He struggled in his early years, but developed into a solid leader.

Earlier in October Cibola football coach Lucky Arvizo claimed a 20-14 win over then-ranked and then-unbeaten Basha by his Raiders was the biggest triumph in school history. This wa not a coach getting excited over the moment. A Yuma school winning several games in a season or a couple more than it loses is news.

Format likely to be finalized in November, with schedules for 2011-12 expected next spring.

Victory at Conley Invitational sets stage for Chinle runner to earn a possible third straight state title.

Region races are important because everyone wants bragging rights as region champ. But to teams that got off to a slow start or have almost exclusively region games the rest of the way they are the lifeline to extending the football season to at least Veteran\\\'s Day. Gilbert High fits the above description. The Tigers, who dropped their first three games this season, have bounced back to win three of their last four. They had region foe Basha on the ropes in their loss during the past four-game stretch for a little better than a half before the wheels came off after intermission. The Tigers have been forced into playoff mode ever since.

It is not easy for athletes to follow in the footsteps of a successful sibling. For Cory Breinholt, he has experienced a double helping of that pie. Breinholt, a senior completing his fourth varsity season running cross country at Highland High, watched brothers Craig and Derek achieve at a high level in the sport. Craig, who ran from 2002-2004, was the individual state champ in 5A his senior year (2004). Derek peaked at No. 3 in the state his senior season (2007) and collected three top-10 finishes overall at state.

Schools in Lake Havasu and Yuma play some opponents twice to curtail travel costs.

We are waiting for a few surprise teams to rise up and challenge the top football teams. Will it happen?

Eduardo Roa of McClintock and Lauren Cooper of Ironwood Ridge were the individual winners at the Ojo Rojo Invitational at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Mesa Mountain View won the boys and girls team competition.

Defending 5A-I cross country champs were in late season form Saturday at Sanctuary Golf Course in Scottsdale.