After the success of last year’s camp, the University of Arizona football team comes back to Fort Huachuca for the second time to hold a pre-season camp Aug. 12-17.

Commentary by Matt HickmanHerald/Review FORT HUACHUCA — Tonight’s intrasquad scrimmage at Buena High School could go a long way in determining which sophomore quarterback will wind up as Arizona’s starter.

Commentary by Matt HickmanHerald/Review How is it that the University of Arizona football team was only picked to finish eighth in the Pac-10 while in-state rival Arizona State was picked fifth?

TUCSON — Like any preseason scrimmage, Buena’s three-way foray at Catalina High School with Pueblo and the host showed some good, some bad and probably raised more questions than it answered.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

TOMBSTONE — Cruz and Lorenzo Mora have lived together since they were born.

SIERRA VISTA — It could be argued that no high school football coaching job in Arizona is tougher than the one at Buena.

BISBEE — For the first time in his seven seasons at Bisbee High, Truman Williamson has an offensive backfield that allows him to model his running game after one of his all-time favorite runners — himself.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

At this time one hundred years ago, baseball in Bisbee was booming almost as well as the copper industry. The growing city had built itself a brand new place to play, Warren Ballpark, just two months earlier in the growing suburb south of town.

SIERRA VISTA — Towns in the mountain west don’t get much more pro-American than Sierra Vista. Yet for a long time, American football has taken a back seat to the world’s version of the game of the same name.

At this time one hundred years ago, baseball in Bisbee was booming almost as well as the copper industry. The growing city had built itself a brand new place to play, Warren Ballpark, just two months earlier in the growing suburb south of town.

SIERRA VISTA — The Buena High School cross country team opened the season Wednesday with a three-way meet at Nogales against Sabino and the host Apaches.

Week two of the high school football season brings much more favorable chances at victory for the three area teams after Bisbee and Tombstone played up in class in week one, while Buena played one of the toughest Southern Arizona 4A programs in recent history.

TOMBSTONE — This was supposed to be a solid year for the Ray High School Bearcats.

SAN MANUEL — The Bisbee High School football team picked up its first win of the season Friday night, beating San Manuel 14-0.

After big wins last Friday, the football teams at Bisbee and Tombstone high schools find themselves in position to go above .500 on the road.

SAN MANUEL — The Tombstone football team fought back from a 24-point deficit in the first quarter, but it wasn’t enough as San Manuel held on for a 55-52 win on Friday night.

In the toughest, most meaningful Buena football loss since Mountain View 2006 — a game marred by the most dubious ejection of quarterback Devin Veal — the Colts lost Friday night at Gilbert Perry, the state’s No. 1 ranked 5A-II team in power points, 16-13 on a field goal with two seconds left.

SAN MANUEL — The Tombstone football team fought back from a 24-point deficit in the first quarter, but it wasn’t enough as San Manuel held on for a 55-52 win on Friday night.

SIERRA VISTA — Thanks to the celebration of the Jewish New Year on Friday, the Buena Colt football team gets the benefit of having one less day to stew over their crushing 16-13 loss at Gilbert Perry last week.

After the first week of practice, the Lake Havasu High School Fighting Knights are looking at about 140 players to make up the varsity, junior varsity and freshman football rosters. And head coach Karl Thompson said he couldn’t be happier.

It’s a brand new day for the Lady Knights. The Lake Havasu High School volleyball team will see a number of new faces this year and head coach Marsha Becker said the starting jobs are anyone’s for the taking.

It’s a brand new day for the Lady Knights. The Lake Havasu High School volleyball team will see a number of new faces this year and head coach Marsha Becker said the starting jobs are anyone’s for the taking.

Gary Sechi tees off at hole No.1 during the Lake Havasu Knights Golf Summer Scramble at the Course at London Bridge Golf Club on Sunday. The tournament, which drew 120 golfers, raised money for the boys and girls Lake Havasu High School golf teams.

Landon Merrill is looking for big things from his football team this year.

Just seven girls tried out for the Lake Havasu High School girls golf team this year. But coach Jerome Kosters said experience and natural ability make up for the lack of numbers.

Lake Havasu High School head football coach Karl Thompson has a reminder for his team going into tonight’s scrimmage with River Valley: the regular season starting positions have not been decided.

Karl Thompson said he saw what he wanted from his Fighting Knights football team Friday.

David Bell/News-Herald File Photo Telesis’ Jeremiah McPherson, right, tries to run past teammate Geoff Garrett during practice Tuesday. The Tigers see action tonight in the Laughlin Jamboree, a multi-team scrimmage at Laughlin High School starting at 5 p.m.

LAUGHLIN, Nev. — Telesis got in plenty of work Saturday.

MOHAVE VALLEY — Opening game jitters gave way to confident play as the Lake Havasu High School volleyball won its opening match of the year.

The Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department is taking registration for the Youth Flag Football Program.

PARKER — The Parker High School varsity volleyball team got off to a rousing start on the 2009 season Thursday, sweeping visiting Bullhead City Mohave 25-8, 25-9, and 25-15.

With the middle of the defense out, the Telesis Tigers still managed to play competitive football against Mesa Heritage Academy Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Davalos The Lady Broncs volleyball team of Parker High School, right, went to 2-0 on the year, defeating Tonopah Valley on the Road Tuesday. Parker won 25-23, 25-14, 25-17. The win was a clean sweep for the Parker volleyball teams. The freshmen defeated Tonopah 20-25, 25-12, 15-7 and the JV Lady Broncs won 25-17, 25-19. Parker stays on the road, traveling to Blythe, Calif. Thursday to take on Palo Verde.

Both Lake Havasu High School golf teams opened the season at The Courses at London Bridge Golf Course Wednesday, and both took opening match wins.

The Fighting Knights and the Tigers have a few things in common this week. Both Lake Havasu City teams are seeking their first football wins of the season and both were just a few plays away from getting that win last week.

David Bell/News-Herald Photo Havasu Junior Varsity kicker Zach Smith (42) and holder Marcus Fortune get in some work during warm-ups before Thursday’s game against Kingman at Lee Barnes Stadium. Even with a 30-minute delay of the start because of the heat, the JV Fighting Knights got its first win of the season, winning 20-10. Fortune, Jeff Taylor and Fabian Damian scored for the Knights while on the defensive side Brandon Goethe had three sacks. “He had a nice night,” coach Tom Jefferies said. Also linebacker brothers Trent and Trevor Schenone combined for almost two dozen tackles.

During practice Thursday, Havasu’s speedy defensive back Brad Fender guaranteed an interception in Friday’s game.

PARKER — It was the second rough week in a row for the Parker Broncs varsity football team as they lost to the Yuma Catholic Shamrocks, 42-0, Sept. 11 at home.

Jillian Danielson Photo/Special to News-Herald Jahmeen Evens of the Lake Havasu City Pop Waner Might Mite White team kicks off to the Bullhead Bulldogs Saturday during play at the Island Ballfield. Saturday marked the beginning of the 2009 Pop Warner season and Lake Havasu performed a clean sweep. Evens’ team won 44-0, The Pee Wee team won 32-0 over Blythe, the Midgets beat Blythe 34-6, Mighty Mite Blue defeated Kingman 21-0, Junior Pee Wee Blue won 25-0 over Kingman and Junior Pee Wee White won 26-0 over Bullhead City.

Havasu head football coach Karl Thompson has been hoping to see balance from his team this season. All three phases — offense, defense and special teams — pulling together. And that’s what he got Friday.