TUCSON, Arizona — "High school definitely went by fast," said Sabino quarterback A.J. Skaggs.
After a strong junior season, Skaggs received two scholarship offers to play for Division 2 teams. Other schools said they wanted to see how he did this season for coach Ryan McBrayer.
"I mean, if he has half a season, he’s getting into elite status with the 5,000 yard passing club," said McBrayer.
The problem is that while teams in Phoenix and in other states are playing, Skaggs hasn’t even put on shoulder pads during practice. The AIA says 94% of scheduled games in other Arizona cities have not been COVID-19 postponed.
"These pictures on my phone are popping up from a year ago today when we were already five to six games into the season," said Skaggs.
It’s not just Skaggs. 85 students signed up this season with the hope of playing at the Saberdome.
"Not everyone is doing it for a scholarship," said McBrayer. "It’s that 48 minutes on a Friday night. They’ve put a lot of sweat, tears, and hours into this opportunity."
Schedules are set. The latest setback towards playing is that the Pima County Health Department has recommended no contact sports if COVID-19 cases exceed ten per 100,000 residents, a metric that will likely have to be eased up on.
"We’re just trying to get the overall green light," said McBrayer. "Not only from southern Arizona, but from the district as well."
TUSD has a board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
