Saguaro football cancels game against Chaparral due to player safety concerns

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 10:11 PM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Saguaro football cancels game against Chaparral due to player safety concerns

Summary

The Saguaro football team canceled its upcoming September 4 matchup against rival Chaparral due to health and safety concerns regarding the size and composition of the current roster. Saguaro athletic director David Abrams and Scottsdale Unified School District athletic director Stephen Cervantez confirmed the cancellation while emphasizing that the program intends to continue the season. The team, currently under coach Butch Goncharoff, has faced personnel challenges including the departure of 35 players since last season and the cancellation of its freshman and junior varsity programs. Chaparral, which opened its season with a 61-0 victory over Avondale West Point, is now working with the Arizona Interscholastic Association to secure a replacement opponent. Saguaro, which fell 62-0 to Desert Mountain in its season opener, aims to return to play at home against ALA Queen Creek on September 10.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Saguaro canceled its September 4 game against Chaparral because of player safety and health concerns.
•The program suffered the loss of 35 players following the end of the previous season.
•Chaparral is currently seeking a new opponent after opening its season with a 61-0 win.
•Saguaro intends to resume its schedule on September 10 against ALA Queen Creek.
•The school confirmed that there are no plans to cancel the remainder of the season.

Latest Updates

10:11 PMYahoo Sports — Saguaro football cancels Chaparral game due to safety concerns

What they're saying

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Saguaro, after falling to Desert Mountain 62-0 in its season opener, has canceled its football game this week against rival Chaparral.
— Yahoo Sports

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