by 
Copper Basin News
The Ray football team won its first game of the season on Sept. 11, defeating rival Hayden in the Lobos’ home opener, 30 – 14.
The win was after the Cats lost their first three games of the season, all against ranked teams.
After a bye last week, the Cats will host sixth-ranked Superior this Friday and must deal with the Panthers’ high-octane offense, which has averaged almost 60 points per game.
The Panthers’ defense is on top of its game as well, allowing only eight points per game while going 4 – 0 to start the season. Superior’s gaudy statistics can be attributed to, at least partially, a weak early schedule. The Panthers first four opponents have combined for only three wins so far on the season.
Still, the Panthers are team to be reckoned with and hopefully the Cats used the extra week of preparation wisely to slow down the Panthers this Friday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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