On Jan. 22, Priest Willis slipped on a pair of powder blue football gloves, aligned his hands in the sign of a “U” and confirmed to the college football world what everyone long suspected: He was verbally committing to UCLA.

The signature play of Matt Guida’s astounding junior season looked like a split-second decision, but was actually days in the making.

It wasn’t hard to choose last year’s Tribune Player of the Year, as Saguaro running back D.J. Foster broke several state records, ran for 508 yards and 10 touchdowns in one game and led the Sabercats to the Division III state title.

It was another memorable football postseason, as Hamilton assumed its familiar place atop Division I, while Queen Creek and Seton Catholic also won championships.

Area football players were snubbed on the All-Arizona team voted on by the football coaches association.

Brian Fleming has had a quite a run.

Now that schools are allowed to appeal up and down a division in high school sports in Arizona, even when we get answers it often leads to more questions.

When Tim Thies reflects back to the 2009 season an undeniable smirk comes across his face as if he is a proud father of five.

Jarek Hilgers heard three different totals, but he didn’t seem to care anyway.

From a cracked skull to cracking open the record books.

The speculation heading into the Desert Vista Saguaro game last year was whether or not the Sabercats were going to be able to hang with the Thunder for a full 48 minutes.

Halfway through, really?

After winning the Division l state championship Desert Vista knew it was not going to be able to sneak up on anybody this year.

Desert Vista’s start to the football season is similar to a Ferrari owner suddenly using a low-grade gasoline after only putting high octane fuel in the tank since taking it off the lot.

Desert Vista had something special from the start last season.

The name couldn’t be more apropos.

Saguaro running back D.J. Foster and Chaparral wide receiver Davonte Neal ran wild on opposing defenses last year, putting up eye-popping numbers and leading their teams to state championships.

Saguaro running back D.J. Foster and Chaparral wide receiver Davonte Neal ran wild on opposing defenses last year, putting up eye-popping numbers and leading their teams to state championships.

(Editor’s note: This is the final in a four-part series that takes a look into the proposed 50-mile transfer rule).

(Editor’s note: This is the second in a four-part series that takes a look into the proposed 50-mile transfer rule).

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a four-part series that takes a look into the proposed 50-mile transfer rule).

The state’s high school football schedules were released Friday, so it’s time to take a look at some of the most intriguing matchups of the fall.

The diagram is titled, “The shot that cleared the clock.”

The diagram is titled, “The shot that cleared the clock.”