NOTE: This 2011 high school football preview covers the area from north Scottsdale west through Phoenix, the southwest and northwest Valley, northwest Arizona, northern Arizona and northeast Arizona, including Native American communities.

By Don Ketchum

Scottsdale Saguaro won four of the last five football championships in Class 4A Division I.

Now residing in a new Division (III) and Section (II), will the Sabercats be able to produce the same magic?

With one of the state’s finest all-around athletes in running back-receiver-defensive back D.J. Foster on the field, their chances appear to be pretty good.

The Ruben boys who helped Saguaro dominate opponents the last several years have now gone on to bigger and better things. But coach John Sanders appears to have plenty left in his arsenal.

Saguaro’s presence will make Phoenix Thunderbird’s attempt to win a second title in a row that much more difficult. The Chiefs, coached by Brent Wittenwyler, also are in Section III.

Expect Thunderbird to continue its strong running game with Connor Hustead, who played a big role in the march to the title.

Glendale Cactus long as been a major player in the races for the state title, and this season should be no different in Division III, Section II, under long-time coach Larry Fetkenhier.

Peoria always has had speed and all-around athletic ability, and the Panthers will continue that approach under long-time coach Doug Clapp in Section II. Peoria has one of the state’s best cornerbacks in Chris Chapman.

Peoria Liberty, another potential Section II contender, had a strong regular season before stumbling in the playoffs. The Lions won’t be able to sneak up on anyone anymore.

Goodyear Desert Edge was in the same category as Liberty as a 2010 surprise. Coach Rich Wellbrock should have his Scorpions ready to sting again. Whether they can go on another run might well be tied into how they play in the opener on Friday night (Aug. 26). The opponent is Thunderbird, which defeated Desert Edge in a double-overtime thriller in the 4A-II semifinals.

Glendale Copper Canyon has struggled in its brief history and is looking for a chance to turn things around.

Coach Michael Segovia hopes this will be the year. He will rely on some key seniors – running back Michael Grubbs, defensive back Monzell Childress, quarterback Steven Lacunza, and linebacker Davie Roland. A pair of juniors also will be counted on to step up and deliver – wide receiver Kalin Robinson and defensive end Victor Diaz.

Greenway coach K.J. Anthony is looking for production from a trio of seniors in Section II. They are defensive tackle Alfredo Moreno, offensive tackle Billy McGregor and quarterback Keith Graham.

Sunrise Mountain coach James Carter lists several key players -- quarterback Max Shepard, place-kicker Ryan Hawkins, quarterback Josh Blake, center Scott Peterson, linebacker Ray Flores, wide receiver Christian Miller, defensive end Devin Koivisto and punter Eric Keena.

Division III, Section I is comprised of southern Arizona schools. Section II and Section III are a mixture of Valley and non-Valley teams.

Section II is made up of Cactus, Flagstaff Coconino, Copper Canyon, El Mirage Dysart, Flagstaff, Glendale, Greenway, Liberty, Bullhead City Mohave, Peoria, Surprise Shadow Ridge, Peoria Sunrise Mountain and Buckeye Verrado.

In Section III are Avondale Agua Fria, Apache Junction, Phoenix Arcadia, Desert Edge, Phoenix Moon Valley, Phoenix Paradise Valley, Saguaro, Phoenix Sierra Linda, Tempe, Thunderbird, Phoenix Washington and Buckeye Youngker.