First snap this week

They’re still a week away from the real thing but the North Valley’s three high school teams will soon get their first crack at  opponents.

Cactus Shadows, Boulder Creek, and Sandra Day O’Connor will each play scrimmages this week in the Southwest Valley.

Cactus Shadows plays in Avondale at 5 p.m. Aug. 16 against Agua Fria. The Jaguars will travel to Goodyear to play Millennium at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 17. O’Connor starts off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 as well with a game at Copper Canyon, which is near Cardinals Stadium in Glendale.

Boulder Creek might have the most intrigue as the Jaguars will be playing their first ever varsity game of any kind. But O’Connor and Cactus Shadows have something to play for as well. The Eagles are hoping to continue to rise in the 5A, while the Falcons are counting on contending for the 4A‑Division II state championship.

The teams will play for real on Aug. 25 when Boulder Creek opens the regular season at O’Connor and Cactus Shadows hosts Glendale’s Kellis, another school in its first varsity season.

Let’s go camping

The Strike Zone & Every Pitch is presenting the Anthem Baseball Camp next month for players between ages 5‑19.

The camp features three sessions: ages 5‑9 from 7:30‑10 a.m. Sept. 23; ages 10 and up from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 23; and a pitching camp for ages 10‑19 from 8‑11 a.m. on Sept. 24.

The Saturday camp will feature hitting fundamentals, throwing mechanics, bunting, infield and outfield play, base running, game situations, and fitness and agility drills. The pitching portion of the camp will focus on drills, pitching mentality, proper mechanics and pitcher specific training.

Coaches include former Major League pitcher Craig Lefferts, and Boulder Creek High School coaches Joe McDonald, Jeff Osterode, Ryan Ridenour, Kory Gilliland, Kaleb McKern and Shane Miller.

The cost is $40 for the Saturday camp and $50 for the pitching camp. Players will also receive a T‑shirt and functional fitness training.

To register, call Jeff Osterode at (623) 330‑9293, or McDonald at (623) 551‑0366.

If you would like to reach the reporter, or submit a local sports item of interest, send an e‑mail to jason@thedesertadvocate.com, call (480) 488‑1204, or visit the office at 6528 E. Cave Creek Road.