Preview - #6 Nogales @ #3 Cactus
November 9, 2011 by Game Previews, AZPreps365
The Division III state playoffs continue Thursday night as the third-seeded Cactus Cobras host the sixth-seeded Nogales Apaches in quarterfinal action in Glendale. The Cobras cruised to a 33-6 rout of number-14 Desert Edge in the opening round last Friday, avenging last year’s playoff loss to the Scorpions. Cactus finished the regular season 8-and-1, with its lone setback to Scottsdale Saguaro. Cobra quarterback Michael Putko is coming off a huge game as the senior rushed for 190 yards and four touchdowns against Desert Edge.
Nogales started the season 7-and-0 before falling to Salpointe Catholic in Week 8. The Apaches finished 9-and-1 on the year and then posted a 42-14 victory over 11th-seeded Agua Fria last week in round one of the playoffs. Nogales is in the postseason for the third straight year, but this is the first time the team has made it past the opening round.
The winner of Thursday’s matchup will take on either second-seeded Liberty or number-seven Arcadia in the state semifinals on Saturday, November 19th. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
Thomas Jenkins