by 
Ray High Bearcats
The ninth-ranked Ray football team won its third-straight game last Friday night, defeating
Valley Union on the road, 46 – 20.
The Cats held a 32 – 14 lead at halftime before outscoring Valley Union 14 – 6 in the fourth quarter.
In their three wins following a season-opening loss, the Cats are averaging nearly 55 points per game, but it was the defense that shined against the Blue Devils.
Senior Dyllin Sanders-Lopez was one of several who were part of the Cats’ defensive dominance, as he finished 13 tackles, including a team-high four-and-a-half sacks.
Dakota Willis led the team with 23 tackles while Fabian Valenzuela and Julian Becerra each totaled 11.
“We had a very good showing from our defense this game,” Ray second-year head coach Frank Lechuga told Copper Basin News in an email. “It set the tone from the first (series) after our opening drive for a touchdown.”
The Cats came up with three interceptions, one each by Valenzuela, Tino Barragan and Jaden Pace. Gabriel Schwartz blocked a Blue Devils’ punt as well.
Pace, a junior, threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He also rushed for 34 yards. Two of his touchdown passes landed in the hands of sophomore Eric Manriquez, who finished with 152 receiving yards on just four receptions. Valenzuela, a senior, had eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
The Bearcats rushed for 100 yards as a team with Jando Felix (2) and Jayden Lagunas (1) combining for three rushing touchdowns.
“We had a balanced scoring attack with three rushing and three receiving touchdowns,” Lechuga said.
Ray will host No. 10 Ft. Thomas for its Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 22.
“Focus will be key with all the Homecoming festivities during the week,” said Lechuga, as his team prepares to start the region part of its schedule with a win.
Kickoff for Friday’s game 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.
by by