Apache Junction defensive back Shane McCullen has verbally committed to play football at Arizona State, according to Internet recruiting services.

Visiting Apache Junction defeated Tempe 48-7 thanks to a dominant rushing performance. The Prospectors (7-3) rushed for 297 yards on 29 carries.

Rich Milligan might be in his first year as Apache Junction’s varsity coach, but he’s no dummy.

Shane McCullen loves running off left tackle, and Apache Junction High School football fans love watching him do it. But that will likely change next year when he suits up as an Arizona State Sun Devil and makes the transition to defense.

Apache Junction defensive back Shane McCullen has verbally committed to play football at Arizona State, according to Internet recruiting services.

Key matchup: Queen Creek’s defense did a poor job tackling last week. The Bulldogs will have to improve in that area to slow down RB Shane McCullen, who is averaging 179 yards per game.

Key matchup: Shane McCullen should have a heyday on the ground against a very young Sinagua defense.

Time: 7 p.m.

Key matchup: They don’t match up against each other, but which standout running back can get going faster, Paradise Valley’s Tyree Parker or Apache Junction’s Shane McCullen?

Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, 2007

Key matchup: AJ running back Shane McCullen vs. multi-faceted Giancarlo Dale for Shadow Mountain. McCullen leads AJ’s grind-it-out ground game. Dale is Matadors’ top runner and receiver.

After giving up a 62-yard touchdown run to Higley, Apache Junction kick returner John Taylor knew his team needed a big play in response.

It turned out that it didn’t matter all-everything running back Shane McCullen spent much of the second half trying to loosen up his right hamstring.

The Prospectors beat Sinagua 55-0 in their season opener last year. 

Key matchup: The Falcons shut down McClintock’s offense last week and Apache Junction was shut out by Saguaro. Can the Prospectors get it going on offense?

Sophomore running back Shane McCullen rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries Friday as host Apache Junction rallied to beat Flagstaff 15-12 in the first round of the 4A Division II playoffs.

With just 11 boys on its track team, Apache Junction overcame that depth problem to win the 4A Division I boys state championship Saturday at Mesa Community College. The Prospectors finished with 67 points to edge Tucson Sabino (57.5).

At first, it looked as if the Class 4A-I matchup between Apache Junction and Cave Creek Cactus Shadows was going to be a stalemate.

Apache Junction cruised to a 34-10 victory over visiting Scottsdale Coronado in a 4A East Sky Region game.