REDSKINS NAME STARTER

The Washington Redskins have named Case Keenum their starting QB for the 2019 regular season.  Keenum will get the start when the Redskins open the season in Philadelphia against the Eagles.  Keenum beat out Colt McCoy and the team’s rookie first round draft pick Dwayne Haskins.

Keenum was brought over from Denver in a trade during the off season because last year’s starter Alex Smith broke his leg mid season and will likely miss this season as well, if he even returns.  The Redskins then were able to draft Haskins with the 15^th overall pick.  McCoy was the backup last season and also got hurt.

Haskins is listed as the second string QB.  At some point this season he will get his chance to show the league what he can do.  So did Washington make the right decision?  They most certainly did.

Making Keenum the starter is the smart move.  Haskins looked decent during preseason and could definitely benefit from sitting and learning from Keenum and Smith.  The Redskins open the season with two divisional games against the Eagles and the Cowboys.  Both games will be tough regardless of who the QB is.

If Keenum can keep the starting job through week 8 with a 5-5 or 4-6 record that puts the Redskins in a good position.  At that point Smith could possibly be back.  If not week 10 is their bye week.  A perfect time to start the rookie Haskins.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN LOSES HOME OPENER

On Friday night the South Mountain Jaguars opened their 2019 High School Football season by hosting the Verado Vipers.  South has received a lot of preseason attention thanks to the job that twin co-head coaches Mark and Marcus Cater have done in their four years at the school.  They truly are changing the culture in South Phoenix.  This was evident when you looked in the stands, they were jammed packed.  According to Coach Mark Carter they had to stop letting people in.

The game started with the Jaguars on defense.  They forced a three and out on Verado's first drive but a roughing the kicker call on the punt gave the Vipers the ball back.  A few plays later they scored on a 35 yard TD pass.  The two conversion was successful and South trailed 8-0.  Late in the quarter Verado was driving a again but Jeremiah Price put an end to the drive when he rocked the QB on third down, forcing a punt.  Verado did score one more time before the quarter ended and took a 15-0 lead in to the second quarter.

South got their first points of the season when QB Amier Boyd Msthews found Travis Gammage for a 21 yard score.  Verado scored again making the score 21-8.  On the ensuing kickoff Devonte Ingram showed why he is called 'Money", he took the kickoff 98 yards for the score.  South trailed cut the lead to 21-16 but never got closer as the Vipers then began to take over.  Verado lead 35-16 at halftime and cruised to a 52-28 victory.

Despite the loss there was plenty to be proud of for the Jaguars.  They started 6 sophomares and a freshman.  Boyd has great footwork and an even better arm, he is also just a sophomore, along with with WR Brian Fair Jr. they have the future looking bright for the Jags.  There is plenty of more talent on both sides of the ball.  Ingram, Gammage, Palmer and Xavier Price all had good games for South.

ANDREW LUCK UNEXPECTEDLY RETIRES FROM COLTS

Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck has decided to retire just two weeks before the season was set to start.

Luck, who was to start his 7th NFL season on the sideline due to injury, had suffered from many injuries during his time in Indianapolis.  Luck is  about to turn 30 next month and no one saw this coming.


News of Luck's retirement leaked during the Colts preseason game last night. The Colts lost the game to the Chicago Bears 27-17 but that was not important once news of the retirement hit social media.


Luck was booed as he left the field. Fans were understandably upset but Luck did not deserved to be treated the way he was.

Luck was drafted in 2012 to take over for the great Peyton Manning. Luck did so. And he was excellent at it.  Despite never winning a Super Bowl or an MVP trophy he was beloved by the fans and helped them forget about Manning.

Luck was a 4-time Pro Bowler and the 2018 Comeback Player of the year. Luck suffered several injuries during his short NFL career. One has to wonder what would have been if Andrew Luck was able to stay healthy.

NFC WEST BOLD PREDICTIONS

The NFC West is home to last season’s NFC Champion, The St. Louis Rams.  It is also home to last season’s worst team, the Arizona Cardinals.   With the draft of Kyler Murray by the Cardinals the division is now loaded at quarterback.  We all know to have a successful team you must have an above average play caller.  You can make the argument that each team in the division has that QB on their roster.

So what’s in store for the NFC West this year?  Is it another Super Bowl appearance or another number one pick in next year’s draft?  Let’s make some bold predictions as to what the NF: will see out of the NFC West this season.  Here are my top 5 predictions, not in any particular order.

1.       The Arizona Cardinals will finish first and second in the division.

This may seem far fetched with the other two teams in the division being the Rams and Seahawks, but let take a look at it.  It’s not uncommon for a team to Make the Super Bowl one season and miss the playoffs the next season.  Also Russell Wilson does not dominate games like he used to.  The Cardinals and the Rams always play tough against them.  Add this with the potential of Kyler Murray and Jimmy Garoppolo and you could see a different NFC West Champ at seasons end.

2.        Jared Goff throws 15 or more interceptions.

This will be an important year for St. Louis QB Jared Goff.  He is entering his fourth season and his stats have risen every year.  Last year he threw the most TD’s of his career, but also threw his most INT’s of his career at 12.  Goff had more control of his decisions last season and I think he has a lackluster year.

3.       Russell Wilson is an MVP Candidate.

Seattle QB Russell Wilson is coming off of his most efficient season.  Wilson is a tough, fast and consistent QB.  He is able to make plays happen when you think he is going to be sacked.  Wilson is arguably the division’s best player and if Seattle wants to make another run at a Super Bowl Wilson will need an MVP season.

4.       The Super Bowl Champ will come from the NFC West.

The NFC West is going to be one of the best divisions in football.  When the teams play each other it is always a tough game, regardless of the records.  The tough completion will prepare the NFC West Champ for the playoffs and ultimately help that team win the Super Bowl.

5.        Kyler Murray will win NFL Rookie of the Year.

Kyler Murray was the first overall draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals.  The team was so bad last season and is poised to make an improvement.  The Cardinals also have a new head coach, rookie Kliff Kingsbury.  Kingsbury brings his air raid offense which will help Murray show off his talents.  Even if the Cardinals only win 6 games Murray will win Rookie of the Year honors.

THE HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT: THROWBACK STYLE

Today is the start of the football season for a lot of High School football team in Arizona.  As always The Az Sports Guru will profile a different player athlete each week.  There is no criteria to be profiled, other than playing high school football.  This segment was created 5 years ago in hopes of showing people the different kind of athletes that play football and how it brings them together.  In honor of another year here is the first ever edition of "The High School Highlight", called 'The Friday Highlight" back then.  Enjoy!

Our First edition of The Friday Highlight takes us to the San Tan Valley.  There you will find a school called Combs High school.  The Comb’s Coyotes traveled to Globe last week and won 17 – 0.  The thing that impressed me the most wasn’t the score.  It was 15 year old Skylar Johnson reaching out to me and letting me know that his team had won their season opener.  He didn’t mention that it was his first varsity football game.  He didn’t even mention his stats.  I was overly impressed so much that I decided to look a little closer at the quarterback from Combs High School.  I was even more impressed to find out that he is an active member of the LDS Church and holds a 2.8 GPA.     When asked about his long term goals Johnson said he will improve his GPA and attend college where he hopes to be able to continue his athletic career.  Johnson also has a short term goal.  It’s to become the starting quarterback for the varsity team.  Johnson split reps last week at QB and had a solid outing.  With his families support Johnson keeps working harder and harder each day to be the best QB he can be for his team.   Johnson has played Pop Warner and was on both the freshman and JV teams last year.  Johnson is a prime example of a student athlete.  He gives a 100% on and off the field.  “The brotherhood of a football team is almost as import than the sport itself” said Johnson.  Johnson is an impressive young man who you will hear good things about in the future.  He seems to be a very humble athlete who is waiting to hear the public address announcer at Combs High say “And now the starting quarterback for your Combs Coyotes #5 Skylar Johnson”.  

MEET BOURGADE CATHOLIC FOOTBALL COACH MARCEL LOPEZ

The year was 2008 and NFL YET had just won it's first CAA Football Championship.  The school won the tittle again in 2012.  Marcel Lopez was the head football coach for both teams and was also the coach of the year both seasons.  That was Lopez most memorable coaching moment.

It's 9 years later and 39 year old Marcel Lopez is the head football coach at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona.  Lopez hopes to bring the success he had at NFL YET to Bourgade Catholic.  Lopez is entering his third season as coach of the Screaming Eagles.

Lopez also coach at St, Mary's High School for tow seasons, where he played in high school and helped the team win the 1995 5A State Championship.  Lopez has been coaching for 15 years and continues to grow as a coach and wants to work on a college sideline one day. 

"I want to build a respectable program at Bourgade Catholic that contends for region and state championships every year."  Lopez said in an electronic interview.  Lopez went on to say that his main goal is to build up young men that will go on to be outstanding men, husbands and fathers.  Lopez believes his role as a coach is to help young men achieve their goals both athletically and academically.

Lopez works hard on the football field but does not let it get in the way of his family.  He has been married to September Lopez for 10 years.  They have 3 sons, Marcel Jr. age 6, Benjamin age 4 and Mateo age 3.

Coach Lopez has dedicated a lot of time to turning around the program.  This will be a great year for Lopez and his Golden Eagles.

HEY ANTONIO, CHILL OUT!

The major talk of preseason football has not been the breakout rookie or the unknown player from out of nowhere.  Yes those are story lines, but they are not "The Storyline."

The major storyline is Raiders Wide Receiver Antonio Brown.  But it's not what it should be about, his performance on the field.  It's about his stubbornness and need to be the center of attention.

He is making a big deal over a 10 year old helmet that isn't safe for him to use anymore.  The worst part is he hasn't even played for the Raiders yet.  He continues to be vocal off the field but not on it.

Brown is a stud when it comes to talent.  He may be the best wideout in the game. He needs to stop his temp tantrums and step on the field and show the rest of the NFL what he is capable of.

So in case you are reading this Antonio Brown, I have a message for you.  Chill out, pick a  helmet and catch some passes!  Raider Nation is counting on you to make them contenders in the AFC West.

CARL HAYDEN IMPRESSIVE IN SCRIMMAGE

The Steven Arenas era at Carl Hayden High School officially began Thursday when the Falcons hosted Copper Canyon for a scrimmage game. The Falcons came out looking fresh in blue jerseys and gold pants. The Aztecs of Copper Canyon came out in their practice black jerseys and white pants. 

Scrimmage games are very important in High School football. They are structured different then a regular season game. There usually is not any special teams. Each team gets the ball for ten plays and keeps it even if there is a turnover. The teams rotate several times. There are also refs to call penalties. This gives coaches a good idea of what they have and what they need to work on. 

Carl Hayden didn’t look like a team with a first year coach. They looked organized and in sync with one another. The offensive line was great allowing the quarterbacks plenty of time to throw the ball. In fact the Falcons threw the ball more that I expected. Last year they were a very run heavy team and coach Arenas told me they would not change much formation wise but would be throwing more. 

Scores aren’t kept during scrimmages but the Falcons did get in the end zone a few times. Carl Hayden played two QB’s and they both looked sharp. Both were able to control the offense and seemed to understand what was going on around them. The Falcons are in good hands at quarterback. 

Arenas looks like a natural leader. His coaching staff and players are buying in to what he plans to accomplish as head coach of the Carl Hayden Falcons. The team opens up regular season play this Friday when they host Cactus Shadows in a battle of the Falcons. 

RANKING THE NFC WEST BY QB

Football season is right around the corner.  Hopes are high for every team and its fan base.  Will this year be your team’s year?  Only time will tell.  Let's take a look at the NFC West and rank the teams based on the quarterback.

The NFC West is an interesting division in 2019 because you can make a case for all four teams either winning the division or making the playoffs.  The quarterback is a big reason why.  Each starting QB has the potential to be a top 5 QB in the NFL.  So let’s rank the teams.

4. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The Niners starting QB is Jimmy Garopolo.  He showed how much better he makes the 49ers when he was first traded from the Patriot's.  The reason Jimmy G, as he is lovingly called in San Francisco, is ranked last on the list is because after he came to SF and started 5-0 then tore his ACL and has not looked the same.  He has great potential that has yet to be reached.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cardinals used the number one pick on QB Kyler Murray.  The second time his named was called in the first round of a draft, the first being baseball when he was drafted by the A's.  The Cardinals also have a rookie coach in Kliff Kingsbury, whose "Air Raid" offense has already taken the NFL by storm, even before Kingsbury called a play in last week’s opener against the Chargers.  When I was prepping this article I toyed with ranking Murray last because he had yet to take a snap in the NFL.  Then he made his debut.  His composure and his stats were impressive but what impressed me most was the way Murray was handled.  The plays were called perfect for him and if Kingsbury can do the same during the season the Cardinals will surprise the NFC West and the NFL.

2. LOS ANGELES RAMS

Rams QB Jerad Goff took his team to the Super Bowl season and had a memorable season.  So why is his team not ranked 1 in this division?  Goff and the Rams were embarrassed in the Super Bowl and maybe didn't even belong (ask a Saints fan).  Don't get me wrong Goff is a very good QB and has the potential to be legendary.  But is he really good under pressure?  Remember two seasons ago he was getting his team to the line quick so his coach can tell him what play to call.

1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The NFC West has been through a lot of changes and has seen some good teams in the past 10 years.  For the past 7 seasons the one constant in the division is Seahawks QB Russell Wilson.  He has been to the Super Bowl twice and won one.  He has battled through injury and when you are about to count him out he does something that makes you wish he was yours teams QB.  Seattle will always be division contender as long as Wilson is taking snaps for them.

ARREOLA’S FINAL FIGHT?

Heavyweight boxer Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola debuted in the ring on September 5, 2003.  The result was a second round knockout of Roosevelt Parker.

Arreola would start his career 27-0 before a he was stopped in the 10th round by Vitali Klitschko.  The fight was for a heavyweight title.

Arreola fought unbeaten Adam Kownacki last night at Barclays Center.  The fight turned out to be a heavy hitting action packed fight.  Both fighters came to brawl.  In the end the decision was given to Kownacki.  Kownacki is now 20-0.

Before the fight Arreola had vowed that if he lost he would retire.  In the post fight interview he pretty much said the same thing.  He said he would have to speak to his family, but he sounded like he didn't want to fight anymore.

If that was the last we have seen of Arreola he ends his brilliant career at 38-6-1.  His fans would love to see him keep fighting, but once a fighter has lost the passion he should step away from the sport.