Fairfax Hosts Apollo In Key D-II Matchup
October 17, 2012 by Game Previews, AZPreps365
With just two games left in the regular season, playoff position is on the line as sixth-seeded Apollo travels to Laveen Friday night for a key Division II, Section I showdown against 14th-seed Betty H. Fairfax.
Fairfax head coach Kevin Belcher feels his team has to win this game in order to make the playoffs. "This is an obvious must win situation for the Stampede; we set some goals this season and the goal to make the state playoffs is still available. However we have a tough opponent in Apollo, which is extremely disciplined, athletic, and well coached."
Fairfax (6-2) had its six-game winning streak snapped with a 52-0 setback at Cesar Chavez (8-0) last week in the "Battle on Baseline." That dropped the Stampede four spots in the latest "aia365.com Seedings." Coach Belcher said it was a tough loss but his team has bounced back and is focused on Friday night's game. "While there is obvious disappointment in our loss to Chavez; our players have taken the time to reflect on improving our performance this week and have practiced extremely hard."
The Stampede's other loss was a season-opening setback at Millennium (6-2). Fairfax has outscored its opponents 273-115 this year, despite the lopsided score last week. With a win Friday and next week over Independence (0-8), the Stampede will most likely make the playoffs for the second time in just their fourth year of varsity football.
Deylan Jones looks to bounce back from his five interception performance against Chavez. The senior signal caller has thrown for 868 yards with 14 touchdowns, including 10 to Derron Brown, and seven picks this season. He's also ran for 129 yards and three scores on 43 carries.
The Hawks are riding high following their lone loss of the season to Centennial. Apollo (7-1) has won four straight, including a 31-14 home victory over Deer Valley last week. Even after giving up 70 points to Centennial, the Hawks have still outscored their opponents 337-150. Take that game out and they have a 317-80 advantage over the opposition.
Jordan Gungl is having a terrific junior season. He has thrown for 1,496 yards with 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season. Nico Bayless leads a balanced rushing attack with 559 yards and 10 TDs on 85 carries. As a unit, the Hawks have amassed 1,586 yards and 23 scores on the ground.
Apollo is trying to tie a school-record with its fourth straight trip to the playoffs. The Hawks have accomplished the feat just one other time in their 43-year history (1979-1982).
Jon Brown threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns plus ran for 85 yards and a score, as Apollo won the first ever meeting between the school's last year in Glendale, 34-7. Kickoff Friday in Laveen is set for 7pm.
By Thomas Jenkins
