Coaches have different scheduling tactics, and it might fluctuate year by year.

Mike Sheahan doesn’t waver.

Or hide.

The Scottsdale Christian football coach wants to be tested from the start. Bring it on early. Build the calluses, put on some gloves and go back to work.

It was evident the last few years, including the season home opener on Thursday, when the Eagles played Pima, an eastern small school power.

“I’ve asked the last three years,” Sheahan said of playing Pima, prior to SCA’s 33-6 win over Pima. “You can’t get better if you don’t play tough teams.”

There’s no reason to doubt Sheahan’s thinking considering the history with Pima. The Riders won the regular season matchup 2021 to 2024.

When the two programs met in the 2A state finals the last two seasons SCA came out on top.

“That’s why we have late runs,” Sheahan said. “We have seen it and been hit by it.”

On Thursday, both teams were hit by weather as the game was delayed more than two hours because of nearby lightning strikes before resuming around 9:40 p.m.

It was a beautiful night in Scottsdale until it wasn't as the game was delayed for more than two hours due to lightning. (Jason P. Skoda/AzPreps365)

The delay came with just over six minutes left in the first quarter. By then SCA had built a 14-0 lead. After the second score, and ensuing kickoff both teams were sent off the field.

When the game resumed it was much of the same as Pima, which had a three-plus hour bus ride, had lost its starting quarterback a week ago and struggled to find an identity, while SCA demonstrated why it has won the last two 2A state championships.