In the world of football, facing a team for the second time can be a challenge. That’s the situation coach Marlon Barnett and Arbor View find themselves in as they prepare to take on Coronado in the Class 5A Division I state semifinals.
Arbor View, the second seed with a record of 9-1, dominated Basic with a score of 48-0 in the state quarterfinals. Their upcoming opponent, Coronado, the third seed with a record of 7-4, secured a 51-15 victory against Desert Pines in their quarterfinal match. The two teams previously met in the regular season, with Arbor View pulling off a 28-21 comeback win over Coronado on September 27.
Coach Barnett acknowledges the challenge of facing a team like Coronado again, knowing that they will make adjustments. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, focus, and execution at an elite level to overcome any adversities that may arise during the game.
The winner of the upcoming game between Arbor View and Coronado will advance to the state title game on November 26 at Allegiant Stadium. This season has been a successful one for Arbor View, establishing themselves as the second-best team in the state behind Bishop Gorman. They secured the No. 2 seed in the state playoffs and the opportunity to host a state semifinal by defeating Liberty 31-28 on October 24.
Looking ahead to the rematch with Coronado, Coach Barnett highlights the need to minimize penalties and turnovers, which were key factors in their previous close games. He commends his team for their resilience and fighting spirit, especially in their game against Bishop Gorman, where they continued to compete despite the odds.
In other divisions, teams like Shadow Ridge, Faith Lutheran, Centennial, and Desert Oasis are gearing up for their respective league finals, with the hopes of advancing to the state title games. Each team is focused on fine-tuning their strategies and minimizing errors to secure victory in their upcoming matches.
As the football season progresses, the competition intensifies, and teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. The road to the state championships is paved with challenges, but these teams are determined to give it their all and leave a mark on the field. The upcoming games promise to be full of excitement, drama, and intense competition as the teams battle it out for a shot at glory.
