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SIERRA VISTA — Buena’s 2007 season was over almost as soon as it started.
In week one, the Colts welcomed Chandler Hamilton, not only a statewide power but one nationally celebrated.
The result was, as expected, not good for Buena. Lightning in the area allowed officials to call the game in the third quarter with the visitors leading 44-0.
The following week the Colts were blown out 47-6 at Mesa Dobson and by the time they began really playing, they found themselves down 21-0 at Gilbert. A 28-21 loss meant a morale-decimating 0-3 start and though the Colts had tremendous strength of schedule, there was simply no way they could crack the top 16 in power points.
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This year’s non-region schedule is once again difficult but not nearly so harrowing as last year’s as Basha replaces state runner-up Hamilton as Buena’s week one foe.
Basha finished last season with a 7-5 record and advanced to the second round of state by beating Dobson 40-33.
Buena also benefits by having two of its three non-region games at home as opposed to last season when it had to play beatable Gilbert and Dobson on the road and hosted Hamilton which they had no chance of beating at any venue.
“The way we approach it is anybody can beat anybody,” first-year head coach Kent Holland said. “We’re counting on playing our game and playing hard. The biggest thing for us is, give it all we’ve got.”
Buena opens the 5A Southern Region schedule with a game at Rincon, a team they ran roughshod over in a 41-20 win at Buena last season. After that, it’s a home contest with Ironwood Ridge. Last season against the Nighthawks the Colts played their finest defensive game of the season in a 21-14 loss.
The Colts’ final three games are games within the 5A Southern Division I. On Oct. 24 they visit Tucson High, a team they beat for the third consecutive year in 2007 34-26. Then, it’s back home against preseason region favorite Salpointe Catholic, a team they played very tough last season in a 28-18 road loss.
They close the season at Casa Grande, which they defeated 55-46 last season.
If Buena can win all three of those games, the Colts would head to state for the first time in 15 years as the 5A Southern Division I champions. A 2-1 finish that included a win over Salpointe would likely give them at least a share of the title.
“Everybody’s picking Salpointe as the front-runner,” Holland said. “But region is a ways away. Number one for us right now is to stay healthy, compete and win ballgames.”
BuenaFanSinceLastYear wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:16 AM: