Junior Kevin Pantastico is next in line to take over in quarterback paradise. Two seasons ago, in the first year of coach Jeremy Hathcock's tenure at Mesa Desert Ridge, Clay Busch passed for 2,821 yards, a clip of more than 250 yards per game.

Last year, Josh Cain threw the ball 469 times, completing 294 passes for a state-high 3,617 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cain attempted 66 passes in a playoff loss to Peoria Centennial and averaged more than 300 yards per game through the air.

Now, it's Pantastico's turn.

Hathcock said Pantastico has been the fastest of any of his quarterbacks to grasp the offense.

"He can throw the ball 60 yards, but he sometimes still gets a little unsure of himself," Hathcock said. "He's looked good, though."

Desert Ridge will have a scaled-down version of its let-it-fly offense this year.

"We'll probably run the ball about 40 percent of the time, as opposed to 15 percent a year ago," Hathcock said.

The offense got a boost when it was recently learned that 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive lineman Juan Barone will stay with the team this year. Barone moved to New Mexico a few weeks ago as his dad looked for work in construction, but now that his dad is in Canada trying to find work, the family has headed back to Mesa.

Barone is the largest offensive lineman of a group that averages 270 pounds.

SAGUARO

Scottsdale Saguaro's defense will have a new look this season.

Key returners Paul Porras, Beau Burton and Austin Swindle have all changed positions from last year, when the Sabercats went undefeated and won a second straight 4A-I state title.

Porras will move from safety to cornerback, a bulked-up Swindle from cornerback to weakside linebacker, and Burton from cornerback to strong safety.

Porras and defensive end Justin Jungblut were the two most recent players to commit to Division I teams. Porras will play for Rice next year, while Jungblut will go to Boise State. Offensive lineman Kody Koebensky has already committed to Arizona State, and tight end Max Smith and top prospect defensive end Corey Adams also have Division I offers.

Running back Beau Burton and quarterback Cole Rarrick could get offers after teams see their game tapes from this season, meaning Saguaro could have as many as seven Division I commitments in its senior class by February.

HAMILTON

Coach Steve Belles faces an offensive retooling this season with just three returning starters from that unit for Chandler Hamilton.

The marquee offensive name is receiver/return specialist Drew Terrell, who was slowed during the spring and summer by a hamstring injury. Terrell was the Huskies' top receiver with 47 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. He added four scores via returns.

The line will essentially be brand new. Taking the reins at quarterback is senior Zach Hambsch, one of the team's captains this season. Hambsch saw limited varsity action last season.

"We'll have a lot of new faces on offense," Belles said. "But I think it will develop into a good unit."

If the offense takes time to get on track, the defense is expected to shoulder the load early. Belles has seven returning starters on that side, led by captain Rueben Robinson.