Gilbert Mesquite linebacker/running back Maka Taufa will undergo an MRI this week to determine the extent of a left knee injury suffered in Friday's 24-3 loss to Chandler Basha.
"We started out the year trying to two-platoon and putting our best guys on defense," Mesquite coach Mike Reardon said. "We've started getting thin, and we were using Maka both ways. He's our best inside linebacker and a team leader. Not by voice but by example. We'll have to see how the test goes."
It's the second week in a row Mesquite has lost a two-way starter. Tight end/defensive tackle Brad Udder was hospitalized last week with meningitis and is expected to be released this week. The Wildcats, who are 1-4,have lost four starters on defense in recent weeks due to injury.
"That's not an excuse; everyone has injuries," Reardon said. "It makes it tougher on us without depth. But we're getting to see other guys play and they are doing a decent job."
WALD HONORED
Chandler Basha's Jim Wald was honored before last Friday's game against Gilbert Mesquite.
The Bears named their field after the former Chandler-area coach, who coached football and track in three different states since the mid-1950s, including 22 years at Chandler High.
Wald was accompanied by his family and a few former players and assistants dating back 20 years.
WEEKLY HONORS
Saguaro wide receiver Paul Porras has been named the Scottsdale Quarterback Club offensive player of the week after catching three balls for 154 yards and a touchdown in a 23-19 win over Paradise Valley.
Chaparral defensive back Jordan Zurek had an interception and a blocked punt in a 52-14 win over Tempe McClintock to earn defensive honors.
