By Don Ketchum

Was that real, or was it just a desert mirage?

Did Scottsdale Chaparral’s Davonte Neal really rocket through the Phoenix Desert Vista defense for three touchdowns during a scrimmage at Desert Vista on Wednesday night (Aug. 10)?

It indeed was real, very real. And Chaparral opponents should be very afraid of what the Firebirds’ offense is capable of doing in 2011. The two-time Class 5A Division II champions’ defense isn’t bad, either.

The scrimmage wasn’t necessarily one-sided, however.

Desert Vista showed it is capable of challenging for a new Division I playoff spot under coach Dan Hinds. The Thunder open their season Aug. 19 (Friday) at home against Phoenix Maryvale, one day before Division II Chaparral takes on Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas as part of the Sollenberger Kickoff Classic double-header at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

Neal, The Arizona Republic’s Big School Player of the Year as a junior in 2010, has not committed to a college yet. But wherever he decides to go, he looks as if he could step in and play right away with little difficulty.

There is no defender in the state that can match the speed of the 5-foot-8, 175-pound Neal. He lined up wide and caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Texas-bound quarterback Connor Brewer on the Firebirds’ second play from scrimmage. Neal also played cornerback for a few series.

On his other two scoring receptions, of 56 and 47 yards, Neal lined up as a slot receiver, caught quick passes and sped away untouched. The three TDs came in the first 15 plays. Chaparral later scored a fourth, while Desert Vista had three, including two runs by Matt Smith.

“I was pleased with our “ones’’ (first unit),’’ said Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle. “The scrimmage was OK. It was about what we thought. We showed that we have a good starting 22. Now we need to find another group of guys who can step in and play when we need them, give us some depth.

“We need to keep working because in nine days, we’re going to be playing a heck of a football team (Gorman).’’

Neal isn’t the only factor on offense. Junior wideout Jake Roh looked good. Lucas Petrullo gave the team some balance with strong running between the tackles. And Cody Ippolito made the defensive play of the night when he separated the receiver from the ball with a big-time hit on a short pass over the middle.

Smith showed good quickness and agility on his runs for Desert Vista. Kaleb Germinaro will figure prominently as a speedy wide receiver. Left-handed quarterback Hunter Rodriguez showed maturity. And the Thunder have good size and strength up front, particularly on offense.

“The scrimmage was pretty positive for us,’’ Hinds said. “We got what we wanted to get out of it. It wasn’t about scoring touchdowns, it was about how well we were able to execute the offense. We did pretty well, but we also know we have a lot of work to do.’’