Tanner Buck is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Saguaro High School for AZPreps365.com

Gilbert – The scoreboard does not perfectly tell the whole tale of the Saguaro Sabercats in their 45-28 loss to Williams Field today. 

The heart shown by head coach Darius Kelly’s squad in their game is more important than just winning for Saguaro football, its character. 

Head coach Darius Kelly was passionate about the effort that his squad has put into this year so far especially after the game. 

“I mean I can’t be more proud of them, they're working their tails off,” said Kelly.

The first half was back and forth as the Sabercats quarterback Marcel Jones lead the offense down the field with a rushing and passing touchdown trailing 14-21. 

Preparation in the bye week to coming into this week is what Marcel Jones found important that led to success in the beginning of the game. 

“Our coaches being on us in the bye week,” said Marcel Jones “We just wanted to play fast and play hard, I don’t think we did that all year but I think today we did a good job.”

Williams Field got even more ahead on the scoreboard in the third quarter  as running back Q Skillings dominated on the ground in tonight's game giving them a two score lead of 28-14. 

Saguaro answered right back with a quick drive as Jones found wide receiver Jaydon Wiseman in the corner of the endzone bringing back within one score. 

“It’s kind of just kind of what we worked in our bye week going into this game,” said Wiseman. “Keeping our energy high no matter who makes the play.” 

Williams Field on their next two drives established themselves in the running game scoring two more touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters making it 42-21 by the middle of the fourth with about 7 minutes left. 

Although down by three scores, Jones led an impressive three minute drive completing multiple passes and topping it off with a rushing touchdown making it his fourth tonight. 

“Extending the plays, being able to stretch the field, I mean it gives the defense something to think about when you have a quarterback who can also run the ball,” said Kelly. “He did a good job tonight.”

Saguaro recovered an onside kick but was unable to convert on fourth down by just inches on a pass from Jones to wide receiver Oliver Gibson. 

Williams Field took advantage of the opportunity to put the game away as the Sabercat defense allowed a 71-yard rushing touchdown to running back Courtland Courshawn Hill making it 49-28. 

With about just two minutes left in the fourth the Sabercat offense still battled, ending their last drive on a rushing touchdown from running back Xavier Jackson for one last touchdown with the final score of 49-34.  

Keeping spirits high, the seniors, especially Wiseman, kept the same energy for their team as they still cheered and celebrated for Jackson despite the game being out of reach. 

“Fought, that's really the gist of it,” said Wiseman. 

“Resilience” is the word Jones used to describe his squad so far this season. 

“Every week has been three points or seven points but no one ever quit on the team,” said Jones. 

Saguaro takes momentum from this game despite falling  to 2-6 to face a 4-4 Brophy Prep next week at home.