Latest title adds to Sunnyside's budding dynasty

Dynasty. Like a code no one can break, it's a word that has befuddled many in the world of sports. What does it mean? How does a team or person become one? While the requirements are not set in stone, Sunnyside football has made as strong a claim to this notion as any other high school team in Southern Arizona. "I don't know what constitutes a dynasty and how many championships you need," Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez said. "But we know what we're shooting for every year, and on a daily basis the kids know what to expect." The Blue Devils danced in the middle of Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday after winning their second title in three years. It marked the first time since 1991 that a 4A team with two losses won it all. Avondale Agua Fria also went 12-2 after defeating Sahuaro for the 4A title 12 years ago. "It's tough. If it were easy everyone would be winning one," Sanchez said. "A lot of games have to be in place to win a championship." The victory places Sanchez in elite company with Jeff Scurran and Bob Smith, as the only Southern Arizona coaches to win multiple 4A state titles since 1968. Scurran won three times with Sabino (1990, '92 and '98) while Smith coached Canyon del Oro to championships in 1976 and 1977. More impressive is that Sunnyside has lost only five games in four years - two losses came at the hands of the eventual state champs, two were to teams they would later gain revenge against in the same year and another came at the hands of a 5A opponent. Sunnyside now turns its focus on enjoying the fruits of its labor in 2003 as well as preparing for the title defense in 2004. "They've been working for a year, and I'd like them to take two weeks off and enjoy this," Sanchez said. "But they'll want to get back at it and it will probably be one week." Off the field, Sanchez acknowledged the support received from the teachers and administration. "We expect our kids to do the same in the classroom as on the football field," Sanchez said. "We have great support from our high school and district." A core group of Blue Devils will return next year. Quarterback Jaime Cota and running back Xavier Smith will be back along with receivers George Garza and Nathan Vega. "I'm at a good place right now," Sanchez said. "We have expectations for each other, and I don't think anybody can put more pressure on us than we do to get it done."