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COMBS
Girls’ Volleyball– The Coyotes girls’ volleyball team won both its matches last week, defeating Arete Prep (25-12, 25-20, 25-19) and Benjamin Franklin (25-17, 30-28, 25-23), 3 – 0. Upcoming schedule: Oct. 8 at San Manuel (6 p.m.) and Oct. 13 vs. American Leadership Academy (5 p.m.).
Football– A first quarter rushing by Ethan Hunt, who returned from injury, and a third quarter safety by Todd Avery was just enough points for the Coyotes to defeat one of its chief rivals, the Florence Gophers, 9 – 6. Running back Erick Guerra ran for 100 yards and senior linebacker Todd Goodman was named Player of the Game after recording six tackles and an interception. The Yotes host Coolidge this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
QUEEN CREEK
Girls’ Volleyball– The Bulldogs defeated Highland last Tuesday 3 – 1 (25-19, 17-25, 25-22, 25-21) thanks to some great performances from Kate Grimmer, Serena Caspersen, Cassady Leech, and Laney Mahaffey. The quartet combined for 40 of the Bulldogs’ 49 kills against the Hawks. Grimmer also led the Bulldogs in aces, blocks, and digs in the win. Kennadee Coplen, a sophomore, recorded 31 of the team’s 32 assists. Upcoming schedule: Oct. 13 at Perry (6 p.m.).
SAN TAN FOOTHILLS
Football– Senior quarterback Anthony Liu threw for a touchdown and next week’sLedgerAthlete of the Week Manny Armenta ran for two more as the Sabercats won their sectional opener against visiting Globe, 28 – 7. Sophomore receiver Marcus Blaise finished with four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. The Sabercats were led on defense by Eli Chavez and Lorenzo Verdugo with each finishing with a team-high 13 tackles. The Cats play at Morenci this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
POSTON BUTTE
Girls’ Volleyball– The Broncos were defeated by Phoenix Country Day last Tuesday, 3 – 0 (17-25, 25-27, 21-25). Senior Hannah Bueler had a team-high 10 kills in the loss. Junior Morgan Allen (five aces), sophomore Elicia Armenta (16 digs), and sophomore Brie Cathcart (15 assists) were the Broncos’ other statistical leaders against the Eagles. Bueler, junior Kayla Wieserman, and formerLedgerAthlete of the Week Alexis Marciniak tied for a team-high four blocks in the match. Upcoming schedule: Oct. 8 vs. San Luis (6 p.m.) and Oct. 13 vs. Tempe Prep (5 p.m.).
Football– The Broncos remained winless after a 24 – 14 loss at Corona del Sol. After trailing 7 – 0 in the first quarter, the Broncos took a 14 – 10 after quarterback Shavez Hawkins connected with receiver Keaton Badger on a 34-yard touchdown pass and catch. Hawkins earlier scored on a 44-yd touchdown run for the Broncos first score. But the Aztecs regained the lead with less than a minute left in the half on a flee-flicker-type play to go up 17 – 14. CDS closed out the scoring with a fourth-quarter touchdown. The Broncos play at Canyon del Oro this Friday. The Dorados are 1 – 5 so far this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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