Basha head coach Bernie Busken used to coach for Mountain View High School in Mesa. Corona del Sol's first year head coach Tom Joseph replaced Busken at Mountain View after he resigned following the 2001 season. Busken won three state tiles at Mountain View, and Joseph won one.

 

Back to the game Friday night, Basha is coming off a (9-2) campaign in 2010, but the season ended in disappointment for the Bears when they lost in the first round of the 5A-I playoffs to Gilbert. Basha won the 5A Central Region last year after going undefeated against regional opponents. There is a strong returning presence on offense for the Bears this season, with senior QB Kyle Duran leading the way. Junior RB/WR Nathan Phillips also returns for the Bears.

 

Corona del Sol, on the other hand, is trying to pick up the pieces after a (1-10) season in 2010. After winning their opener last year, the Aztecs would drop the next ten games in a row, a losing streak they carry into this season. Joseph was brought in to turn the Aztec program around. Senior OL Andrus Peat returns for Corona del Sol. Peat is one of the most recruited players in the state, getting offers from over 20 schools. Senior DL Avery Moss brings strength to the defensive line.

 

Last year in this matchup, Basha clobbered Corona del Sol 41-3. In that game, Duran threw for 415 yards and six touchdowns against the Aztecs. Both teams are now in Division I, Section II this season after playing in the same region last year.

 

-Mike Sackley