Can anybody slow down the Mustangs?

Is there any more impressive story than what Paul Vasquez has done at Sahuarita? Going from dead last in Division III when he got there to now being 5x defending State Champions and looking like a strong favorite to get #6? By all indications the Mustangs are rolling with no signs of slowing down.

THE FAVORITE

1. Sahuarita Returning Points: 163

The Mustangs come into the season looking as strong as ever. Led by State Champions Marcus Killgore, Sergio Macias, and Nathaniel Gallardo along with 5 other returning placers they are a heavy favorite to get their 6th State Title. As always they were very active in the off-season and several of their kids looked to have made improvements. It's not a lock, but all the smart money is on Sahuarita.

THE CONTENDERS

2. Crismon Returning Points: 86

Coach Jake Allen has been working hard to build at Crismon and the fruits of his labor are starting to blossom. They return 4 placers along with 8 qualifiers and have been very busy in the off-season improving as well. They may pick up a couple transfers that will make this team even tougher but I still don't think they quite have the horses to run with the Mustangs.

3. ALA Gilbert North Returning Points: 84.5

The Gaylor brothers continue to produce good things at ALA. While they did not have a champ last year they did manage to put 4 in the finals, on paper they return 5 placers and 8 qualifiers. They also have some talented freshman coming in that will bolster their line-up and score right away. The race for 2nd between them and Crismon could get very interesting.

4. Safford Returning Points: 85.5

Coach Herman Andrews will rely heavily on his 2x defending State Champion Alex Chacon this year. He is backed up by fellow State Champion Tate Bodine and 3rd place last year Jacoby Cardenas. They also have some talented Freshman coming in namely Noah Jurado who will compete for State Titles immediately. They are not far from pushing into the top 3.

5. Somerton Returning points: 117.5

Somerton is up from DIV where they finished 6th last year. They will look to make the transition to DIII behind State Champions Jayden Preston and Kenneth Garcia. While the competition will be stiff they do return 11 qualifiers. If those guys make improvements look for Somerton to quickly move up the DIII rankings.

6. Snowflake Returning Points: 74.5

Coach Clay Bryant gets my sleeper pic this year. They were 9th last year but return everybody. With some improvement from their 5 returning placers and a few others stepping up they can push to be in the top 5.

7. Coconino Returning Points: 25

While Coconino only returns 25 points they also return 8 qualifiers, six of whom were only sophomores. If they can continue to develop that talent they could break into the top 5 as well.