by 
Copper Basin News
It’s been a struggle for the Hayden football program for the past few years. The Lobos have totaled only seven wins the last three seasons combined and haven’t had a winning season since 2007 when they finished 10 – 2 and won the 2A South Sectional Championship under then head coach John Estrada.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Estrada returns this season for a second tour of duty leading the Lobos’ football program.
“We want to change what’s happened here at Hayden,” Estrada told the Copper Basin News. “We want to get it back to the way it was years back.”
Estrada served as the Lobos’ head coach from 2004-08, leading them to a 39 – 16 record during his first five-year run at the school. He led the Lobos for four-straight winning seasons from 2004-07, including a 12 – 1 record in 2006, which ended in the lone loss of the season to eventual state champion Thatcher in the state semifinals.
Things have changed since Estrada first coached at Hayden, the biggest being the transition from 11-man to 8-man football.
He takes over a program with only one senior and number of underclassmen on its roster. The good news, most of the underclassmen have some experience after earning significant playing time as freshmen.
Sophomore quarterback Mario Mariscal figures to lead the Lobos’ offense this season. He’s expected to line up behind fellow sophomore Robert Bohrn, who returns to his familiar center position along the offensive line.
Junior running back Santiago Pena was productive in limited action a year ago, averaging more than 13 yards per rush to go along with two touchdowns. Estrada is counting on Pena to be equally productive this season while carrying a heavier load.
The Lobos hit the practice field for the first time on Aug. 3 with their new head coach aiming to change the culture of the program.
“Discipline is my first priority,” Estrada said. “We’re going to instill that back into the kids and we want to try to get pride back here, at Hayden.”
Estrada has a plan as to how to right the ship at Hayden and it starts with the players’ performance off the field first. The rest will follow, he says.
“We’re going to be scholar-athletes first,” he said. “We’re going to have respect and discipline. We want to bring that pride back.”
“They’re not representing themselves but the school and their families,” he continued. “That’s the way they are going to be taught – respect and scholar athletes.”
After the AIA’s realignment, the Lobos are now part of the new seven-team Section V, which includes three teams that made the playoffs last season – Ray, Superior and Gilbert Christian.
Estrada was asked what his team needs to do to be successful from week to week.
“Continue to work hard,” he responded. “We have to get better every day and every week during the season.”
“We’re going to throw a lot of stuff at them,” Estrada continued. “As long as they pick up the fundamentals of what we’re trying to teach them, I believe we’re going to be successful.”
It appears the Lobos’ recent struggles are about to be a thing of the past.
The Lobos open their season on Aug. 28 at Arete Prep. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Under the Radar: Hayden Lobos
Mario Mariscal (So), QB
The sophomore is about to make his first varsity start behind center. Lobos’ head coach John Estrada is installing a new offense and has entrusted Mariscal to lead it. With a number of underclassmen on the roster, this could be the beginning for Mariscal and his teammates to build toward a successful run in the playoffs in the very near future.
Brandon Cruz (Jr), RB
Cruz earned All-Division and All-Section recognition in 2014 and could be the dynamic player the Lobos need to spear a turnaround. The combination of speed and athleticism will make him a difficult player to defend for opposing teams. He should be the leader of the team this year and set the example for the Lobos’ underclassmen to follow.
Chris Manriquez (Jr), TE
Manriquez is another of the few upperclassmen on the Lobos roster and another who earned All-Division and All-Section honors a year ago. He’s impressed his new head coach early in the preseason so far. In the Lobos new offense, Manriquez is expected to be a threat to opposing defenses and a reliable receiver for new quarterback Mariscal.
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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