Arizona high school football players and coaches put it all on the line with health issues

One of the aspects of football that draws everyone in is the fact that it can be heart-wrenching.

A drive that looks to be a game-winner ends abruptly on a mishandled snap or a defensive back gets his feet tangled and suddenly the opposing wide receiver is streaking down the sideline with each step quickly eroding a five-point lead.

The sudden, jarring change can be tough on the heart.

While Yuma Catholic hasn't had many of these scenarios go against them since Rhett Stallworth took over the program in 2007, he figured he'd better take care of his ticker while he had a chance, even in the middle of the season, just in case things got the heart pumping extra hard.

Stallworth recently returned to the team Oct. 10 after having quadruple bypass surgery after missing two games.

"I just need to get some plumbing done," Stallworth told the Arizona Republic.

According to the Republic story, Stallworth has been having chest pains for a few years and eventually saw a specialist who ordered an angiogram and it showed all four arteries were blocked.

The Shamrocks have had a couple of other off-the-field incidents chronicled in the Republic story and the team has rallied to become a even tighter-knit group.

"We've talked a little bit about what I've been going through," said Stallworth, who has an 87-13 record since taking over the program. "We've asked them as players to play hurt, to face adversity. They've seen the adversity I've gone through. I'm coming back for them. They see me walking the walk."

The adversity hasn't slowed the Shamrocks, who are 8-0 entering this week's action, as they appear to be in line for the program's third state title in four years.

Another story about performing on the field while overcoming an off-the-field issue comes from Joy Christian (Glendale), where quarterback Matt Mitchell continues to excel despite having cystic fibrosis.

The 5-foot-8 Mitchell plays much bigger than his height, as he has helped the Eagles to a 7-1 record in Division V.

"He doesn't make it obvious and he doesn't use it as an excuse for anything," Joy Christian's Hunter Cole said. "He doesn't even let his height affect his play. He does a really good job for us."

Mitchell, who has thrown for 1,532 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions, has never let up in his approach despite having a disease where the life expectancy is shortened.
 
"I feel the only time it might slow down for me is when I'm 80," Mitchell said. "I feel like if I stay on top of everything, I can conquer it and live a full life."

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.