SanTan FAMILY FUN
Early puberty in kids: Signs, symptoms and causes
By Alison Stanton
For many pre-teens and tweens, puberty seems to be a rite of passage. Many women remember going out to buy their first bras, and guys recall when their voices began to change.
What’s Inside
Dr. Allison Kaplan, a Chandler resident who works at Desert Grove Family Medical, a practice that has an office in Gilbert, says that puberty is defined as the process when boys and girls develop their secondary sexual characteristics that include growing to their adult height and maturing genitalia.
“A parent should first notice growth in their ‘private’ areas followed by pubic hair and then lastly, increasing height and muscle mass,” she says, adding that girls can begin puberty as early as 8 years old and boys at 9 years old.
In some cases, says Dr. Zafar Quadir, a pediatrician at Banner Health Center in Chandler, children will show signs and symptoms of puberty before reaching these ages. Called precocious puberty, Quadir says symptoms in girls include breast growth and the start of menstruation, and facial hair, while boys will have a deepening voice and an enlarged penis and testicles.
“A child’s doctor may want to do some tests to find out if there is an underlying medical condition. Some causes of early puberty include congenital adrenal hyperplasia, McCuneAlbright Syndrome and spina bifida with hydrocephalus,” Quadir says.
than expected or out-of-order, then you may want to see a physician for evaluation.”
Quadir, who is seeing more cases of early puberty than before, says that while most cases of precocious puberty have no known cause, obesity is thought by some to be an underlying reason, as are radiation treatments for cancer, social factors and environmental contamination.
USUALLY NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT: In the vast majority of cases of early puberty that he sees in his patients, Dr. Duane Wooten says it is due to no known or serious medical reasons.
Dr. Duane Wooten, a pediatrician at Rainbow Pediatrics, which has an office in Chandler, says that the early development of pubic hair is what tends to cause parents to make an appointment for their child to be examined.
Submitted photo
“Sometimes they will have peach fuzz in their private area, and this is not abnormal, but significant coarse hair is a sign of early puberty. There has to be a combination of at least two symptoms for a child to be diagnosed with early puberty,” Wooten says.
As Kaplan explains, puberty is caused from specific hormonal surges in the brain that start a cascade of other hormones such as growth hormone, estrogen and testosterone.
“We are finding out more every day about chemicals in our environment, including personal care products, household products and cleaners, and foods, and the ways they disrupt our endocrine system,” Quadir says.
“Looking at studies done with animals and humans, many of these ‘endocrine disruptors’ seem to play a role in changing puberty timing. The timing and amount of exposure to the suspect chemicals need more study to better understand how they affect timing of puberty.”
Wooten says he feels strongly that the addition of hormones in food also has had an influence on early puberty.
TESTING CAN BE BENEFICIAL: Dr. Allison Kaplan says young children who are showing signs of early puberty should be evaluated for any underlying health issues.
“The timing of these triggers can vary greatly among children based on multifactorial issues such as genetics, environment, and weight,” Kaplan says, adding that when something disrupts this normal process, a child may mature too early or too late.
Submitted photo
“If your child begins puberty earlier
such as an endocrinologist’s recommendations and/or medication to slow the maturation process.”
The decision to treat precocious puberty depends on the cause, Quadir says, and may involve either hormone treatments or surgery. The child’s doctor should keep in mind many factors when deciding whether or not to treat him or her; these include the child’s general health status and medical history, the severity of the symptoms, the child’s ability to tolerate medical procedures and take medicine and the parents’ desires regarding treatment.
“The goal of treatment for the hypersecretion of androgen and estrogen is to stop, and possibly reverse, the onset of early puberty symptoms,” he says.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Dr. Zafar Quadir says girls who are showing signs of early puberty will often experience breast growth, and young boys’ voices will begin to deepen.
“It’s definitely true that hormones in food have influenced this. Over time, the average onset of puberty has gone down by two years, and kids are developing earlier on the whole. It wasn’t like this back in the early 1900s.”
Submitted photo
Children who develop signs of early puberty should be evaluated by their physician for certain conditions, Kaplan says.
“The doctor would start with a good history, physical, and a left wrist X-ray to begin the evaluation,” she says.
“If all of those three components are within normal limits, then it’s likely the child has a nonworrisome condition that may need only observation. Any abnormal finding may need further evaluation
Although there are medical reasons for precocious puberty, Wooten says he also finds that most of his patients go through early puberty for no known or concerning reason.
“In the vast majority of cases, I just reassure the parents and the child that it is nothing to worry about, and that it is just a part of them.”
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.
Resources
Websites:
• mayoclinic.com/health/ precocious-puberty/DS00883
• kidshealth.org/parent/medical/sexual/ precocious.html
Books:
• “Early Puberty in Girls: The Essential Guide to Coping with This Common Problem,” by Paul Kaplowitz
• “‘What’s Happening to Me?’ A Guide to Puberty,” by Peter Mayle
• “My Body, My Self for Boys: Revised Edition (What’s Happening to My Body?),” by Lynda Madaras
2
improvMANIA, 7 p.m. Bringing live, fast-paced improv comedy to the Chandler Center for the Arts, the show is based on audience suggestions and will last approximately 90 minutes. The 7 p.m. show is all-ages appropriate. $10. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, chandlercenter.org.
2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 Arizona Railway Museum, noon-4 p.m. Visit Chandler’s Arizona Railway Museum and take a selfguided tour of the yard and view the equipment. Display cars $2 per person or $5 families/groups. 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler, azrymuseum.org.
3 Phoenix Youth Symphony Hall Concert, 3 p.m. The Phoenix Youth Symphony will perform Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor. PYS alumni—Michael Levin on cello, Michael Hernandez on saxophone and Nathan Johnston on tuba—perform. $10 to $20. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, chandlercenter.org.
Every Girl is a Princess Tea Party, 1 p.m. Tea party fundraiser for 50 little princesses and their mommies benefiting the Severson Sisters. Organized and hosted by Fancy Faces, 1316 S. Longmore, Mesa, the event will include princess carriage rides, live princess characters, princess show and more, fancyfaceparty.com.
4, 5, 12, 18, 19, 26
Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m.
Ages 18 months to 3 1/2 years. If you are bringing older siblings, they must also be registered. Age-appropriate stories and activities for little wigglers. Caregivers must stay in the room and sit with their children the whole time. Doors close at 10:30 a.m. Registration needed. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
5 Craft Club, 4-5 p.m. Ages 6-10. Join the group at the Southeast Regional Library Craft Club held on the first Tuesday of each month. No registration needed. Tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the event starts. The Craft Club is limited to 15 participants. Meet in The Dig for this event; make your own jellyfish. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
5, 12, 19
Infant Lap-sit, 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Ages 0-18 months with one parent or caregiver. Infant Lap-sit is a special storytime designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays. No registration needed, however, attendance is limited to 20. Siblings may not attend. Tickets will be distributed at 11:10 a.m. near The Dig. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
All-ages Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. Tue., Wed. and Thu., and 11:15-11:45 a.m. Wed. Intended for toddlers through age 5. Meet in The Dig for a fun storytime, including stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities. Sessions are limited to 60 people, including caregivers. Free tickets are required and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be available in the Youth Services area 20 minutes before storytime begins. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during storytime. Families only; no tickets will be issued to day care or preschool groups. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
6, 20
Family Night at TRC, 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Nov. 6 enjoy Apples Apples Everywhere and
Nov. 20 take part in Think Thankful. Tumbleweed Recreation Center is at 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Info: Michael Fenzel, 480-782-2908.
6, 13, 20, 27
Baby Time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Ages 0-20 months. Babies accompanied by a caregiver have fun sharing books, lap-sit, songs and rhymes, puppets, music and shakers, and the parachute. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program. No registration needed. Older siblings may not attend due to safety issues. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
7, 14, 21
Pre-K Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 3 1/2-5 years. Children develop a love of literature and learn preschool skills through age-appropriate books, learning letter sounds, flannel board rhymes, songs and music, shakers, bubbles, scarf dancing and parachute play. Learn tips for early literacy skills. No registration needed, but program will be limited to the first 25 children. Doors close at 10:30 a.m. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
Family Storytime, 6 p.m. Enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays for the whole family. Meeting Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
Independent Kinder Prep, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Ages 4 & 5. Children will join library staff for this event. No registration needed, however, attendance is limited to 25. Tickets will be distributed at 10:55 a.m. near The Dig. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
8, 9, 10
Chuckwagon Cook-off, Enjoy the sights and sounds, smells and taste of the Old West in this unique culinary competition. Competitor work from authentic chuck wagons as they cook
in the style of the 1880s cattle drives. This event is free and meal tickets go on sale 9 a.m. Nov. 9. Tumbleweed Ranch, south of TRC on Pioneer Parkway, at McQueen and Germann roads. Contact Jean Reynolds at 480-782-2751 or jean.reynolds@chandleraz.gov.
9
Rock the Block, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. “Rock the Block,” Chandler’s upcoming block party sponsored by AchenGardner Construction and presented by Mark-Taylor, invites the community to experience Downtown Chandler. Free. Features two live performance stages, one with national and local bands, and one community stage with a “Chandler’s Got Talent” show featuring the community’s talents, large beer garden, a kids’ zone, and Veterans Day celebrations, chandlerblockparty.com.
Paws to Read, 10:30-11:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.-noon. Paws to Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers. Warm, brown eyes and happy grins make all the difference to children’s reading experiences resulting in an increase in reading levels and word recognition, and a higher desire to read and write. Registration is limited to 16 children for a 15-minute time slot with a therapy animal. Time slot and animal selection are on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
11
Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free to the public. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington, Phoenix, 602-495-0901, pueblogrande.com
12
KBC (Kid’s Book Club), 4-5 p.m. Ages 8-12. Join the KBC. The Magic Tree House book club is expanding to include more juvenile books. Club members get to vote on which books to read. Each month there will be lively discussions or trivia games. Group is limited to 15. Registration needed. The Dig. At Maricopa County Library
District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
12, 26
Knit Happens, 2:15-3:30 p.m. Are you looking for a project to help you earn hours for community service? Join the group in continuing the tradition of fun, food and friendship— all skill levels welcome. Our current service project is lap-sized blankets for Project Linus. Newsstand Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
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Art of Drawing, 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. If you like to draw, come hone your skills in the Art of Drawing group. Get some tips on cartooning, perspective, proportions, shading, color, and more. Registration needed. The Dig. Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
14
Ride with a ranger on a horse, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the San Tan Mountains as you navigate the park atop your trusty steed. A ranger and the professionals from MD Ranch will guide you through the Sonoran Desert on a trail ride you will never forget. Learn about the plants and animals that call San Tan home, and grab your cowboy hat for this exciting ride through the park. Horses must be reserved ahead of time through MD Ranch at 480-331-7893. Spots are limited. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. 480-655-5554. Vehicle entry fee $6.
15
“Hiking with the Stars” Moonlight Hike, 6-7:30 p.m. Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at night hiking under the light from the stars and moon. Listen for the sounds of wildlife and explore the nightlife atmosphere. The pace of the hike will be relatively mild or slow to help enjoy the surroundings. Bring plenty of water and appropriate hiking attire. Flashlights are permitted, but not See Calendar, Page 4
necessary. San Tan Mountain Regional Park – Visitor Center, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. 480-655-5554. Vehicle entry fee $6.
16
Paws 2 Read, 10:30-noon. Children ages 5 and older are invited to read their favorite book to the special registered therapy dog. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
Coiled Basket Workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join Wilderness Survival Instructor and Stone Age Technologist Vincent Pinto at Pueblo Grande Museum for a fun day learning how to create a coiled basket. Using all natural materials, participants will craft a beautiful-sturdy coiled basket. Space is limited. Register by Nov. 9. For ages 12 and older. Cost: $50 includes supplies. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington, Phoenix, 602-495-0901, pueblogrande.com
Woofstock, The Great Chandler Dog Walk, 9 a.m-2 p.m. Bring the entire family for a day of tail wagging activities. Dogs on leash are encouraged. Free. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=284
17
Full Moon Ride on a Horse, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the San Tan Mountains as you navigate the park atop your trusty steed under the full moon light. Professionals from MD Ranchwill guide you through the Sonoran Desert on a trail ride you will never forget. Learn about the plants and animals that call San Tan home, and grab your cowboy hat for this exciting ride through the park. Horses must be reserved ahead of time through MD Ranch at 480-331-7893. Spots are limited. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek, 480-655-5554. Vehicle entry fee $6.
19
Bookhype, 3:30-5 p.m. Ages 12-18. The Teens’ Top 10 is an ongoing project in which publishers of young adult books provide pre-published copies and recently published copies of titles to teen book discussion groups in libraries. In exchange, teen readers evaluate books from more than 30 participating publishers. In the Meeting Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
C-Town Suitcase Club, 10-11a.m. Ages 3-5. Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler. This month’s theme is S’mores. Travel back through time to sing, hear stories, and discover everyday objects from the past and present. Program includes a special take-home item. No advance registration required and class is free, 480-782-2717.
21
Sonoran Sunset Series, 6-7 p.m. Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free entertainment for the family. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and food. Snacks, dinner items and beverages will be available for a small fee, 480-782-2890.
22
Desert Myth Busters, noon-1 p.m. Are rattlesnakes really dangerous? Can you drink water from a cactus? Do “jumping cactus” really jump? Do the arms of a saguaro help to keep it balanced? If you would like to know the answers to these questions or any questions you may have about the desert, then this one-hour presentation is for you. Bring your sandwich to the “BrownBag It” series inside the Visitor Center as Ranger B from Usery Park busts some myths about the desert. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek, 480-655-5554. Vehicle entry fee $6.
23
Urban Fishing Clinic & Outdoor Safety Event, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Join the group for the fifth annual Urban Fishing Clinic & Outdoor Safety Event at the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free information and demonstrations provided by the Chandler Police Department. Sport fishing instructors from the Arizona Game and Fish Department will provide instruction, rods and reels to loan and free bait while supplies last. All participants may fish without a license during the event once they have registered at the Arizona Game and Fish booth, chandleraz.gov, 480-782-2890.
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Lapsit Storytime, 10-10:20 a.m. Infants 0-18 months. Join in for a 20-minute special time for babies and caregivers with books, music and fingerplays. Recommended one child per adult so no siblings will feel left out. Stay for 20 minutes of playtime afterward. Hamilton Library, Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, chandlerlibrary.org
Family Storytime, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Preschoolers 3-5 years old, toddlers 18-36 months, infants 0-18 months. Join Mr. Micah for interactive stories, songs, fingerplays and, of course, bubbles. Sunset Library, Monsoon
Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, chandlerlibrary.org
28 Turkey Swim, 5:30-7:30 a.m. at Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free with a canned food donation, chandleraz.gov, 480-782-2749.
29, 30
Ballet Etudes – Nutcracker 27th Anniversary, 7 p.m. Sat. and 7 p.m. & 2 p.m. Sun. Experience what the Arizona Republic called “a royally entertaining show” as Ballet Etudes presents its 27th anniversary production of Nutcracker. Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful and imaginative costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family. Tickets: $23 & $28. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, chandlercenter.org
Sponsored by: Dr. David Rush, DDS and Dr. Kyle Rush, DMD
The month of October always brings with it the heart of the high school football season, and in the SanTan Sun News area that means the rivalries get turned up, and we get to witness some of the best high school football games of the year. By Seth Cox
Perry Pumas
Perry High School
1919 E Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 85297 www.phsfb.com 2013 Record: 2-7
Week six was the beginning to a very rough stretch of games for the Perry Pumas, and it didn’t start well as they fell to rival Basha 49-0.
The Pumas were limited to just 237 yards of offense by a smothering Bears’ defense, and the defense gave up 433 yards to the Bears.
Week seven did not offer the Pumas any rest, as they lost to Highland High School 38-10.
Alec Monte threw a touchdown to senior wide receiver Jackson Spilsbury for the lone Perry touchdown of the game, as the Pumas were held in check for nearly the entire game.
Week eight saw the Pumas take on the Chandler Wolves, and things didn’t go well for Perry in their 56-10 loss.
For the Pumas, it was a continued education in attrition, as they have been
without their starting quarterback and two of their top running backs for the last several weeks.
Senior running back Roy Dossey was the benefactor of the injuries as he carried the ball 23 times for the Pumas and scored his first touchdown of the season, the lone touchdown for the Pumas.
Things continued to get worse for the Pumas in their week nine loss to the also embattled Gilbert High School 9-0.
The Pumas couldn’t get anything moving offensively, and despite a staunch effort by their defense, the Perry offense wasn’t able to muster much of anything, while allowing 10 quarterback sacks in the game.
Basha Bears
Basha High School
5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler, 85249 bashabearsfootball.com/ 2013 Record: 4-5
The Basha Bears put forth a dominant effort in a 49-0 rout of the Perry Pumas.
The Bears got the scoring started in the first quarter with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Zach Werlinger to Joe Storm, but opened up the scoring floodgates in the second and third quarter of the game.
Doc O’Connor ran for an 87-yard touchdown and Rajhan Meriwether ran for a one yard touchdown in the second quarter, then the Bears poured it on, putting an exclamation point on the victory with the defense scoring as Jake Carlin had a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Basha Bears fell just short of their comeback attempt against the Hamilton Huskies in their week seven 32-31 loss.
Werlinger did everything in his power to help the Bears get their first victory against the Huskies as he threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns while also running for
two touchdowns.
O’Connor had five catches for 121 yards and Ryan Robertson had seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort for the Bears.
The Bears lost back to back heartbreakers, and week eight could be looked at as the turning point for the Basha football season after their 24-21 defeat at the hands of the Highland Hawks. This despite a fine effort from Werlinger, who threw for 185 yards and three touchdowns, and a dominant rushing performance from Meriwether, who ran for 124 yards, but fumbled the ball with only four minutes to go in the game for the Bears.
Game nine of the season saw the Bears meet up with the buzz saw known as the Chandler Wolves and ended with a 49-7 loss. Werlinger threw for only 86 yards and two interceptions in the loss.
It was a long night for the Bears, as they struggled to hold the Wolves offense down, and couldn’t get anything going, as the Wolves sacked Werlinger five times and held the Bears to only 69 yards rushing.
Hamilton Huskies
Hamilton High School
3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85248 hamiltonhuskiesfootball.com/ 2013 Record: 7-2
In what was a defensive battle, the scoring came late—and quickly—in the Hamilton/ Chandler rivalry game.
Hamilton jumped out to a quick 9-6 lead, and their defense looked to have done enough to shut down the Wolves high powered offense, but an uncharacteristic turnover deep in their own territory opened the door for Chandler to take a late lead.
scored on a 7-yard Williams touchdown run with 1:33 left in the game, and this week Hamilton’s defense had a different ending in mind, forcing a fumble with 1:14 remaining in the game.
The Huskies defense was led by defensive end Qualen Cunningham’s five sacks and the offense got enough from running back Tyrell Smith, who had 71 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
In game eight of the season Hamilton got back on track with a 42-0 drubbing of Gilbert.
Chandler Wolves
Chandler High School
350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85225 chandlerwolvesfootball.com/ 2013 Record: 7-2
For the first time in their 18-game history of playing, the Chandler High Wolves came out victorious in their week six win over the Hamilton Huskies.
A defensive battle turned into an offensive explosion in the form of 27 combined points in the final two and a half minutes, and when the dust settled, the Wolves were on top.
six times for 128 yards and three touchdowns.
Little used running back DJ Ware also was a force, as he ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns in his best game of the season.
The Wolves defense caused four turnovers against Gilbert and held their offense to 180 total yards.
Hamilton responded, and quickly, as senior quarterback Sam Sasso connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass to receiver Elijah Williams, and the Huskies looked like they had done enough to again stymie the Wolves. However, they left too much time on the clock for Bryce Perkins and the Chandler offense, falling 26-16 after Sasso had a late desperation pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
Game seven of the season really showed the championship mettle of Hamilton as they hung on to beat the Basha Bears 32-31.
Hamilton roared out to an early lead, but after pulling ahead 26-14 in the second half, the Bears rattled off 17 consecutive points taking a 31-26 lead.
The Huskies went down the field and
The Huskies defense smothered Gilbert, and Sasso had his best game of the season, throwing four touchdown passes while leading an effective offensive attack in the first half, before Hamilton pulled their starters.
The highlight of the game was provided by Levi Sterling, who intercepted a Gilbert pass and returned it for a touchdown.
Week nine of the season brought the defense to the forefront again. The Huskies managed to find enough offense despite injuries suffered by Sasso and his back up, James Sosinski, that thrust sophomore, JV call-up Jake Lewis into action.
With the game tied at 7-7 Hamilton took the ball and went 56 yards, including converting a fourth and two, before Smith scored the game-winning touchdown with little over one minute to go.
The scoring started after an uncharacteristic turnover by Hamilton in their territory, and Bryce Perkins capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown run to put the Wolves up for the first time.
After a quick Hamilton score put the Huskies back on top, it was time for the Wolves to respond as the Wolves marched down the field, going 60 yards in only 50 seconds and Perkins hitting Dionte Sykes on a 14-yard touchdown pass that ended up being the game winner.
In week seven, coming off maybe the biggest win in school history, the Chandler Wolves played, maybe, their most complete game of the season in a 76-6 throttling of Gilbert High School.
The Wolves were so dominant they scored a touchdown on every possession of the game except for one. Perkins threw for a touchdown and ran for another, while sophomore quarterback Mason Moran came in, in relief of Perkins and ran the ball
The Chandler Wolves flexed their muscle in their decisive 56-10 win over the reeling Perry Pumas. Chandler only used their starters for the first half, as Perkins and the offense got out to a fast start, and never looked back.
Perkins was 12-15 for 247 yards and a touchdown while also running for two touchdowns in his half of play as he led the Wolves to a 35-7 lead at halftime.
It was a chance to get some work for the younger players, as Morgan threw for 74 yards and ran for 62 yards and a touchdown as the Wolves were able to rest a number of their starters in the second half.
Week nine showed that the Chandler Wolves have to be considered the undisputed best football team in the SanTan area this year, as they rolled over rival Basha 49-7 moving to 7-2.
Perkins threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns while running the ball for another touchdown.
Sophomore running back Chase Lucas, who was offered a scholarship to Arizona State University after the win, ran the ball nine times for 113 yards and two touchdowns while also catching another.
Seton High School
Seton Catholic Preparatory High School 1150 N Dobson Rd., Chandler, 85224 setoncatholic.org/athletics/football.cfm 2013 Record: 8-1
In week six of the season the Seton Catholic Sentinels rolled over Florence High School 60-20. Quarterback Kyle Johnson had a
HAMILTON:
8/31/13:Eastlake (28-17 won)
9/6/13:Brophy (26-9 won)
9/12/13:Pinnacle (24-20 won)
9/20/13:Liberty (14-10 won)
career night, throwing for 249 yards and five touchdowns as well as rushing for two touchdowns, and back-up quarterback Zach Wade even got in on the scoring, throwing two touchdowns as well. Johnson and Wade did an excellent job of spreading the ball around, throwing touchdowns to six different receivers: two to Brandon Garcia and one each to Manny Estrella, Dominic Johnson, P.J
Delrio, George Wolter and Ryan Trilk. Week seven was much of the same, as the Sentinels again rolled to a big win with a 43-28 victory over then undefeated Coolidge.
The Sentinels found themselves down 14-0 with only two minutes to go in the first quarter, but responded with 30 unanswered points before finishing up the win.
The turning point came on the Sentinels’ second touchdown of the second quarter as Garcia intercepted a Coolidge pass and
returned it for a 24-yard touchdown.
Johnson was great, throwing for 232 yards and four touchdowns, and the Sentinels found the ground game as Antonio Campanella ran for 122 yards.
Again, Wade came in to throw a touchdown for the Sentinels as they were able to get their young quarterback time. There wasn’t much of a difference, in as far as results go, in the Sentinels’ week eight 56-21 win over Combs High School.
HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
CHANDLER:
8/29/13: Centennial (41-21 won)
9/6/13: Buena (65-13 won)
9/14/13: St. John Bosco (52-31 lost)
9/20/13:Mountain Pointe (38-14 lost)★
9/27/13:Mountain Pointe (37-27 lost)
10/4/13:Chandler, (26-16 lost)
10/11/13:Basha, (32-31 won)
10/18/13:Gilbert, (42-0 won)
10/25/13:Highland, (14-7 won) ★
11/1/13:Perry, away
9/27/13:Chavez (41-21 won)
10/4/13:Hamilton, (26-16 won)
10/11/13:Gilbert, (76-6 won)
10/18/13:Perry, (56-10 won)
10/25/13:Basha, (49-7 won)
11/1/13:Highland, away
BASHA:
8/30/13:Green Valley (41-17 won)
9/6/13:Centennial (32-17 lost)
9/12/13:Cesar Chavez (54-28 won)
9/20/13:Pinnacle (35-21 won)
9/27/13:Westview (38-28 lost)
10/4/13:Perry, (49-0 win)
10/11/13:Hamilton, (32-31 lost)
10/18/13:Highland, (24-21 lost)★
10/25/13:Chandler, (49-7 lost)
11/1/13:Gilbert, home
PERRY:
8/30/13:Sunnyside (20-17 lost)
9/6/13:O’Connor (21-7 won)
9/13/13:Gila Ridge (27-7 won)
9/20/13:Mountain View (51-16 lost)
9/26/13:Mountain Ridge (45-26 lost)
10/4/13:Basha, (49-0 lost)
10/11/13:Highland, (38-10 lost)
10/18/13:Chandler, (56-10 lost)
10/25/13:Gilbert, (9-0 lost) ★
11/1/13:Hamilton, home
SETON:
8/30/13: Estrella Foothills (38-20 won)
9/6/13: Maricopa (34-23 won)
9/13/13: Snowflake (28-23 lost)
9/20/13: Cortez (47-13 won)
9/27/13: Coronado (34-0 won) ★
10/4/13: Florence, (60-20 won)
10/11/13: Coolidge, (43-28 won)
10/18/13: Combs, (56-21 won)
10/25/13: Chino Valley, (47-0 won)
11/1/13: Rio Rico, away
Homecoming = ★ Seth Cox is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Bogle student in the running for nationwide contest
By Meghan McCoy
An honors student at Bogle Junior High School, Tearra Sheidler is one of 10 dancers from throughout the United States running for the Showstopper-sponsored Discount Dance Supply Model Search 2013.
The seventh grader qualified for the contest after finding success at a local competition and another at Disneyland.
“It’s really exciting because there were so many people at the competition,” Tearra says. “For them to choose me, that is a big deal.”
The contest, which is based on online voting, began Mon., Oct. 21, and will conclude at the end of the day Mon., Nov. 11. Individuals can visit discountdance.com and vote for their favorite dancer, as well as on facebook.com/discountdance.
BOGLE JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT: Tearra Sheidler, 12, is one of 10 dancers nominated for the nationwide contest, Discount Dance Supply Model Search 2013, sponsored by Showstopper, an online voting competition that ends Mon., Nov. 11 Submitted photo
Laura Guerra, Discount Dance Supply public relations coordinator, says the winner will receive a $500 shopping spree to discountdance.com, as well as the chance to participate in another photo shoot.
“The picture will be featured on our website and possibly even in our catalogue that gets mailed throughout the United States,” she says.
More than 200 dancers—some as young as 5—entered the contest. The top 10 were chosen based on interviews and the submitted photographs.
“Once the 10 are selected, a photo shoot with them is done on the competition stage,” Guerra says, adding that they selected an outfit from Discount Dance.
Lori Sheidler, Tearra’s mother, says she is proud of her daughter because her dedication to dancing was recognized at the competition. Tearra began dancing when she was 2 years old. At the age of 4, she started dancing competitively.
“I feel like when I’m dancing, I am in another world,” says Tearra, 12. “It just makes me happy.”
Although the young dancer is trained in such styles as ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary and tap, she enjoys jazz and contemporary the most.
“Jazz or contemporary are my favorite because jazz is, like, upbeat and exciting, and contemporary you get to express yourself,” Tearra says.
She spends anywhere from five to seven days a week dancing two to four hours.
“It’s a lot of commitment,” her mother says. “As a dancer you give up a lot, birthday parties and get togethers. She has been very dedicated.”
In addition to dancing, Tearra designates several hours to philanthropy work by donating her time to Feed My Starving Children and ICAN. She also works alongside
NATIONWIDE CONTEST: Chandler resident Tearra Sheidler has the opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree to discountdance.com if she earns enough votes for the Showstopper-sponsored Discount Dance Supply Model Search 2013 Submitted photo
her mom collecting 3,600 gifts for Giving Tree.
“I’m really proud of that too, she really gives back to the community,” Lori says.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
