HIGH SCHOOL

ASU could host possible Saguaro vs. Centennial football game

Richard Obert
azcentral sports
Saguaro coach Jason Mohns raises the Div. III  state championship trophy after his team defeated the Williams Field on Nov. 29, 2014 at Sun Devil Stadium.

What happens when you put two good football minds -- Peoria Centennial Athletic Director Brett Palmer and Scottsdale Saguaro coach Jason Mohns -- together?

You work on scheduling a season opener against each other at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium. ASU isn't playing at home until Sept.12.

Centennial and Saguaro are hoping for Sun Devil Stadium with Cox 7 televising.

Palmer said other possible sites are Glendale Community College and Phoenix College.

But the neutral site is what both schools would like, before schools across the state lock into two-year scheduling blocks starting the 2016-17 school year.

This is a one-year scheduling block coming up for all schools.

"It would be great to have a marquee game played at Sun Devil Stadium to kick off the season, especially since the last time both teams played was on that same field," Mohns said.

Two days after Thanksgiving, Saguaro beat Gilbert Williams Field and Centennial defeated Peoria Liberty in a state-championship double-header at Sun Devil Stadium.

Centennial since has moved up from Division II to I, Saguaro from Division III to II.

Both teams are trying to secure two "freedom" games.

Scottsdale Chaparral has decided to travel to San Diego to play a top California team, Helix, instead of opening against rival Saguaro.

Centennial has eight of its 10 games scheduled so far with many teams saying no to the Coyotes.

Saguaro is saying yes, and that has the two communities excited.

It's a buzz that generates huge interest. This would be one of the top revenue games of the season not just because neither school has ever played each other in football, but because of the sheer talent that will be displayed on the field.

Both teams once again will be loaded with future Division I college players.

Saguaro has the top 2016 prospect (cornerback/receiver Byron Murphy) and the top 2017 prospect (offensive lineman Kayden Lyles) in the state.

Centennial has two of the state's top 2016 offensive linemen in Marshal Nathe and Steven Bailey and the No.5-rated sophomore player in the state, tight end/defensive end Andrew Nichols.