Tucson schools like their niche in 4A. Especially Canyon del Oro, Sabino and Cienega in 4A-I and Palo Verde, Amphitheater and Santa Rita in 4A-II.

With those schools leading the pack in the Old Pueblo, it makes for a nice mix and rivalry with valley area schools when it comes to state-title contention in those respective divisions. More of that competition is on the way in 2010 with powerful Saguaro (4A-I Desert Sky) and the trio of Williams Field, Notre Dame and Coronado from the 4A-II East Sky wanting more than a one-game postseason.

How do each of the southern regions in Tucson and east valley regions shape up? Here's a glance starting with 4A-I:

Canyon del Oro has stolen the thunder in recent years from Sabino with CDO the reigning 4A-I state champ and Sonoran Region champ. The Dorados are the favorite to repeat in both led by magical running back Ka'Deem Carey and Santa Rita transfer Blake Martinez (linebacker) plus a few key other players on both sides of the ball returning from last year.

Carey, a University of Arizona commitment, rushed for 2,738 yards and a whopping 43 touchdowns as a junior. Sabino had a hard time matching up with CDO when the teams met last year, but the Sabercats will give it a go led by quarterback Nathan Brooks. Sabino has more retooling to do than most of the top contenders so it will have to mature quickly.

The 4A-I Kino Region belongs to Cienega. The Bobcats are blessed with the return of quarterback Jordan Mills (2,009 yards passing, 22 TDs) and solid running back Willie Willis (1,502 yards rushing, 24 TDs). Cienega challenged CDO fiercely for a half in the 2009 semis before falling.

In the Valley, Saguaro had a bit of a down year, but is loaded in a bid to regain the 4A-I title from CDO. Diminutive quarterback Teddy Ruben is dangerous particularly running the ball. Saguaro is more experienced than last year and wants badly to regain its perch atop 4A-I. Apollo and Peoria from the west valley are teams to watch in the 4A-I scrum. 

4A-II

The team that gets the nod as 4A-II favorite is Cactus, from the west valley. Teams from Tucson and the east valley giving chase begin with Notre Dame, Williams Field, Palo Verde and perhaps Coronado.

Defense is the strong suit for Notre Dame with two-way D-I recruit Peter Igras the marquee player for the Saints. Lots of experience returns, including 18 starters. Teams in the same region as Notre Dame (East Sky) that hope to contend are Williams Field and Coronado. Both sport returning prolific quarterbacks in Tom Ross (1,669 yards, 17 TDs) and Alex Buya (1,220, 11), respectively.

Palo Verde (Gila Region) has been a 4A-II mainstay since 4A divided into two divisions five years ago. The Titans have won a state crown in that span (2005) and reached at least the quarters in every other year. Coaching changes at Palo Verde (Matt Willard replaces Todd Mayfield) and Santa Rita, (Harold Coleman replaces Jeff Scurran) will bear watching after the success of the programs the last two five years for Palo Verde and two for Santa Rita, both title-game visits). Outside of Tucson, the east valley and west valley power Cactus, a legitimate title contender is Mingus (Grand Canyon Region).