When you've won five of the last seven large-school state titles, including in 2012, expectations are naturally large.

But the Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) Huskies just might exceed them all in 2013.

With a defense that might be the most stout in school history, an offensive interior that features the state's best offensive lineman (USC commit Casey Tucker) and first team MaxPreps Junior All-American defensive lineman Qualen Cunningham, the Huskies appear locked in not only for another state title run but also national championship consideration.

All but two of the team's starters figure to be seniors, including Army commit Bryce Holland, Salvador Lopez and Derek Andersen, all linemen. The best of the linemen may turn out to be incoming junior Caleb Peart, while sophomore Garrett Rand isn't far behind.

With so much brawn and experience up front, first-year starting quarterback Sam Sasso won't be so pressed. There doesn't appear to be much offensive firepower, though coach Steve Selles, starting his eighth season, likes wide receivers Izzy Simpson and Elijah Williams. 

Plugging in a 1,000-yard rusher shouldn't be too difficult considering how strong the line is. Look for newcomer Julius Jenkins to get a good shot at being the premier back.

See the entire Preseason Xcellent 25

The best player on the defense is probably linebacker Santana Sterling, and though the secondary lost Notre Dame-bound Cole Luke, it has a stable of proven and reliable players, including strong safety Josiah Pola.

The defense has been helped by offseason instruction from 2000 Hamilton graduate Terrell Suggs, the standout linebacker who helped the Baltimore Ravens to a 2013 Super Bowl title. Suggs starred at Hamilton when the school first opened in 1998. The Huskies have a remarkable 183-17 record in their school history.

Local look — "This could be the best team in Hamilton's rich football history. This, without question, is the best defense in the state. Belles can plug in an average running back and he'll go for 1,000 yards."
— Richard Obert, Arizona Republic staff writer


Size: Division I

Enrollment: 3,652

2012 finish: 12-2, state champions

Head coach: Steve Belles

Years at school: 7

Career record: 92-6

Notable players coached:

S Devon Carrington (Stanford)

CB Cole Luke (Notre Dame)

LB Dontay Moch (Nevada, Cincinnati Bengals)

LB Rueben Robinson (Oregon State)

WR Kendyl Taylor (Washington)

OL Christian Westerman (Auburn, Arizona State)


No. of returning starters: 8 (offense), 8 (defense)

Key losses:

RB Frankie Felix

DL Ethan Hendricks

OL Patrick Joseph

DB Cole Luke

K Daniel Wichman

Key returners:

DL Qualen Cunningham

OL Bryce Holland

FS Juwan Jones

DL Caleb Peart

SS Josiah Pola

WR Izzy Simpson

LB Santana Sterling

OL Casey Tucker

WR Elijah Williams

Key newcomers:

RB Julius Jenkins

CB Morris Kroma

DL Garrett Rand

QB Sammy Sasso

SEASON OUTLOOK

Toughest game: The Huskies host perennial state power Brophy College Prep (Phoenix) on Sept. 6, a week after their opener against defending San Diego Section Division I champion Eastlake (Chula Vista, Calif.) in the first Brothers in Arms Classic, a national event featuring more than 40 teams from 14 states. Brophy is a well-known foe, while Eastlake is a complete unknown for Belles and staff.

Question mark: There are not many, if any, but a good kicking game is always vital, especially late in the season. Wichman was All-State as a junior and over two seasons made 106 PATs in 112 attempts, while drilling 16 field goals. Replacing him won't be easy. Jasso got a few snaps last season behind starter Allen Thigpen, but he's efficient and makes few errors. With no great running threat returning either, offensive firepower might be a concern as well. Then again, with the defense Hamilton figures to play, the Huskies won't have to score much. And with the offensive line in place, they don't need Adrian Peterson running the ball either.

Local look: With the passing combination of quarterback Antonio Hinojosa (2,255 yards, 31 touchdowns) to Jalen Brown (67 catches, 1,235 yards, 18 TDs), and returning top tackler Wesley Payne returning, Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) has some key pieces back to make another state D1 title-game return. Mountain View actually beat Hamilton to open the 2012 season before losing in the state finals to the Huskies 31-16. Belles appears even more concerned with Brophy Prep, which has won 93 games and two state titles since 2004 under longtime coach Scooter Molander.

Overall outlook: With so much experience — 20 of 22 spots will likely be filled by seniors — and so much talent on defense, this could be Belles' best team. And saying that — he's won five state titles in seven years — is a mouthful.

Coach quote: "This will be one of the best defenses I have ever coached. We have strong senior leadership which should take our team to another level. … I would rank this team as good as any we have had."
— Head coach Steve Belles