FLAGSTAFF — No matter what the Seton Catholic defense accomplished this season, the memory of last year’s semifinal loss to Blue Ridge shined brightest.

Matt Haggerty has been like a caged animal on defense recently.

This was not your typical Seton Catholic football game.

The top seed in the Division II baseball state tournament got off to a rocky start on Thursday.

Wait, these guys again?

No. 1 Blue Ridge vs. No. 3 Seton Catholic

Top-seeded Desert Mountain stayed in the winners' bracket of the Division I state baseball tournament with an 8-5 win over No. 4 Pinnacle on Saturday night at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Nico Bayless’ two-yard rushing touchdown with under a minute to go in the game propelled No. 6 Apollo to a 24-20 win over No. 11 Horizon, Friday, in the first round of the Division II football playoffs.

Once worse for the wear, Seton Catholic’s football team now feels stronger for enduring the proverbial spanking.

Here are some of the best performances from the East Valley in Week 8:

Here are some of the best performances from the East Valley in Week 8:

What a difference a year makes.

Here's a look at some of the best East Valley performances from Week 5:

Seton Catholic's offense continues to emphasis the quick in quick-strike play.

A collection of some of the best East Valley high school football performances from Friday’s quarterfinals of the 2012 playoffs:

A collection of some of the best East Valley high school football performances from the first round of the 2012 playoffs:

A Division IV football coach who saw Seton Catholic and Blue Ridge both in person and on film breaks down Friday night's state championship game at NAU Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff.

Area football players were snubbed on the All-Arizona team voted on by the football coaches association.

Here are the local athletes expected to sign Letters of Intent with colleges beginning Wednesday. For additions, email varsity@evtrib.com and include the athlete's name, high school, sport and college of choice.

Poston Butte quarterback Robert Herrera rushed for two touchdowns and defensive back Cameron Owens had an interception return for a touchdown as the Broncos capitalized on a slew of Higley turnovers and penalties to defeat the visiting Knights, 31-23, on Friday.

All-Tribune First Team Offense