Bo Wilkinson
ASU Student Journalist

Marcos de Niza prepares to square off with Saguaro

October 1, 2018 by Bo Wilkinson, Arizona State University


Saguaro takes on Marcos de Niza on September 28, 2017. (Photo by Nicholas Welter/Sports360AZ)

Marcos de Niza will be on the road for the second week in a row as they take on the Saguaro Sabercats this Friday.

The Padres (1-5, 0-1 region) have lost four of their games by a combined score of 10 points, including a 15-14 loss at St. Mary’s in Week Two and a 27-25 loss at Seton Catholic last week.

Since dropping the home opener, 22-12, to Liberty High School (Henderson, Nev.), the Sabercats (6-1, 2-0 region) have had little competition on their quest for their sixth straight state championship. Head coach Jason Mohns has put together an extremely dangerous offense, averaging 42 points per game.

Key Players for Marcos de Niza

Yakeen Baylis RB

As one of the most electric backs in Arizona, Baylis has tallied 901 yards on the ground this season, which is good for sixth in all of 4A. Averaging 150 yards per contest and 6.7 yards per carry, his numbers continue to show why he is making a name for himself around the state of Arizona.

Dante Kircher-Myton DE

Kircher-Myton has been able to blow past the line and disrupt offenses in the backfield all season. In addition to leading the team in tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles, he also has accumulated 38 tackles.

Key Players for Saguaro

Israel Benjamin RB

With another big performance last week against Desert Edge in which he ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns, his total rushing yards is up to 813 yards with nine touchdowns. The numbers alone show why Benjamin has continued to be a problem for opposing defenses each week.

Connor Soelle MLB

Soelle, who has committed to Arizona State, has shown to be a jack of all trades for the Sabercats. Not only does he lead the team in tackles with 57, but he also has two interceptions and two sacks.

What to Watch For

Baylis vs. Benjamin

With both running backs coming off big performances, it seems as if they are hitting their strides just in time to face off against one another. A week ago, Baylis went for 242 yards and three scores on the ground, while Benjamin rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t be surprised if it turns into a track meet on Friday night with both of these backs having so much explosiveness.