Cienega has been a habitual playoff contender since the program was born under Nemer Hassey a decade ago.

A nice anniversary present for Hassey, the players and Vail comumunity would be that first state title and an unbeaten season to boot. The Bobcats have their work cut out for them in that pursuit on Saturday when they try to dethrone state champ Chaparral in the Division II title game game at Sun Devil Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5:07 p.m. The game will be telecast live as well on Fox Sports Arizona.

Cienega (13-0) has a tough task for several reasons. Chaparral (13-1) has been to the title game before, winning the last two years and five times overall beginning with the 1999 title. At present on the field, Chaparral features a three-year starter at quarterback in Connor Brewer, who has two championship game wins under his belt and multi-talented Davonte Neal, a threat at receiver (1,006 yards), running back (1,097), return specialist and defender. Throw in receiver Jake Roh, nearly a 1,000-yard receiver himself and running back Lucas Petrullo -- back from a lengthy absence due to injury --  and the Bobcats have plenty to worry about.

"They have an awesome team," Hassey said. "A top-50 team in the country. We have to play great defense. Try to slow them down and limit big plays. On offense we can't do anything that goes backwards. Even if we get an inch on a play. We need to have manageable downs. It's a game where every play counts."

Both teams survived gritty semifinal battles last week so resiliency and never-say-die attitudes are entrenched. Cienega rallied to beat Ironwood Ridge, 24-21. The week before the Bobcats did the same, edging Marcos de Niza, 22-21. Chaparral, after blowing a 17-0 lead, had to come from behind late to beat Centennial, 31-30, in its semi.

Chaparral will look to slow Cienega's ground game, led by 2,000-yard rusher Manny Vera. The Bobcats also get production running from quarterback Michael Archie and fullback  Daniel Gonzales.

"They are balanced and run more pro style stuff with the fullback that you don't see as often anymore," Chaparral coach Charlie Ragle said. "They can lull you to sleep running it and then make you pay with (No.) 82 (Edgar Poe). We need to do a great job against the run. And we have to be disciplined."