SanTan FAMILY FUN
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Is Your Child Ready for a Cellphone?
Pages 2-4
SanTan Family Fun Calendar
Page 10
ABK youth wins
Overall Grand Champion
Page 12
Sponsored by City of Chandler
Recreation Division
By Tracy House
Cellphones, like driving and voting, have become a rite of passage, but at what age is it appropriate to give a child one? For parents thinking about getting their children their first phone, there’s more to consider than the argument, “Everyone else has one.”
Tracey Fejt, a mother of four children ages 12 to 16, says parents have a lot to consider when it comes to cellphones and kids. She waited until her children were in junior high before getting them phones.
Pages 5-9
Gridiron Update
docking station in one place so that all the phones can be monitored. “I think the docking station and seeing all the phones is a good thing parents can do.”
“Being a parent, I did set some guidelines for my kids,” says Fejt, a registered nurse, injury prevention coordinator/outreach manager at Cardon Children’s Medical Center.
Among the guidelines are limiting the number of people allowed to contact, and the number of texts.
“Parents should be aware if they want to give those younger elementary students a phone...it should be for an emergency.”
Fejt also sets time limits on phone use. She finds it important to discuss with her children when phones are appropriate and when they’re not appropriate.
Children will emulate adult behavior. Fejt says it’s important for parents to show restraint with their cellphones, particularly while driving.
“Parents should be aware that kids are watching those habits,” she says. “So we wonder why teens are texting and driving, well they’ve seen their parents do it all these years. So if it’s alright for their parents, it’s alright for them.”
Parents also need to consider shutting off the phone at night.
“How many kids go to bed with their phone on and they’re up all night?” she says.
She suggested having a
Every parent is going to have a different reason for deciding when their child needs a cellphone.
“I think of it as a rite of passage for children,” Fejt says. “Every kid develops differently, so some kids are extremely mature and ready to handle it and other kids are not.”
There is no tried and true appropriate age for giving a child a cellphone. Fejt says to consider if the child is ready for the responsibilities that come with a cellphone.
“Once your children do get older, parents need to remember you have to have a phone talk,” she says. “Sexting is huge with kids and parents don’t necessarily think about talking about it, but then those pictures get out and they get passed around. Clearly, having that talk with them too, has to do with responsibility.”
She stresses telling children not to give out their numbers randomly or to get others without knowing the person first.
“If they are having issues, make sure they can come back and talk to you about those issues,” she says, referring to bullying and harassment.
There are other health issues for parents contemplating a cellphone for a
child. Fejt mentioned radiation, though it has not been proven to affect health, as another consideration in younger children with cells. In addition, holding up a cellphone with a shoulder, as well as continual texting can result in wrist, elbow, shoulder, thumb and finger pain.
Besides the safety and health issues, parents should be aware of plan charges and usage of the cellphones and monitor how they are being used. Sharing the cellphone plan can result in overages that teens and kids are not aware of.
“It’s a privilege to have that phone,” Fejt says. “If they do something, that privilege does get taken away.”
Cardon Children’s Medical Center is part of the Banner Health system. For more information visit www.bannerhealth.com.
Tracy House is the news editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
Additional Resources
Websites
• “The First Cell Phone: Rules for Responsibility” www.ahaparenting.com/agesstages/tweens/Cell-Phone-Rules-SafeResponsible-Kids
• “Is Your Child Ready for a Cellphone” www.webmd.com/children/features/ children-and-cell-phones
Books
• “Cell Phone Safety (Tech Safety Smarts),” by Kathy Allen
• “The Parent’s Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media: Understanding the Benefits and Dangers of Parenting in a Digital World,” by Shawn Marie Edgington
Tracey Fejt Submitted photo
1
Read to Dogs, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Following Doggy Storytime, read to dogs. For children ages 3 through 11. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
1 Pioneers in the Shadow of the San Tan Mountains, 10:30 a.m.
Explore history in the shadow of San Tan Mountains through stories of early families of Queen Creek, Higley, Combs and Chandler Heights. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
1 Yappy Days: For Dogs, 9 a.m.
Join the staff at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park for the 2nd annual HallO-Wiener Costume Parade, contests and Spooky Dog Rally. Dogs will be available for adoption as well. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. San Tan Regional Mountain Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. Event is free but, there is a $6 vehicle fee-use entry fee. (480) 655-5554, www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/
1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 Arizona Railway Museum, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Arizona Railway Museum was founded and incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit, educational and historical organization. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler. Display yard and building free; display cars $2 to $5. (480) 833-4353, (480) 831-6520, www.azrymuseum.org.
3, 10, 17, 24
The Teen Scene, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop, or just munch on some snacks. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
3, 10, 17
Minecraft Mondays, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join others to play Minecraft every Monday. Limited Space. Downtown Library Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Limited Space. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
3, 10, 17, 24
Girls Who Code, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Intel volunteers teach girls how to build an app, design a video game and change the world through code. Downtown Library Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
3, 10, 17, 24
High Five Read and Play Group, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join the Read and Play Group as they provide you with the time, toys, books and space to explore and play with your children and network with other parents. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
4
Come Alive Story Time with Ms. Diana- Nature Edition, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Through interactive stories, music, games and drama Ms. Diana will build positive attitudes, character and selfesteem. Veterans Oasis Park Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25,
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
4, 18, 25
Family Storytime, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The whole family is welcome for this storytime featuring favorite stories and songs. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
5, 19
Bugology, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Explore the world of insects and arachnids. Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
5, 12, 19, 26
Wildflower Kids, 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kids enjoy a complimentary cookie, milk and activity. Wildflower Bread and Company, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Free. (480) 821-8200, www.wildflowerbread.com.
6, 13, 20
LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO, you supply the imagination. Ages 5-12. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
7 Friday Feeding Frenzy! 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the EEC staff on the first and third Friday of each month for a live animal feeding. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
7 Tiny Tumbleweeds: Toddler Stroll, 9 a.m. Join other families and meander through the San Tan Regional Park along the stroller-friendly Interpretive Trail. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and wear closed-toed shoes. No dogs. Meet at the flag pole. San Tan Regional Mountain Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. Event is free, but there is a $6 vehicle fee-use entry fee. (480) 655-5554, www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/
7 Imagine West Gilbert Fall Festival, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festival features food, vendors, bounce houses, games and more. Imagine West Gilbert, 2061 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. Wristbands and tickets for food, games and inflatables sold at gate. (480) 855-2700, www.imaginewestgilbert.org.
8
Stargazing for Everyone, 7:30 p.m. Come watch the sky at San Tan Mountain Regional Park through massive telescopes and enjoy a slide presentation under the stars. Learn the names of stars, see constellations and listen to stories of the night sky. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. Meet at the Main Trailhead area. San Tan Regional Mountain Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. Event is free, but there is a $6 vehicle fee-use entry fee. (480) 655-5554, www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/
8 through 30
Santa Photos at Chandler Fashion Center, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving. Capture memorable photos with family and friends, scan yourself at the Naughty or Nice O’Meter, snap an “Elfie” and star in your own video, experience Elf-Ray Vision in Santa’s
Observatory and much more. Located on the lower level Macy’s court at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Pricing varies. (480) 812-8488, www.shopchandlerfashioncenter.com.
8, 21
Meet the Creature! 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Registration required. Children ages 2 to 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
12
Way to Go! SLITHER 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children will join others in learning about snakes. Registration required. Children ages 2 to 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
12, 26
Rhythm & Rhyme, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your energy for dancing, singing and playing instruments to favorite children’s songs. Ages birth-5. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
13
Homeschool: Desert Jeopardy, 9 a.m. Join Ranger Tish at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park to see how much you know about the Sonoran desert plants and animals. Pick the topic and “dollar” amount, Ranger Tish will provide the clue. Meet at the Nature Center. San Tan Regional Mountain Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. Event is free, but there is a $6 vehicle fee-use entry fee. (480) 655-5554, www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan
See Calendar, Page 4
Calendar, From Page 3
15
Ode to Peace, 7 p.m. A music and dance tribute with poetry and readings from east to west embracing Thanksgiving and America. Featuring: Alternative rock band, Radio Drive By; International coloratura soprano Yayu Khoe and cellist Zhigang Chen; Violinists Joy Pan and Lan Qiu of the Phoenix Symphony; Talon Duncan, Native American Hoop Dance World Champion; Mexican mask master Zarco Guerrera; Poet Holly Parsons; Singer Renee Morgan Brooks; Arizona Chinese Chorus; Mesa City Band Trombone Quartet; The Arizona Chinese Instrumental Music Ensemble; and The Arizona Asian American Arts Community. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost is $15. (480) 782-2680, www.chandler certer.org.
18
C-Town Suitcase Club- Phones, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Travel through time and explore everyday objects. Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2717, www.chandleraz.gov
19
Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
20
Kids Love to Sign, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children will enjoy learning American Sign Language signs through the use of books, songs,
musical instruments and more. Ages birth-3. Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
20
Sonoran Sunset Series, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park for this free lakeside entertainment series good for the whole family. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
28, 29, 30
Ballet Etudes- Nutcracker, various times. Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family by watching the classic tale of the Nutcracker come to life on stage. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $25 and $29. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.
29
Animal Flashlight Walk, 7:30 p.m.
Help Ranger Tish find the nocturnal animals of the desert. Use powers of observation to listen for animals as well as locate the clues animals leave behind in the desert. Bring water, a flashlight, and wear closed-toed shoes. No pets. Meet at the flag pole. San Tan Regional Mountain Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. Event is free but, there is a $6 vehicle fee-use entry fee. (480) 655-5554, www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/
The Gridiron Update
By Seth Cox As the season winds down for SanTan Sun News-area high school football teams, all of them are battling for something.
Hamilton and Chandler are jostling at the top of the Division I rankings for the top seed heading into the playoffs. However, the bitter rivals have a great shot at finishing No. 1 and No. 2 and setting up a potential rematch in the state championship game.
Basha has firmly planted itself as a top 10 team in Division I, but a possible injury to a key player may hurt them come playoff time.
Perry has fought its way to a top 15 ranking in Division I, which should give the team its first playoff appearance since 2012 and its first in Division I.
Then there are the Seton Catholic Prep Sentinels, who are, perhaps, the most dominant team in any division in the entire state. They look not only to be the top team in Division IV, but they are remembered as one of the best small school teams.
November should bring some of the best football in the state to a high school near you.
After starting the season 3-0, the Basha Bears had a twogame losing streak that could have raised questions. However, Coach Gerald Todd and the Bears rallied and got back on track against rival Perry.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Kelley threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns—one each to Doc O’Connor, Hunter Dean-Gibson and Jared Schmidt. The Bears’ passing attack led them to victory after a slow start on offense that was jumpstarted by their defense and special teams. Defensively, Brandon Yamato came up big, blocking a punt and recovering it for a touchdown to give the Bears a 14-0 lead.
The play of the game though was a half back pass back to quarterback Kelley, who found Schmidt for the touchdown, giving the Bears a 21-0 lead before finishing off Perry 28-11.
Game seven gave Basha its chance to measure itself against not only rival Hamilton but the state as well. While things started off great, it did not end so well for the Bears.
Basha jumped out to an early 17-7, thanks to two Kelley touchdown passes to O’Connor. That first quarter lead would quickly evaporate and Hamilton would squeak ahead 28-17 at halftime. Kelley would throw another touchdown pass, but it was too little too late as the Bears would be
blown out 42-25.
Despite the bad loss to one of the best teams in the state, the Bears would rebound in week eight going up against a very good Highland High School team that boasts the state’s best running back in Josh Chadwick.
Kelley threw for six touchdowns, two to sophomore receiver Hunter Rison, two to O’Connor and two to Schmidt.
The Bears’ offense was clicking all night, also getting a touchdown pass from O’Connor to Rison, as the Bears threw for 468 yards and seven touchdowns on the evening.
Defensively, the Bears struggled to contain Chadwick, who ran for 260 yards, but held him to only one touchdown on the day while holding the Hawks’ passing attack to only 177 yards and intercepting them two times in the Bears 48-31 win.
In week nine, the Bears got another shot against the best, this time taking on the Chandler High Wolves, and things went from bad, a 55-10 loss, to worse. Kelley left the game with an injury.
Basha has an exceptional offense, but Kelley runs it and the team will need him back quickly if it is to make any noise in the playoffs.
Basha High School
Head coach: Gerald Todd 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler www.bashabearsfootball.com 2014 record: 5-4
Basha BearsChandler
No team has had more growth through the 2014 season than the Chandler Wolves. They sat at 4-1 heading into their rivalry game against Hamilton. However, the Wolves needed to put together a full game, and they did that.
Chandler beat Hamilton in 2013 in the regular season then lost in the state semi finals, but this time was different and the Wolves put a beat down on the Huskies 56-24.
Bryce Perkins completed 24 of 29 passes for 407 yards and six touchdowns while also running for 83 yards and a touchdown as the Wolves’ offense rolled over the Hamilton defense.
Justin Jan had 10 receptions for 160 yards and four touchdowns, while sophomore Kolby Taylor and junior Chase Lucas also caught touchdown passes.
The Wolves’ defense shutdown the Huskies’ offense, allowing only 150 yards rushing and 165 yards passing in the big win.
Many wondered if the Wolves would have some sort of let down after their huge win over Hamilton, but Chandler would have none of that in its 56-14 win over Gilbert High School.
Lucas took his first carry of the night for a 68yard touchdown run. Perkins threw only eight
passes—three of them for touchdowns and backup Mason Moran threw one pass for a 70-yard touchdown to Micah Reed-Campos. The Wolves coasted with five first-quarter touchdowns.
Week eight was another display of Chandler’s power, as it took on Perry High School. It crushed the Pumas 56-21 even without star running back Lucas.
Perkins threw for 369 yards and six touchdowns, two to Jan, two to Danny Mahan, and one each to Terrell Flanigan III and N’Keal Harry.
Reed-Campos made sure the Wolves’ running game did not miss a beat, running for 65 yards and a touchdown. Junior Anthony Clay saw his first action of the season and ran for his first touchdown on the season in the Wolves route.
In the Wolves’ ninth game, they overwhelmingly won 55-10. The Wolves were led by their smothering defense and high-octane offense, as ReedCampos scored three touchdowns, while Lucas and Harry each had two in the win.
Clay was able to get into the action as well again as he ran for a 10-yard touchdown to seal up the decisive win that was spearheaded by the Wolves’ fantastic defense.
Chandler High School
Head coach: Shaun Aguano
350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler www.chandlerwolvesfootball.com
2014 record: 8-1
Hamilton Huskies
Despite a tough loss to a rival, the Huskies are in a familiar spot, atop the Arizona High School rankings. They look poised to finish as one of the top two teams, Chandler High the only team that could catch them, in Division I.
It was a night to forget though in week six, as the Huskies lost at home for the first time in a decade 56-24.
The Huskies were overwhelmed for one of the few times in the coach Steve Belles’ era, as their offense was out of sync all evening and their defense had no answer for the Bryce Perkins and the Wolves’ passing attack.
Ernest Mauricio scored his first touchdown in the season for the Huskies, but there was little to celebrate in the Huskies’ lone loss of the season.
Things did not look good in week seven of the season as the Huskies fell down early to the Basha Bears 17-7 before putting up 21 secondquarter points, and running away from the Bears in the second half in a 42-25 win.
James Sosinski threw three touchdown passes, two to Brandon Krcilek and one to Ian Anderson as the Huskies’ offense overwhelmed the Bears’ defense, outgaining the Bears 479 to 284 yards.
Despite the slow start on defense the Huskies sacked Bears quarterback Ryan Kelley five times and Jaelon Parson intercepted a pass to help the Huskies shut down the Bears’ offense the last three quarters.
Week eight provided a chance for the Huskies
to breathe a little bit as they took on the struggling Gilbert High School and dominated the Tigers 49-7.
Sosinski had another three-touchdown performance, throwing two more to Krcilek and one to Kyeler Burke.
The Huskies also were able to run the ball at will, using seven different players to gain 227 yards rushing, while Rico Tipton ran for two touchdowns and Ari Johnson one.
In game nine, the Huskies continued to flex their muscles, as they handed Highland High School their worst loss of the season, 46-7.
Things started off slow for the Huskies, as their first points of the evening, and only points of the first quarter came on a 50-yard field goal from Dylan Brown.
In the second quarter, the Huskies added a Sosinski touchdown pass to Burke and a Krcilek run to go up 17-7 at half time.
In the third quarter, the Huskies would turn it on as Sosinski threw two more touchdown passes, one to Krcilek and one to Tipton, while bottling up the Highland offense to help open up the game, and eventually coast to the win.
Hamilton High School
Head coach: Steve Belles
3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler www.hamiltonhuskies.com 2014 record: 8-1
Perry Pumas
The Perry Pumas came into the 2014 season with the simple goal of making the Division I state playoffs, and through nine weeks of the season, it looks like that goal is going to come to fruition.
After a 3-2 start to the season, with the two losses coming by a combined three points, Perry took on the Basha Bears in a crucial battle between city rivals and came up short in a 28-11 loss.
Quarterback Austin Nightingale struggled to get anything going through the air, only throwing for 176 yards and an interception, while the Pumas’ running game had to churn out their 162 yards on 44 carries.
Nightingale carried the ball 22 times for 70 yards and a touchdown. Anthony Sheffield chipped in 14 carries for 61 yards, but the Pumas’ offense was just unable to get anything going all night.
While struggling at times, the Pumas’ defense was able to intercept Ryan Kelley two times—once by senior Alec Monte and once by freshman Kenny Fultz.
Week seven was another big test for the Pumas, as they took on the high-powered rushing attack of the Highland Hawks.
Despite giving up 168 yards rushing and three touchdowns to Josh Chadwick, the Pumas held on for a 34-27 win.
Nightingale threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, one to Brandon Lenzen and one to Ben Terhark, while also gaining 81 yards rushing and scoring a touchdown.
Sheffield had 60 yards and a touchdown, as well as the Pumas’ offense found its footing for the first time in three weeks.
Defensively the Pumas were gashed in the run game, but made plays against the pass, sacking the
Highland quarterback three times, one each by Ethan Vernon, Chase Cawood and Sal Eldarwiche and another interception by Fultz.
Week eight was a tough one for the Pumas, as they took on one of the top teams in the state and fell, losing to the Chandler Wolves 56-21.
The Pumas’ defense struggled to stop the Wolves’ passing game all evening, and the Wolves’ defense smothered Nightingale and the Pumas’ passing game.
Nightingale found a little room running the ball, gaining 71 yards and running for two touchdowns, but that was the highlight of evening for the Pumas’ offense.
Game nine was a big one for the Pumas. With the No. 1 team in the state waiting for them in week 10 against Hamilton, the Pumas needed to make sure they got their fifth win of the season against the Gilbert Tigers. The Pumas won 31-20.
Nightingale ran for two touchdowns, giving him the most rushing touchdowns in the school’s history, and Terhark scored twice as the Pumas’ offense was able to get going again. The defense did just enough to pull out the victory, which should give it a berth in the playoffs.
Perry High School
Head coach: Preston Jones
1919 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert www.phsfb.com
2014 record: 5-4
Seton Sentinels
Seton Catholic’s goal in 2014 was to get revenge for falling short in 2013 for circumstances it could not control. The team lost its senior quarterback the week of the state semifinals because of illness and consequently lost its chance to go to another state championship.
Well the Sentinels are doing everything in their power to make sure that does not happen again.
In game six, the Sentinels were coming off backto-back shutout wins, and while they did not shutout Florence High School, the Sentinels dominated in every way possible in a 48-7 win.
Zach Wade threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns, one each to Jacob Terrill and George Wolter and two to Brandon Garcia, while Antonio Campanella ran for 145 yards and a touchdown.
It’s the Sentinels’ defense though, that has been the story of the season.
It intercepted the Florence quarterback three times—one each for Dominic Johnson, Luke Zuluaga and Ryan Trilk—as the Sentinels’ defense shut down the Florence offense, holding them to 266 total yards of offense.
It was another dominating performance in week seven, as the Sentinels rolled to a 44-0 win over the No. 2 team in Division IV in Coolidge High School.
Wade and the offense struggled early, getting carried to a 7-0 halftime lead by their defense, but exploded for 37 second-half points and the blow-out win.
Wade accounted for four touchdowns, throwing
two touchdown passes to Brandon Garcia, and rushing for two more scores. Running back Campanella was held to less than 100 yards rushing for the first time in the season, but still managed to run for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
The defense was not as dominant, but were led by Zach Fulmer’s two sacks on the evening. They were able to get stops when they needed to, especially when Coolidge was close to scoring.
Week eight provided another nice tune-up for the Sentinels as it prepared for a deep run in the playoffs with a 55-0 win over Combs High School.
Wade and the Sentinels’ offense were able to work some kinks out, as he threw four touchdowns, but was also intercepted two times, his first and only multiple interception game of the season.
Garcia caught three more touchdowns and George Wolter caught another touchdown, but it was the Sentinels’ rushing attack that led the way offensively, racking up 308 yards and four touchdowns.
Campanella ran for 189 yards and two touchdowns while Garrett Boyd and Wade each ran for a touchdown.
Defensively, the Sentinels smothered the Combs’ offense, holding them to 126 total yards of offense,
HIGH TECH TEETH
sacking the quarterback four times and generally making life terrible all night for the Combs offense.
Week nine was much of the same for the Sentinels as they beat Chino Valley 73-0.
While the offense got touchdowns from seven different players, including two for sophomore Brandon Skinner and one for sophomore Jacob Terrill, it was the defense that made life easy for the offense all evening.
The Sentinels defense forced seven turnovers on the evening, as Patrick Larsen and Boyd each recovered two fumbles, while Matt Rapier, Matt Bresnahan and Kyle Miller each recovered one fumble as the Sentinels physically overwhelmed Chino Valley High on their way to another blowout victory.
Seton Catholic Preparatory High School
Head coach: Rex Bowser
1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler www.setoncatholic.org 2014 record: 9-0
SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT
HAMILTON:
Aug. 22at O'Connor 43-7 (w)
Sept. 5at Brophy Prep 41-6 (w)
Sept. 12at Pinnacle 37-35 (w)
Sept. 19Liberty ★ 21-0 (w)
Sept. 26Mountain Pointe 30-10 (w)
Oct. 2Chandler 56-24 (l)
Oct.10Basha 42-25 (w)
Oct. 17Gilbert 49-7 (w)
Oct.24Highland 46-7 (w)
Oct. 31Perry
Homecoming = ★
HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
SETON:
Aug. 21Globe (scrimmage, score N/A)
Aug. 29Estrella Foothills 35-24 (w)
Sept. 5at Maricopa 59-27 (w)
Sept. 12at Snowflake 23-14 (w)
Sept. 19Cortez 55-0 (w)
Sept. 26at Coronado 61-0 (w)
Oct. 3Florence ★ 48-7 (w)
Oct. 10Coolidge 44-0 (w)
Oct. 17Combs 55-0 (w)
Oct. 24Chino Valley 73-0 (w)
Oct. 31Rio Rico
CHANDLER:
Aug. 29at Centennial 28-24 (w)
Sept. 5Buena 56-10 (w)
Sept. 12at Valor Christian 22-7 (w)
Sept. 19at Mountain Pointe 20-7 (l)
Sept. 26Cesar Chavez ★ 49-6 (w)
Oct. 2Hamilton 56-24 (w)
Oct. 10Gilbert 56-14 (w)
Oct. 17Perry 56-21 (w)
Oct. 24Basha 55-10 (w)
Oct. 31Highland
PERRY:
Aug. 29Sunnyside 53-18 (w)
Sept. 5at O’Connor 14-13 (l)
Sept. 12Gila Ridge ★ 20-6 (w)
Sept. 19Mountain View 16-14 (l)
Sept. 26Mountain Ridge 28-14 (w)
Oct. 2Basha 28-11 (l)
Oct. 10Highland 34-27 (w)
Oct. 17Chandler 56-21 (l)
Oct. 24Gilbert 31-20 (w)
Oct. 31at Hamilton
BASHA:
Aug. 29at Desert Vista 31-23 (w)
Sept. 5Centennial ★ 31-21 (w)
Sept. 12at Cesar Chavez 55-12 (w)
Sept. 19at Pinnacle 45-35 (l)
Sept. 25at Westview 45-35 (l)
Oct. 2Perry 28-11 (w)
Oct. 10Hamilton 42-25 (w)
Oct. 17Highland 48-31 (w)
Oct. 24Chandler 55-10 (l)
Oct. 31at Gilbert
All times 7 p.m. unless noted.
Submitted photo byAidan OHare
Submitted photo byAdam Rodriguez
America’s Best Karate youth wins Overall Grand Champion
By Tracy House
Motivation comes in many forms—money, fame, honor. But 7-year-old Trey Knox’s impetus is Dairy Queen Blizzards or Kokomo’s frozen yogurt.
Apparently it works.
Recently, Trey, and 27 other students from America’s Best Karate, earned a combined 32 first-place awards competing in three tournaments in the Valley: the Back-toSchool Blast in Queen Creek, AZ Elite Tournament in Phoenix and Cactus Classic in Chandler.
Mike Erikson, a fourth degree black belt who has owned Chandler’s ABK for more than 20 years, says, “All the kids placed and did extremely well. In particular, Trey Knox, was the Overall Grand Champion (of the Cactus Classic) and received a trophy that was much larger than Trey himself.” Trey competed in the Chandler, Queen Creek and Phoenix tournaments in four categories—sparring, weapons, forms and sword fighting. He won four first places for his belt level and age group in the Cactus Classic, two first and a second in the Back-to-School Blast and a first and two seconds in the AZ Elite Tournament.
“He was the only one (at the Cactus Classic) that was undefeated,” Erikson says. “He’s one of our top students in the school.”
Although he’s too shy to engage in conversation, the Tarwater Elementary second-grade student is a formidable force on the floor and in competitions. Trey has earned his high blue belt in karate. Starting with ABK when he was age 5, he says his favorite part of karate is weapons, specifically nun chucks. In sparring, he says he likes blitzing, “When
you jump and you hit their head with your fist.”
Trey says he likes competing “because you get trophies and you get to do something right after. I get a treat.” With a commitment to his craft and intense concentration for a youth, his goal is to continue on to become a black belt.
Percy Knox, Trey’s father, explains karate was Trey’s choice. Percy says Trey tried an introductory class when he was 4 years old, but didn’t seem too interested. Six months later, after playing tee ball for two sessions, Percy says Trey asked to return to karate.
Percy encourages other parents to put their children in karate classes. In addition to the high level of values and reinforcement of honor and respect taught through karate, he says, “The body awareness, the control that you learn, the balance, overall strength—I think those are very valuable.”
Trey has not advanced as quickly as other students through the belts, but that is by design. “The reason is that he’s 7, if he’s going to go into that advanced level, I want him to be very well-rounded. You can go into that advanced level, which is based off your forms, but not be really well-equipped across the weapons, sparring and those things.” Percy says he wants Trey to have control and have more strategy for the advanced level.
Trey just started playing football. “His motivation is treats,” Percy says. “It’s funny.”
With more than 200 students at all levels, and ages from 3 to adult, ABK provides personalized instruction with small class ratios and an emphasis on family values. Instructors are all highly trained martial artists focusing on character development for children. ABK also offers intersession and summer
camps for kids. For more information about America’s Best Karate, visit www.karatechandleraz.com or call (480) 217-0652. Information about the camps is available at www.campsforkidsaz.com.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
STFF photo by Tracy House
