Aztec update
Last non-region game critical for CoronaBy Brian Gomez
This week's game was supposed to serve as a final tune-up before region play begins for the Corona del Sol High School varsity football team, but it could end up being one of the most crucial games of the season.
After being trounced in consecutive weeks, the Aztecs (3-2) are faced with the dire need to come away with a win when they travel to Phoenix North Canyon (3-1) Friday at 7 p.m. Corona has fallen on hard times lately, suffering back-to-back losses against No. 3 Mesa Mountain View and No. 6 Peoria.
"We'll bounce back. I've got confidence in the kids," Corona head coach Gary Venturo said."We played better teams and didn't play very well. It was a combination of both."
Corona's defense has struggled lately, while its offense has become rather dormant. The Aztecs have given up 61 points in the past two games and have scored only eight points in the process.
The quarterback turntable employed by Venturo has continued to spin faster and faster as the season has progressed.Corona senior quarterbacks Craig Fugate and Scott Otero and junior Brett Nenaber all saw time behind center in the last two games. Otero will start this week against North Canyon.
The Aztecs have not only had trouble getting the job done on the ground, but have also had difficulty throwing the ball.Corona senior running back Truman Todd recorded the team's lone offensive score in the previous two outings with a 2-yard touchdown run last week against Peoria. Venturo's club has not sustained any major injuries and has remained relatively healthy thus far through the season.
The Rattlers have posted an average of 36.8 points per game this season. North Canyon's sole loss of the season came two weeks ago in a 36-22 defeat versus Ironwood.
"If we couldn't win, we couldn't get banged up. We outlasted those two tough teams, and we'll see what happens next," Venturo said.
North Canyon's offensive attack is centered around an explosive running game. The Rattlers have a pair of highly touted guards that head up their sturdy offensive line.
Corona will be facing a team that is capable of putting some points on the board.
"When you loose two games, you can't take anyone lightly. It doesn't matter who they are," Venturo said.
Recap
Corona's last two losses have to be attributed primarily to defensive breakdowns. The Aztecs gave up 418 yards of total offense two weeks ago in a 35-0 defeat at Mountain View. Corona relinquished 401 yards of total offense in last week's 28-6 loss at home against Peoria.
Central Region roundup
No. 5 Marcos de Niza (4-0) remained undefeated last week with a 21-16 victory over Gilbert Mesquite. Scott Flanagan had 10 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Padres. Marcos will try to continue its winning ways Friday at No. 7 Phoenix Camelback.
Desert Vista's Jason Parker rushed for a pair of touchdowns a week ago to propel the Thunder (3-2) to a 30-0 win over Phoenix St. Mary's. No. 8 Desert Vista will host Gilbert Highland on Friday.
Mountain Pointe's Rami Burbar ran for a touchdown and also threw one last week to lead the Pride (2-3) to a 23-7 victory against Phoenix Maryvale. Mountain Pointe will play Friday at Phoenix Alhambra.
Scottsdale Desert Mountain (1-4) celebrated its first Central region win last week with a 19-7 victory over Avondale Westview. The Wolves will host Kingman on Friday.
Up next
Corona will have a bye next Friday before beginning region play by hosting Marcos on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Reach Brian Gomez at brian.gomez@wranglernews.com.