High schools: Heavner leaving Santa Rita

Kris Heavner has resigned as coach of the Santa Rita football team after one season.

I-Ridge QB among 13 4-year college signees

Ironwood Ridge quarterback Tyler Williams heads a class of at least 13 Southern Arizona high school football players who expect to sign letters of intent with four-year colleges today.

Gaona in the Game: Mayfield back for Round 2 at Palo Verde

Todd Mayfield

Gaona in the Game: Mayfield back for Round 2 at Palo Verde

Todd Mayfield isn't sure why he kept all his Palo Verde gear after retiring from coaching the school's football team in 2009.

I-Ridge coach proud of close-knit seniors

Quarterback Tyler Williams led the Nighthawks to 23 victories and a state title in two seasons as a starter. He produced a total of 57 TDs.

I-Ridge coach proud of close-knit seniors

Matt Johnson stood at the 50-yard line at Sun Devil Stadium, holding the Division II state championship trophy like he would a newborn child - cradled in between his left arm and stomach.

Notebook: Nighthawks force key turnovers

Ironwood Ridge defensive back John Klass stops Centennial running back Jalen Ortiz during the first quarter of the Division II state championship football game at Sun Devil Stadium.

Notebook: Nighthawks force key turnovers

TEMPE - Peoria Centennial had six turnovers in its first game against Ironwood Ridge this season, a 28-24 loss.

Berk's Beat: Braunreiters' bond benefits Nighthawks

Running back Anthony Braunreiter says having his dad on the Ironwood Ridge coaching staff is "awesome" and "always helpful."

Berk's Beat: Braunreiters' bond benefits Nighthawks

Ironwood Ridge's Anthony Braunreiter had a low key Thanksgiving.

High school football: Ironwood Ridge seeking a rarity

Palo Verde celebrated a state title at Arizona Stadium in 2005, but it's rare for a local team to win one in the Phoenix area.

High school football: Ironwood Ridge seeking a rarity

When Ironwood Ridge beat Tempe Marcos de Niza in the Division II semifinals, it accomplished a program first by advancing to the state championship football game.

I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

GILBERT - When Ironwood Ridge quarterback Tyler Williams dropped to a knee on his team's final play to seal a 35-21 victory over Tempe Marcos de Niza at Gilbert Campo Verde in the Division II semifinals, no wild celebration followed.

Division II semifinals: Ironwood Ridge 35, Tempe Marcos de Niza 21: I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

Ironwood Ridge's Tyler Williams is stopped by two Tempe Marcos de Niza defenders during the first half. Williams rushed for 143 yards on 23 carries.

Division II semifinals: Ironwood Ridge 35, Tempe Marcos de Niza 21: I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

Caption unavailable

Berk's Beat: Bene opts for room with a view

Dennis Bene says he has a better view in the press box of what opposing defenses are doing, but he can't communicate with his team as well.

Berk's Beat: Bene opts for room with a view

There was a really weird play in Salpointe's Catholic 35-7 win over Mountain View in the quarterfinals.

High school football: Linebackers key for Salpointe in push for state title

Salpointe senior Carlos Carroll (8), making a stop on Mountain View's Richie Estrada on Friday, didn't start playing football until his freshman season.