Loss To Saguaro
The Salpointe Catholic Lancers fell short of the 6A title despite the impressive season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Eventual conference champions Saguaro Sabercats defeated the Lancers 42-24 in the semifinal.
Saguaro is headed to the 6A Championship, beating Salpointe 42-24
— ArizonaVarsity.com 🔥PREPS🔥 (@AZHSFB) November 25, 2023
Hot Start To Season
The Lancers (10-3) started the season out with six straight victories before taking losses to some of the top teams in the state. The team was shutout 49-0 by the Liberty Lions and lost a close 14-12 battle to Brophy College Prep.
In the first two rounds of the playoffs, Salpointe defeated Corona Del Sol and Williams Field, while outsourcing the schools 76-25.
Even with immense momentum heading into the game, the Lancers did not have enough to beat the Sabercats.
Outlook On Next Season
With the season now wrapped up, it is time to look forward to next season and the team’s outlook.
The team will lose crucial defensive pieces in senior defensive ends Elijah Rushing and Keona Wilhite. Both players have played their final high school season and have committed to D1 programs at the next level.
BREAKING: Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic five-star edge Elijah Rushing has committed to #Oregon, giving the Ducks yet another resonating victory on the recruiting trail https://t.co/UiNuADwQyO pic.twitter.com/4IHKs1W5Hq
— Blair Angulo (@BlairAngulo) October 30, 2023
Rushing is the No. 1 ranked prospect in the entire state of Arizona and would put fear in opposing offenses each week for Salpointe.
Head Coach Eric Rogers Keeps Team Winning
Despite the departures, this is a team that has found a way to stay successful and a large part of that is head coach Eric Rogers.
Rogers became the team’s coach in 2020 has went 25-12 during his span at the helm.
Final: Saguaro 42, Salpointe 24
Salpointe head coach Eric Rogers says his team has nothing to be ashamed of, and they need to keep their heads up high. @AllSportsTucson pic.twitter.com/G2PtTr6qT3— Kevin Murphy (@KevinMurfee) November 25, 2023
There is no doubt that the Lancers will stay as contenders in the 6A and look to make a possible run at the open championship next season.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering Phoenix High School Sports and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
