by 
Copper Basin News
The Jr. Bearcats football team bounced back nicely after a disappointing effort in its last game versus Mountain Vista. Jaden Pace and Anthony Lopez accounted for all seven touchdowns in a 50 – 6 win over San Carlos.
“It was a big improvement from our last game,” Jr. Bearcats head coach Frank Lechuga told the Copper Basin News. “(We) started out sort of sluggish but the coaches were quick to get the players’ attention.”
The Jr. Bearcats’ coaches should share their secrets on getting the attention of pre-teens and teens so quickly. It obviously worked against San Carlos.
Jaden Pace accounted for four touchdowns in the game, scoring two rushing, one on a punt return, and yet another on a pass to Daniel Ortiz. The scoring reception by Ortiz was his first touchdown of the year. Anthony Lopez rushed for three touchdowns in the game.
On defense, the Jr. Bearcats were led by Pace, Lopez, and Danny Garcia. Despite allowing only six points to San Carlos, Coach Lechuga believes there is room for improvement.
The Jr. Bearcats played at San Manuel on Tuesday. According to Lechuga, the defense needed to be on top of its game to stop an explosive Miners team.
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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