College football programs are always looking to recruit players from successful programs. Typically those players are well coached and very fundamentally sound.
One would be hard pressed to find a more successful program than the one 2009 Rice commit Paul Porras has played in. In fact, his Scottsdale Saguaro team hasn't lost a game since 2006. They've won 33 consecutive games and on Saturday, they beat cross-town rival Chaparral 38-0 for their 3rd consecutive Arizona State 4A-1 Football Championship.
The game avenges, yet again, the only loss of Porras' high school career - a loss to Chaparral in his sophomore season. The Sabercats are an amazing 49-1 during Porras 4 year prep career.
For Porras, the Championship Game capped off a fantastic prep career that has been full of special moments. Paul has played virtually every skill position on the field during his 4 year run on the varsity and paused to reflect on a stellar career today when we spoke.
"It's just an overwhelming feeling to beat such a talented team 38-0. The championship just caps off an amazing run. I've grown up around these guys. We've accomplished so much as a group and we're all like brothers. I was fortunate enough to start as a sophomore and have been through a lot of workouts and tough practices with these guys. I can't imagine playing in my next game without them."
In true fashion, Porras came up with another big play in the Championship game. He intercepted a fade route in the end-zone to preserve the Saguaro shutout. The pick was his 7th of the 2008 season.
Also an outstanding student off the field, today Paul will receive a scholarship from M&I Bank towards his future college plans at Rice.
"I've been writing essays like crazy to earn all the scholarships I can towards college."
So what will Paul do now that the "3-peat" has been accomplished? Sit back for the holidays, bask in the glow maybe?
"I start basketball on Monday - I think we can win a championship in that sport too."
Always the competitor...