SanTan FAMILY FUN
“An award-winning publication”
Scouting benefits boys and girls in a plethora of ways
Pages 2-4
SanTan Family Fun Calendar
Page 10
Chandler celebrates Native American Heritage
Page 11
Hamilton students competing at State Fair
Page 12
Sponsored by City of Chandler Recreation Division
By Alison Stanton
Stephanie Jarnagan joined the Girl Scouts when she was a third grader growing up in Chandler. She stayed with the organization through high school, where she won a Gold Award for producing a newsletter for high school and junior high students that focused on service project opportunities for teens.
Pages 5-9
Gridiron Update
Jarnagan loved her experience with scouting so much, she is now leader of Girl Scout Troop 951 in Chandler, as well as a service team member in the Ocotillo neighborhood. Her daughter, 10-year-old Kayden, began scouting in kindergarten as a Daisy Girl Scout and is now in her mom’s troop.
“I can’t speak highly enough about my experience as a girl and it’s the prime reason I am so passionate about being an active leader now,” Jarnagan says.
Although boys and girls can typically join the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts at any time of the year, many troops are actively recruiting right now. Schools often post signs about upcoming troop meetings that parents can attend with their kids to learn more about the program.
To get involved in Girl Scouting, Jarnagan says, parents can also enroll their daughters through the local Council website, www.girlscoutsaz.org. A Girl Scout membership costs $15 a year, but dues can vary from troop to troop, depending on how active they are.
Boys who would like to join the scouts can learn more by visiting www.beascout.scouting.org.
Creating the newsletter in high school fostered Jarnagan’s interest in journalism, she says, and eventually led her to a full-
ride scholarship to ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“I also earned a college scholarship through Girl Scouts for receiving my Gold Award,” she says.
Now that she’s a troop leader, Jarnagan says she loves watching Kayden and the other girls in her troop experience the many up sides of scouting.
“One of my favorite benefits of Girl Scouting, particularly in the elementary
school years, is how we’re able to instill confidence in girls,” she says, One of the girls in Troop 951 was very shy when she started in kindergarten, Jarnagan recalls.
“She rarely spoke, hated being called on and despised photos. Since our troop is a safe place for girls to be themselves and we’ve forged an incredible sense of camaraderie within my troop, she has blossomed into one of the most kind, funny and respectful young women in
TASTY TOUR: Girl Scout Troop 951 recently toured Menchie’s frozen yogurt in South Chandler and learned how the delicious cool treats are made and what kind of tasks the employees complete every day. Submitted photo
SERVING OTHERS: Junior Girl Scout Troop 951 recently collected more than 3,000 books from other local Girl Scout troops as part of their Mission Bookworm children’s book drive in support of Cops ‘N Kids Chandler. Submitted photo
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Arizona Railway Museum, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Arizona Railway Museum was founded and incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit, educational and historical organization. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler. Display yard and building free; display cars $2 to $5. (480) 833-4353, (480) 831-6520, www.azrymuseum.org.
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Meet the Creature! 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Registration required. Children ages 2 to 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Veterans Oasis Park’s
Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
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The Teen Scene, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop, or just munch on some snacks. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
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Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
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Family Storytime, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The whole family is welcome for this storytime featuring favorite stories and songs. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
7 LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come to the LEGO Club and let your imaginations take flight. The library supplies the LEGO and you supply the creativity. Ages 5 to 12. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model
Build, 5 p.m. Visit the Chandler LEGO store on the first Tuesday of the month to learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home—for free. One free per child ages 6 to 14. LEGO Store Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/ chandler-fashion-center.
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Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
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Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Family fun the third Thursday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2730, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
Rhythm and Rhyme, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the group for an exciting time with singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 0 to 5. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
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Kids Club, powered by National Geographic Kids, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Chandler Fashion Center teams up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Chandler Fashion Center, in the Gap wing near the Food Court, 3111 W Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Free. (480) 812-8488,
www.ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com/ KidsClub/.
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LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO, you supply the imagination. Ages 5 to 12. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
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Chandler Indian Art Market, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A weekend event filled with entertainment, food and authentic Native American art. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.chandleraz.gov/indianaz.
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Friday Feeding Frenzy! 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the EEC staff on the first and third Friday of each month for a live animal feeding. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
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Little Explorers for Kids, 9 a.m. From lizards and snakes, to skunks and bobcats, kids will learn how to ask the right questions to help them ID their critter. SanTan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle. www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
Read to Dogs, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Following Doggy Storytime, read to dogs. For children ages 3 through 11. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
“Star Wars” Reads Day, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come join Hamilton Branch celebrate “Star Wars” Reads Day. Dress up in your best “Star Wars” costumes and join in on the fun. Performers in “Star Wars” costumes will read and pose for pictures. GameStop will be there to play “Stars Wars” games and Firehouse Subs will be on site serving “Wookie” Bites and Cookie Shippers. Swing by the program room to play with the LEGOs
and build a “Star Wars”-inspired creation. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. www.chandlerlibrary.org.
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Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
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Sonoran Sunset Series, 6 to 7 p.m.
Visit the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park for this free lakeside entertainment series, good for the whole family. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
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Downtown Chandler Zombie
Art Walk, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Zombies take over downtown Chandler for an evening at the downtown Chandler Zombie Art Walk. Come dressed in your best zombie garb, or get your face painted at the event. There will be all the usual Chandler Art Walk artists on display, but you may find some creepy additions to their supply.
3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.chandlerartwalk.com.
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Bugology, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Explore the world of insects and arachnids. Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
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Play-Well TEKnologies-Jedi
Engineering Using LEGO, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students explore concepts in physics, architecture, mechanical and structural engineering, from Gear Cars to Battletracks. The engineer-designed curriculum challenges new and returning students to reach higher levels of engineering comprehension while having fun.
Ages 8 to 12. Snedigar Recreation Center, room 517, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. Instructor fee: $25; Fee $7 to $12. (480) 782-2640, https://classregistration.chandleraz.gov/ registrationmain.sdi.
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Bugology, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There are believed to be between 6 and 10 million species of bugs. Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
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Food Day at Chandler Farmers Market, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join the Chandler Farmers Market in celebrating Food Day, a nationwide celebration of a movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. The Chandler Farmers Market will celebrate the East Valley Food Day by having kids crafts, live music, educational components, a proclamation from Councilman Rick Heumann and more. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.downtownchandler.org.
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Meet the Creature! 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. In this interactive program, children will see animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Registration required. Children ages 2-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
Pumpkin Dunk¸ 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join the lifeguard staff as the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center is transformed into a floating pumpkin patch. The water will be heated, so don’t be afraid. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., Chandler. $1 to $2.25. (480) 782-2635, www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics.
See Calendar, Page 4
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From Page 3Scouts, From Page 1
Harvest Party, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks, enter names in a free raffle and watch the kids as they play carnival games. Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 899-7255, www.hopecov.com.
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“Frozen” Fun, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Is your little one in love with the movie “Frozen”? Discover what special powers make your little Elsa unique and special in every way. Ages 7 to 10. Snedigar Recreation Center, room 502, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $30 instructor fee; Fee: $8 to $11. (480) 782-2640, https://classregistration.chandleraz.gov/ registrationmain.sdi.
Shape Up Arizona! Mayor’s Day of Play, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spend the morning at Tumbleweed Park as health, wellness and fitness is promoted for kids of all ages. Free activities will get the kids playing and their minds active, while parents can explore the various booths on health, wellness and fitness. Day of Play will feature a variety of fun activities organized by many of the nonprofit organizations, businesses and municipal divisions serving the community. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. www.chandleraz.gov/dayofplay.
Fall Rhythm Fest, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Some of the Valley’s hottest bands will entertain and vendors will offer
a variety of tasty food and beverages. In addition, there will be interactive amusements for children, along with music contests for all ages. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. www.chandleraz.gov/rhythmfest.
31 Halloween Spooktacular, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All ghosts, goblins, ghouls, creatures, characters and superheroes are invited to enjoy an evening of safe, family fun. There will be food, games, arts and crafts, costume contests, souvenir photos and a haunted house. Games include pumpkin bowling, cupcake walks, alien autopsy and more. Downtown Library Plaza and Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. www.chandleraz.gov/spooktacular.
Trick or Treat at the LEGO Store, all day. Visit the LEGO Store in your Halloween costume and receive a special LEGO treat. Offer valid only at the LEGO Store on Oct. 31, while supplies last. LEGO Store Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/ stores/us/chandler-fashion-center.
my troop and never hesitates to participate in our activities.”
Jarnagan says she also feels that being involved in scouting can help kids build friendships that will last a lifetime.
“These girls will go into the tough junior high and high school grades with a network of support from their fellow troop members, which will hopefully enable them to stand up to peer pressure, bullying and other difficult situations.”
And, just like she got to take part in a variety of memorable experiences, Jarnagan says she loves the opportunities that scouting provides.
“Last year, my fourth-grade junior troop got to work with engineering students at ASU to build wagons used in our cookie sale,” Jarnagan says.
“We also went to Posh Restaurant in Scottsdale where the chef and restaurateur Josh Hebert taught the girls how to make Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches. And we completed a service project at Friends for Life Animal Shelter in Gilbert, installing new flooring and using part of our cookie proceeds to cover the cost of the project.”
Theresa Motes says she has had the pleasure of watching several of her children participate in scouting. In addition to her 10-year-old daughter, Daisy, who is also in Troop 951, three of her sons have participated in the Boy Scouts of America.
Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have helped the Chandler mom’s children learn about important character traits and make new friends, she says.
“They have been able to recognize through Scouts, that as individuals, we are responsible for taking care of our community,” she says.
“I have seen every one of my children be blessed with lasting friendships through Scouts; friendships that have been founded in their joint effort to serve others.”
Motes says Daisy, who began as a Daisy Girl Scout in kindergarten, loves the way she and her friends have been able to make a positive impact on the community.
“Daisy has blossomed into a confident young lady and has been enriched by the powerful Girl Scout promise that she holds in her heart,” Motes says.
“I truly wish every girl had a chance to experience Girl Scouts because it fosters leadership skills, builds character and encourages independent thinking,” Jarnagan says.
“The doors that scouting opens to students are amazing and the experience can truly shape their lives.”
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
Additional Resources
Websites
• www.girlscouts.org
• www.scouting.org
Books
• “Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History,” by Chuck Wills
• “The Girl Scouts Their History and Practice,” by Girl Scouts of the United States of America
The Gridiron Update
By Seth Cox
When the high school gridiron season began, there was little question that the SanTan Sun News area would produce some high-quality football. Through five games of the season, no one could have expected to see all five schools with winning records and playoff aspirations.
Chandler High School has shown it has the offensive fire power to compete with any team in the state and its high-octane attack has them primed for another deep playoff run.
Basha High School needed to replace a ton of experience on offense, but a surprising sophomore has shown himself very capable and a first-time head coach is putting his team in a position to get to the playoffs.
No team is as synonymous with success as the Hamilton Huskies and the questions they had to start the year are now gone with an undefeated streak.
No team has surprised as much as the Perry High School Pumas, as they retained their senior quarterback. That experience has led them to a great start, and possibly a playoff berth.
While they are the lone Division IV School in the SanTan Sun News area, the Seton Catholic Prep Sentinels may be the best, as they have made a statement that last year’s semifinal loss is behind them. Nothing but a state championship will do in 2014.
The SanTan Sun News coverage area boasts the most competitive region of high school football in Arizona. October will be nothing short of amazing football to watch.
Chandler Wolves
After a thrilling 28-24 victory to open the season, the Wolves made their way home and dominated the Buena Colts.
Game two of the season saw the Wolves turn the jets on early and blow out visiting Buena (Sierra Vista) 56-10, doing so with mostly their backups and young players. The Wolves ran for 438 yards and seven touchdowns on the evening. The Wolves’ biggame quarterback, Bryce Perkins threw only three passes on the evening, one for a touchdown, as the Wolves made quick work of Buena.
Game three of the season saw the Wolves make a trip north to Colorado to take on perennial Colorado football power Valor Christian. It was a highly anticipated match up, and Perkins was in top form as he threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Wolves to a 22-7 win over the top-ranked team in Colorado.
Running back Chase Lucas continued to dominate, as he ran for 114 yards, and the Wolves receiving core came up big as senior Justin Jan caught nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, while fellow senior N’Keal Harry caught four passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns.
It was the Wolves’ defense that stole the show though, as they held Valor Christian to only 228 yards of total offense and no points until the fourth quarter.
It was one of the most impressive performances by the Wolves’ defense. It shows they can be a team to be reckoned with.
Game four of the Wolves’ season saw what could be a potential state championship preview, as the Wolves met up with the Mountain Pointe Pride in a highly anticipated match up and came up a little short in a 45-42 defeat.
The Wolves’ offense was firing on all cylinders, as Perkins threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns and ran the ball 10 times for an additional 50 yards.
Jan caught two more touchdown passes, as Harry and Micah Reed-Campos each caught a touchdown pass, as well.
Lucas added 106 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground, but the powerful Pride rushing attack overwhelmed the Wolves’ defense in the end.
Chandler High School
Head coach: Shaun Aguano
350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler www.chandlerwolvesfootball.com
2014 record: 4-1
Basha Bears
The Bears started the 2014 season with a bang, beating Desert Vista in week one before taking on Division II power house Centennial.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Kelley is making the Basha Bears transition from the Zach Werlinger era much more manageable than many expected. That showed in the Bears’ week-two win over the Coyotes 31-21.
Kelley threw for 394 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to junior wide receiver Hunter Dean-Gibson and one each to seniors Doc O’Connor and Jared Schmidt.
Defensively the Bears were led by Lance Johnson, who had an interception and a fumble recovery as the Bears were able to hold off a powerful Coyotes offense.
Week three of the season saw the Bears turn on the offensive fire power as they routed Laveen Caesar Chavez 55-12.
Kelley threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more, as the sophomore quarterback continues to mature.
It was not easy, as Caesar Chavez scored early and kept it close in the first half, as the Bears only lead 21-12 at half time.
The second half saw the Bears come out and not just gain control, but completely dominate, as Basha scored 34 third quarter points, including an interception return by defensive back Austin Williams and a fumble return by defensive end Maison Ardens.
The 3-0 start to the season will be important as the Bears have hit a bit of a rough spot the last two weeks.
Kelley struggled in game four, a 42-24 loss to Pinnacle, throwing for only 194 yards on 42 attempts and one touchdown and an interception. The Bears’ offense was stagnant most of the night, outside of running back Zack Reed, who had 89 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears struggled to stop the Pioneers’ running game as Pinnacle rolled up 234 yards and four touchdowns.
Week five was a better performance, but the Bears still found themselves on the wrong side of a second half comeback, losing 45-35 to Westview.
Basha rushed out to an early 21-7 lead, but were outscored from the second quarter on 38 to 14, including being held scoreless in the second half.
Kelley and the Bears started fast, as the sophomore threw two touchdowns to Dean-Gibson and the Bears raced out to a 14-0 lead, but that would not last for long.
Westview unleashed its not-so-secret weapon of Jalen Johnson, who ran for an astonishing 275 yards and four touchdowns. Tyler Vasko ran for 136 yards and a touchdown, as the Bears gave up 410 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, leading Westview to the win.
Basha High School
Head coach: Gerald Todd
5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler www.bashabearsfootball.com 2014 record: 3-2
Hamilton Huskies
When the season started many wondered where the Hamilton Huskies stood amongst the high school elite t alents. After five weeks, the answer is where they always are—at the top.
Hamilton started the season with an impressive 43-7 win over Sandra Day O’Connor and carried the momentum into a week two thrashing of Brophy College Prep.
Senior quarterback James Sosinski led a balanced offensive attack as he threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns and while the Huskies used a running back by committee rushing attack to run for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
It was Kyeler Burke who was the big-play weapon for the Huskies, as he caught five passes for 152 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 46 yards on only five carries.
The Huskies’ defense may have given up some big yardage, but they were stingy with the points again, as Caleb Peart and company held the Broncos without a touchdown.
Game three of the season saw the Huskies receive their first real test of the season, and they answered it, holding off a furious Pinnacle second half rally, and winning 37-35 on a late field goal.
Hamilton jumped out to an early 26-7 lead in the first half, led by two James Sosinski passing touchdowns and one touchdown pass by back up junior Travis Lockhart as the Huskies passed for 322 yards and three
touchdowns on the night.
Brandon Krcilek and Burke each had nine catches on the night, but none bigger than a miracle heave by Sosinski to Burke on a fourth and 19 play on the Huskies final drive of the night. That led to a Dylan Brown 29-yard game-winning field goal.
Game four for the Huskies brought back their dominating defense in a 21-0 shutout over Liberty High School from Henderson, Nevada.
Sosinski not only threw another touchdown pass, but also caught a 5-yard touchdown pass thrown by receiver Krcilek, as the Huskies made things hard on the visiting Liberty Patriots all night long.
The Huskies defense intercepted two Liberty passes, and held the Patriots rushing attack down all night, in what proved to be an important tune up for their next opponent.
In their fifth game of the season, the Hamilton Huskies looked to get a measure of revenge on the defending state champions Mountain Pointe Pride.
They did so by using a smothering and physical defense, holding the Pride offense to only 10 points in a 30-10 “upset” over the previously unbeaten Pride.
HIGH TECH TEETH
The Huskies’ offense relied heavily on the passing game, as they were held to minus 24 yards on the evening, but Sosinski and the offense seemed up to the task, throwing two touchdowns and getting huge contributions from their special teams as they blocked two punts, one leading a to a short one yard Rico Tipton touchdown run and the other being returned for a touchdown.
After their win, the Huskies have reclaimed their place as the top dog in Arizona high school football, before their battle with Chandler on Oct. 2.
Hamilton High School
Head coach: Steve Belles
3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler www.hamiltonhuskies.com
2014 record: 5-0
Perry
Pumas
SPONSORED BY: SCORPION CROSSFIT
Game two of the season saw the Pumas fall to the O’Connor High School Eagles 14-13 after Perry fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter, and could not finish their late rally off.
Quarterback Austin Nightingale struggled throughout the first half, completing only four passes and throwing two interceptions, but found a rhythm in the second half throwing two touchdowns and leading the Pumas down to the Eagles 21 before getting stopped on fourth down.
The Pumas got back on the winning track in game three, pummeling visiting Gila Ridge on Homecoming 61-9.
Nightingale was a house of fire, throwing for three touchdowns and 207 yards while running for two additional scores and 132 yards as the Pumas used a potent offense and smothering defense to dominate Gila Ridge all evening.
The Pumas were able to hold down the Gila Ridge offense, as they gave up only 258 yards in the game and intercepting the Gila Ridge quarterback twice.
Game four would prove to be another heartbreaker as the Pumas fell on a late field goal to
the visiting Mountain View Toros 16-14.
The Pumas defense did all it could in the game holding the Toros down to just over 200 yards of offense and keeping not giving up any touchdowns, but three Mountain View field goals and a punt return for a touchdown proved to be the difference in the game.
Perry was heavily penalized in the game, getting flagged for 17 penalties on the evening, which kept its offense stagnant all night long as they were kept under 200 yards of total offense in the game.
Senior Anthony Sheffield scored his first touchdown of the season, a 13-yard reception from Nightingale, but the Pumas struggled all evening to get anything going.
Perry though, continues to fight for a chance at the playoffs and had a thoroughly dominating performance against the Mountain Ridge Mountain Lions in a 28-14 win.
Perry’s defense is keeping teams on notice, as
it again held down an opposition while also scoring two touchdowns on interception returns, before surrendering 14 fourth quarter points to make the game slightly closer.
Perry’s offense again struggled to get on track, as the Pumas relied more on the running game behind Sheffield, Nightingale and fellow senior Brock Heffron, as the trio combined for 174 yards rushing to get the Pumas to 3-2 and keep them on the cusp of playoff contention.
Perry High School
Head coach: Preston Jones
1919 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert
www.phsfb.com
2014 record: 3-2
While the Division I schools get most of the publicity, there may not be a better high school team in Arizona right now than the Seton Catholic Sentinels.
In game two it was the “Zach Wade Show” early, as the Sentinels raced out to a 43-13 halftime lead and ended up winning 59-27.
Senior quarterback Wade threw three touchdowns and ran for one while senior running back Antonio Campanella continues to show why he is one of the best running backs in Arizona, finishing with 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Game three of the season saw the closest game to date for the Sentinels, as they raced out to an early 20-14 lead and held on for a 23-14 win over Snowflake.
Wade threw two more touchdown passes, both to senior receiver George Wolter and Campanella was again unstoppable, rushing for 132 yards and another touchdown.
It was back to dominating their opponent in week four, as the Sentinels rolled over visiting Cortez 55-0.
Wade finished the evening with two more touchdown passes and two rushing
HAMILTON:
Aug. 22at O'Connor 43-7 (w)
Sept. 5at Brophy Prep 41-6 (w)
Sept. 12at Pinnacle 37-35 (w)
Sept. 19Liberty ★ 21-0 (w)
Sept. 26Mountain Pointe 30-10 (w)
Oct. 2Chandler
Oct. 10at Basha
Oct. 17at Gilbert
Oct. 24at Highland
Oct. 31Perry
touchdowns, while workhorse running back Antonio Campanella had an easy night, only running the ball six times, but gaining 168 yards and scoring three touchdowns as the Sentinels were able to play their backups for much of the evening.
The Sentinels defense not only pitched a shutout, but also created three turnovers on the evening, as Manny Estrella and Brandon Garcia each had an interception while Patrick Larsen recovered a fumble caused by senior Zach Fulmer.
Week five of the season would be much of the same for the Sentinels, as they crushed host Coronado 61-0.
Wade threw four touchdowns in his limited work and Antonio Campanella ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 55 yards and two more touchdowns.
Junior Matthew Bresnahan had his best game of his young career, running the ball only
three times, but gaining 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns as well.
Defensively, Fulmer intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown while senior defensive back Dominic Johnson also intercepted a Coronado pass.
The Sentinels have put together one of the best starts to the season in the Arizona high school ranks, and are the clear favorites in Division IV through the start of the 2014 season.
Seton Catholic Preparatory High School
Head coach: Rex Bowser 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler www.setoncatholic.org/athletics/football.cfm 2014 record: 5-0
HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
SETON:
Aug. 21Globe (scrimmage, score N/A)
Aug. 29Estrella Foothills 35-24 (w)
Sept. 5at Maricopa 59-27 (w)
Sept. 12at Snowflake 23-14 (w)
Sept. 19Cortez 55-0 (w)
Sept. 26at Coronado 61-0 (w)
Oct. 3Florence ★
Oct. 10at Coolidge
Oct. 17Combs
Oct. 24at Chino Valley
Oct. 31Rio Rico
CHANDLER:
Aug. 29at Centennial 28-24 (w)
Sept. 5Buena 56-10 (w)
Sept. 12at Valor Christian 22-7 (w)
Sept. 19at Mountain Pointe 20-7 (l)
Sept. 26Cesar Chavez ★ 49-6 (w)
Oct. 2at Hamilton
Oct. 10at Gilbert
Oct. 17at Perry
Oct. 24at Basha
Oct. 31Highland
PERRY:
Aug. 29Sunnyside 53-18 (w)
Sept. 5at O’Connor 14-13 (l)
Sept. 12Gila Ridge ★ 20-6 (w)
Sept. 19Mountain View 16-14 (l)
Sept. 26Mountain Ridge 28-14 (w)
Oct. 2at Basha
Oct. 10at Highland
Oct. 17Chandler
Oct. 24at Gilbert
Oct. 31at Hamilton
BASHA:
Aug. 29at Desert Vista 31-23 (w)
Sept. 5Centennial ★ 31-21 (w)
Sept. 12at Cesar Chavez 55-12 (w)
Sept. 19at Pinnacle 45-35 (l)
Sept. 25at Westview 45-35 (l)
Oct. 2Perry
Oct. 10Hamilton
Oct. 17at Highland
Oct. 24Chandler
Oct. 31at Gilbert
Chandler celebrates Native American heritage
By Meghan McCoy
Chandler residents will honor Native Americans’ heritage once again at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown.
Native American Recognition Days’ free outdoor market is from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11; and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.
“They should come out to enjoy great weather, traditional Native American cuisine and a variety of art from different Native American tribes throughout the Southwest,” says Niki Tapia, Chandler’s community resource coordinator.
About 30 vendors participate in the market each year to provide a variety of items, such as art, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, photography and pottery.
“The craftsmanship is amazing,” Tapia says.
Entertainment, including hoop dancers, is scheduled every day. The Maldonados, who make their own instruments, will also partake.
The 5-year-old event is held in partnership with Miss Indian Arizona Association. Its pageant participants will introduce themselves at 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.
Tapia says the participants will share information about their tribes.
The Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program began in 1961 and was held at numerous locations before coming to the Phoenix area in 2000. Executive Director of Miss Indian Arizona Association Denise Homer says this is the 10th year the program has worked with the City of Chandler.
Last year, Miss Indian Arizona attracted 11 participants and this year young women, ranging in age from 17 to 24, will participate.
The program, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, is open to the public. Tickets are $10.
Homer says the pageant is great for those who are interested in the Arizona Indian Native people and what they are doing on their reservations.
“My favorite part is the girls do perform an opening number to a contemporary number,” Homer said. “They usually dance to the song.”
She says another highlight is when tribal leaders escort the participants onto the stage during the eveningwear portion of the
program. There is also a talent segment of the program, which Homer explains, may include a traditional talent revealing something about the contestants’ tribes.
“It’s usually a song in their language or a skit that points out different things of
their tradition,” she says. “They get very creative.”
Meghan McCoy is the Business and Neighbors editor for the SanTan News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
MARKET: The free outdoor market will feature more than 30 vendors at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Submitted photo
Hamilton students competing at State Fair
By Tracy House
Celebrating 130 years of bringing family fun to the Valley, the Arizona State Fair is gearing up for nearly a month of games, rides and entertainment. Included in the annual event are art competitions and entries from around the Valley, and Chandler’s Hamilton High School is entering student work and showing off Scrappy, a robot that educates students about recycling.
Photography Entries
Heather Hackett, Hamilton’s Career and Technical Education photo imaging instructor, has entered 16 of her students’ work into the 2014 photography competition. Students choose a category to compete in: landscape, portrait, black and white, photojournalism, color, nature or architecture.
This is the fourth year Hackett has been teaching at Hamilton and she’s entered student work each year. Last year, 12 students entered the competition—nine were winners and, of those, five received best of show. Photos from last year are on display at the Chandler Unified School District’s office.
“It’s probably one of the biggest competitions we do. Hamilton, as a whole, is very successful at it. We have a lot of winners. We are very successful with our State Fair entries,” Hackett explains.
“I do it a little different than the other teachers,” she explains. “We critique the work and it’s the best images from our critiques, so it’s not every kid. They have to be selected by their classmates first. We pick the best from our class to represent us and those are the ones that we send.”
Hackett’s student entries are from sophomores and juniors in her photography I class. “We feel like if we have a winner, it’s a winner for our whole class.”
Scrappy 2.0
Hamilton’s Robotics Club is sending Scrappy to the Arizona State Fair.
Based on the robot in the 1980s movie, “Short Circuit,” Scrappy was originally used by Chandler Waste Management to educate kids about recycling, but got too old to use. Brian Roach, Hamilton’s Robotics Club coach, and physics and engineering teacher, says, “It got to the point it wouldn’t work anymore. It was too big for any one person to take around. So they brought it to me to redesign it to make it more user friendly and still had the ability to do what it had done before, which was to get kids excited about recycling.”
It’s taken two years to get Scrappy ready, Roach explains. “The first group spent a lot of time designing the idea of what he’d be like. And then this year’s group is putting the big picture together, assembling the shape, collecting the parts.”
Using plastic bin covers, old motors and other parts from the Chandler Recycling Center, Roach says Scrappy “truly is a recycled robot.” Roach and his students are calling this new improved version Scrappy 2.0.
Scrappy has a remote control and is shaped like Wall-e from the Disney movie of the same name, Roach says. “He drives around, he moves his arms as he goes. He has LED lights that flash. He has a DVD player inside him” so he’s able to show videos.
Scrappy will demonstrate his talents on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the fair.
“We’re also bringing some of our competition robots to the State Fair for some demo time,” Roach says.
The Robotics Club is an afterschool team that builds robots for national competitions, which are usually held second semester. During the first semester of school, Roach
explains, students work on projects like Scrappy. “Whatever is interesting and available.” Thirty-four kids are part of the HHS club; 22 junior varsity and 16 varsity students.
The Arizona State Fair is held Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 10, through Nov. 2, at 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. Midway and grounds closure times vary by day. For more information visit, www.azstatefair.com.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
PHOTO ENTRY: Andrew Zundel, a 10th grader at Hamilton High School, holds his entry for the 2014 Arizona State Fair photography competition. Photo courtesy of Heather Hackett
