February is designated as “Black History Month” and celebrates a population of individuals that share a unique and important heritage. History has not always been kind to African Americans and, as with other minority groups, has left out important contributions by its members.

All-Tribune First Team

Saguaro running back D.J. Foster and Chaparral wide receiver Davonte Neal ran wild on opposing defenses last year, putting up eye-popping numbers and leading their teams to state championships. It’s doubtful that any skill player will accumulate statistics approaching those marks this year, but Friday nights certainly won’t lack in star power. A host of offensive standouts return to their teams for another year of high school football. Here are five players who will be worth the price of admission this season:

Area football players were snubbed on the All-Arizona team voted on by the football coaches association.

The theory goes that a new era has begun at Phoenix Brophy. Household names like Ray Polk, Bryan Berens and Sean Lieb have each taken their two high school state championships and moved on to college.

One at a time, steps are being taken.

The difference between Chandler Hamilton coach Steve Belles’ first year and second year guiding the Huskies was one fewer win. A 13-1 campaign followed by a 12-1. That single discrepancy in record was not playing in the title game and hence not winning the championship.

All-Tribune First Team Offense

It’s getting closer to crossing that coveted line between good and elite, and though it’s only been a varsity program for five years, Chandler Basha wants take one more step.

It wasn’t hard to choose last year’s Tribune Player of the Year, as Saguaro running back D.J. Foster broke several state records, ran for 508 yards and 10 touchdowns in one game and led the Sabercats to the Division III state title.

There’s no confusion any more at the top of the Scottsdale Chaparral football program.

County prosecutors have filed a 32-count indictment against eight people accused of conducting a fraudulent credit card ring, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Friday. The ring was broken up May 22 after a two-month investigation by the Mesa Police Department.

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Players at Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep know they will be competing with enormous bull’s-eyes on their jerseys all season.

Luke Macchiaroli was seldom challenged this season. Or rather, he was seldom challenged by other wrestlers.

All-Tribune First Team Offense

Sherod Hardt needed one state title in track to appease himself, and he finally got it this year as a senior.

Sherod Hardt needed one state title in track to appease himself, and he finally got it this year as a senior.

Even before he entered high school, impossible expectations were thrust upon Matt Carlino. Two years later, he’s somehow lived up to them. Carlino entered his freshman year at Gilbert Highland already a household name in basketball circles, and the first year had its ups and downs.

Somehow, Brophy’s boys tennis team might have gotten stronger.

Loads of talent, even more athleticism, plenty of personality, and a barely .500 record through nine games.

His coach cringed, but it was no big deal to Josh von Allworden. Never one for soccer accessories to begin with, von Allworden forgot his socks, which hold shinguards in place, so he used athletic tape to adhere the shinguards directly to his legs.