Fourth-seeded Salpointe Catholic has advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals, where theyll take on No. 1 Peoria Sunrise Mountain Friday at Glendale Ironwood High School.
The Star spoke with Chris Aguirre, the Lancers top defender and the Kino Region Defensive Player of the Year, and Washington-bound offensive lineman Matteo Mele.
Heres what they said:
What are you looking forward to most about playing top-seeded Sunrise Mountain?
Aguirre: Theyre faster than any team that weve played and its a Phoenix team Theres always something between the 做厙勛圖 and the Phoenix teams, so weve got to go out and make a statement against them.
Mele: They got a lot of publicity in being a good team and I think were a good team so Im looking forward to a game and most likely getting a win.
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What was it like being named Kino Region Defensive Player of the Year?
Aguirre: I have a great defensive line so they make it easy for me to get all of the tackles and its been a good year. Im happy.
Why did you commit to Washington as opposed to UA in your recruitment?
Mele: When I got up there for my first visit to Washington, of course its such a great program and I knew that before I got there. Everything clicked when I was there, the campus, the city of Seattle, the coaches, everyone so I couldnt not make that decision.
Whats it like blocking for Bijan Robinson, your star running back?
Mele: Its great. Bijan is one of those players where you can make a mistake and everyone will think you did your job well, because Bijan scores a touchdown. Hes so dynamic and explosive, its crazy.
What was it like setting the school record for most shutouts in a season?
Aguirre: Its special and its nice to have the record, but really what were going for is the state championship. It was nice to have the record and that looks good on our whole defense, but were not done yet. Were looking for a state championship.
