Salpointe Catholic's Bijan Robinson on state title game: 'Trying to get a W'

Salpointe Catholic will face its toughest challenge of the year on Saturday, when it takes on powerhouse Scottsdale Saguaro at Arizona Stadium in the Class 4A state championship game. The Lancers' top offensive weapon is sophomore running back Bijan Robinson, who enters the noon game just short of 2,000 all-purpose yards this season. Robinson has rushed for 1,859 yards and 26 touchdowns this season while catching eight passes for 136 yards and three scores.

The Star talked to Robinson about the upcoming title game and what it will be like to play at Arizona Stadium for the first time in his career:

How does it feel to be in the state championship game as a sophomore?

A: “It feels good. Last year we had the chance to win, but the team we’re about to play ended our chance to win so you know it’s a good feeling playing them again and trying to get a W.”

What do you see from Scottsdale Saguaro that presents a challenge to your team?

A: “They’re a long team and we played a long team in Sunnyside earlier this season and it was tough to run on them, but if we keep executing our offense and our plays, we’ll be fine.”

What’s it like running behind offensive tackle Matteo Mele?

A: “It’s challenging, but it’s so fun, because he’s such a big dude. The challenging part is that he’s so big, when I run behind him, I can’t really see anything, but it’s fun because he pancakes everybody that he touches.”

You grew up a USC fan and a Reggie Bush fan. How does your style resemble him?

A: “I’m a big finesse player and our speed. And just how I use my power to get through people. I loved to see him embarrass people and that’s what I like to do to other people.”

Earlier this season, you hurdled over a defender in a game.

#SalpointeCatholic RB Bijan Robinson just hurdled over this poor #TucsonHigh defender. 😱😱😱Arizona needs to get this dude ASAP! pic.twitter.com/FzvPH6TXfb

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 9, 2017

Is that the first time you’ve ever done that?

A: “No. It was just the first time it kinda got out there. I just love it, putting people in those kind of traps.”

Did you ever go back and watch the replay of your hurdle over and over again? (Like this)

#SalpointeCatholic RB Bijan Robinson hurdles over a #TucsonHigh defender for a TD. 😱 pic.twitter.com/SqYTg205BP

— High School Sports (@HSTucson) September 9, 2017

A: “When I saw it, I had to look at it like six times like, ‘I just jumped over a man.’ It was crazy.”

Are you excited to play at Arizona Stadium? 

A: “It’s a little nerve-racking, because there’s going to be a lot of fans and it’s in the UA stadium so I’m expected to do some more things, but it’ll be fun.”