The photo appeared mid-week and seemed a bit out of place.

One Peoria High School running back is a track star, having won state titles in the 200 and 400 meters as a sophomore. The other Peoria running back said he grew up admiring his older brother Isiah, who played fullback for the Peoria Panthers. One Peoria back, a junior, has already been offered a scholarship by the University of Arizona. The other Peoria back is winding down his senior year secure in the reality that whenever the Panthers post-season run comes to a close, he'll take off his helmet and shoulder pads for the final time. At 7 tonight, the Panthers 1-2 punch of Jamaal Miles and Ezra Sanchez will try to advance Peoria (9-2) to the state semifinals for the second straight year when they play host to No. 15 McClintock (5-6) Peoria coach Doug Clapp said while Miles and Sanchez have very different running styles, both are equally important to Peoria's hopes of winning a state championship. "Ezra is the blue-collar guy," Clapp said. "He's not the biggest kid, but he's not afraid to mix it up with anyone. He's got a lot of heart. Jamaal has the eye-catching speed. When he hits the crease sometimes you know he's gone. If he gets a step, nobody is going to catch him." Clapp said the two have complimented each other well. "Sometimes one will have the hot hand and you ride that one, but then they've also had games where they've both put up big numbers," he said. In the opening game of the 4A Div-I playoffs, it Sanchez's turn to take center stage. The senior rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries as the No. 7 Panthers defeated No. 10 Marana 30-12. "Ezra really carried us for a while during the game," Clapp said. "He's a warrior. After the game, some of the other players mentioned that his effort inspires them." Standing 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Sanchez has never shied away from contact. "I think I just try to show being a football player is about more than just speed, size and agility," he said. "Whatever I lack in those areas, I try to make up for by playing with a lot of heart. We talk about playing with pride and passion here at Peoria and that's what I try to do." Sanchez commitment includes rarely completing a run without taking a hit. "Sometimes you'll be near the sidelines and it would be easier to just step out of bounds, but I'd rather lower my shoulder and put a hit on a defensive player," the senior said. "Over the course of the game I have confidence that they'll wear down before I will." Sanchez's physical style resulted in a shoulder injury during the team's last loss on Oct. 12 to Millennium. Then it was Miles turn to take the ball and run with it. "I went to him and told him he was going to have to carry the load," Clapp said. "It's a different mind set when you're sharing duties. When you have to carry it on your own that's a much bigger responsibility. Jamaal showed what he's made of during the stretch." His debut as the Panthers' primary back ended in a 20-carry, 230-yard and three-touchdown performance against Paradise Valley. Miles was just as impressive in closing out the regular season in wins over Agua Fria (18-181-5 touchdowns) and Lake Havasu (22-184-5 touchdowns). The three-game run saw the junior rush for 595 yards on 60 carries, a 9.5 a carry average and 13 touchdowns. "I had to respond," Miles said. "I just wanted to help the team and I'm glad I was able to do that." Now with both backs at 100 percent, the Panthers have two weapons to challenge opposing defenses. Senior right tackle Anthony Shaw said he and his linemates are confident no matter which back is taking the handoff behind them. "Half the time I really don't even notice who's back there," Shaw said. "Ezra is the downhill runner. He's a monster. Then Jamaal, if you can get him around the corner, it's exciting because you know he can take one all the way at any time." With Miles and Sanchez drawing the attention of the defense, bringing eight defenders near the line of scrimmage, the Panthers passing game showed some big play capabilities in the opening-round win. Junior quarterback Vinnie Spano connected on 7-of-14 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown, including a 78-yard strike to senior Antwaun Jackson that quelled Marana's momentum after the visitors had pulled to 10-6 early in the third quarter. While McClintock presents a solid linebacking unit and a sizable defensive line, Shaw said he is confident the ground game will lead Peoria to the semifinals for the second straight year. "Against bigger guys, it comes down to using solid technique and moving your feet," he said. "We won't underestimate them. They showed what they could do last week, but if we can get the lead and then turn to Jamaal and Ezra to grind it out in the third and fourth quarter, we really like our chances."

Most coaches say it. But how many players listen and actually buy into it? Phoenix Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds’ quote is the kind too often cast aside by players.

December 4, 2004

Desert Vista softball players, coaches and instructors are hosting a three-night event at Akimel Middle School June 13, 15 and 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $60.

Desert Vista softball players, coaches and instructors are hosting a three-night event at Akimel Middle School June 13, 15 and 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $60.

Desert Vista boys basketball coach Dave Williams didn’t envision this type of start to the season, but he is not about to complain.

In the moment, there was frustration, sadness and probably a little anger.

In the moment, there was frustration, sadness and probably a little anger.

February 26, 2005

Desert Vista boys soccer coach Michael Rabasca said there weren't keys to defeating Hamilton. Just one key, actually. "The key was shutting down Dominic Papa," Rabasca said. "He's a great goal scorer."

Desert Vista was prepared for its run-in with the streaking Basha Bears on Tuesday night. But the Thunder may not have been prepared for the ease of their victory.

December 22, 2004

December 29, 2004

December 29, 2004

November 5, 2004

Here we go again. Last year, Phoenix Desert Vista got on a roll and won the 4A/5A-I boys volleyball title as a seventh seed.

Garrett Lever scored 16 points and Michael Proctor added 15 Saturday as host Phoenix Desert Vista beat Tempe Corona del Sol 57-49.

Five players scored touchdowns for Phoenix Desert Vista in a 42-3 rout Friday night at Phoenix Maryvale.

Phoenix Desert Vista didn’t just weather the storm Gilbert started early, it reversed it into a drought.

’Twas the last night of the tournament with not much energy left in the house.

Potential fulfilled.

April 13, 2005

A little more experience, more depth and strong defense provided the difference Friday night as thirdranked Desert Vista won its 10th game in 11 tries this season.