Hamilton is loaded with tough, experienced players on its roster, including (from left) Izzy Simpson, Garrett Rand, Sam Sasso, Casey Tucker, Levi Sterling, Qualen Cunningham and Santana Sterling.
Photo by Mark Jones
When you've won five of the last seven large-school state titles,
including in 2012, expectations are naturally large.
But the
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) Huskies just might exceed them all in 2013.
With a defense that might be the most stout in school history, an offensive interior that features the state's best offensive lineman (USC commit
Casey Tucker) and first team
MaxPreps Junior All-American defensive lineman
Qualen Cunningham, the Huskies appear locked in not only for another state title run but also national championship consideration.
Offensive lineman Casey Tucker
Photo by Mark Jones
All but two of the team's starters figure to be seniors, including Army commit
Bryce Holland,
Salvador Lopez and
Derek Andersen, all linemen. The best of the linemen may turn out to be incoming junior
Caleb Peart, while sophomore
Garrett Rand isn't far behind.
With so much brawn and experience up front, first-year starting quarterback
Sam Sasso won't be so pressed. There doesn't appear to be much offensive firepower, though coach Steve Belles, starting his eighth season, likes wide receivers
Izzy Simpson and
Elijah Williams.
Plugging in a 1,000-yard rusher shouldn't be too difficult considering how strong the line is. Look for newcomer Julius Jenkins to get a good shot at being the premier back.
See the entire Preseason Xcellent 25The best player on the defense is probably linebacker
Santana Sterling, and though the secondary lost Notre Dame-bound Cole Luke, it has a stable of proven and reliable players, including strong safety
Josiah Pola.
The defense has been helped by offseason instruction from 2000 Hamilton graduate Terrell Suggs, the standout linebacker who helped the Baltimore Ravens to a 2013 Super Bowl title. Suggs starred at Hamilton when the school first opened in 1998. The Huskies have a remarkable 183-17 record in their school history.
Local look — "This could be the best team in Hamilton's rich football history. This, without question, is the best defense in the state. Belles can plug in an average running back and he'll go for 1,000 yards."
— Richard Obert, Arizona Republic staff writer
