Defense put Gilbert High in a hole Tuesday, but courageous base running and offense dug the Tigers out of that trench and on to an eighth consecutive victory. Cassie Vela stole home on a delayed steal to plate the tie-breaking run and Elysia Mesa ripped a two-run double for insurance a bit later as Gilbert defeated Desert Ridge, 7-4, in a 5A-I non-region softball game at Gilbert. It was the first power-point game of the season for both schools.

Gilbert, Perry and Buchanan High, Calif., are the lone remaining unbeaten teams after the firt two days of pool play in the annual Lion Country Classic Softball Tournament at Red Mountain and Skyline high schools.

Defending 5A-I softball champion Red Mountain had a game to forget opening defense of its title on Wednesday in its annual tournament. So when the Mountain Lions got the chance to redeem themselves Thursday, they did so with a little assistance from Mesquite.

Desert Edge senior set two records in the state meet, considering possible Olympic bid in 2012.

Marvin Nevins was honored for 50 years of service at halftime of the football game on Friday night.

In Northern Arizona, the grass might not always be greener on the other side.