Outlook: Depending on your perspective, things get tougher for either Basha’s defense or Salpointe’s offense.
The Lancers’ 450 yards of offense last week came with a near-even split between rushing and passing. Quarterback Max Fritz (2,200 yards, 28 total TD) threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others against Mesa. The Fritz-to-Matt Ransom combination has yielded nearly 850 yards and 11 touchdowns, and the Lancers have one of the best offensive lines in the state.
Basha’s offense showed signs of life late last week, especially Troy Graham and the passing game (235 yards, two touchdowns against Highland). The telltale sign for the Bears is turnovers, which are still a problem, and whether the defense can provide a short field. Basha has outscored opponents 123-29 after halftime, but if Salpointe can score 20 points, it could be a rough night for a Bears squad which doesn’t have quick-strike capability.
Salpointe at Basha
Address: 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler
Records: Salpointe 10-1; Basha 10-2
-- by Les, Willsey, Mark Heller, Steve Burks and Kyle Odegard
