Saguaro and Chaparral have been one of the best rivalries in Arizona since 1973, featuring a fair share of hostility.

Back in 2008, when the rivalry was at its peak, these teams matched up for the 4A Division 1 State Championship. The Saguaro Sabercats beat the Chaparral Firebirds, 38-0, under head coach John Sanders. It wasn't until 2012 when Jason Mohns took his place.

Mohns moved from freshman coach to head coach, and the team has enjoyed its fair share of success. Saguaro has won six consecutive state championships and bred many Division 1 players throughout the years.

Chaparral has seen many coaches come and go throughout the years and haven’t been able to pull out a state championship since 2011. With new coach Brent Barnes, they are hoping to get to where they used to be.

The Sabercats are going into the game against the Firebirds with a record of 3-1. On Aug. 30, they traveled to San Diego to play Cathedral Catholic and fell short 18-10.

“We played well enough defensively to win the game but made too many mistakes offensively,” Mohns said.

They had a total of six possessions and made it to the red zone four times but struggled to get it in the end zone.

“That was a game where we were disappointed in the way we played,” Mohns added. “Since that game I think we have responded pretty well.”

The Sabercats put the game behind them and used the motivation the next two games and plan on using it going into the game Friday. They have done a better job protecting the football and avoiding penalties. Mohns said the biggest thing is “paying attention to the details.”

All these things are going to need to be present if they want to beat their rival team on Friday. Tyler Beverett, the starting quarterback for Saguaro, completed 18 of 24 pass attempts and had 358 passing yards with three touchdowns in last year’s game against Chaparral. They won the game 45-37. Beverett is going into this game feeling confident.

“I’m feeling really good going into the game. We have a great game plan, and I’m excited,” Beverett said.

If Saguaro wants to come out of the game with another win, they are going to have to start off strong.

“If we are the more physical team on both sides of the ball, we will feel really good about our chances of winning the game,” said the head coach.

“I feel like we have to establish dominance from the start, and if we can execute throughout the rest of the game well do fine,”  said the nation’s No. 1 cornerback, Kelee Ringo.

The game will be live at 7 p.m on Cox (Ch. 1004) or at yurview.com/live.