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Playing its third-straight road game to open the season, the Ray football team notched its first victory of the year, defeating Lincoln Prep last Friday, 54 – 8.
It was an encouraging performance by Bearcats following a lopsided loss at Mogollon a week ago.
“Going into the game on Friday we wanted to see better communication,” Ray assistant coach Jimmy Fessenden told Copper Basin News. “Against Mogollon, we did not communicate very well on either side of the ball.
“On Friday, we did what we were supposed to do against a young team,” he continued. “We had to make sure we were focused. This was supposed to be a home game, but the condition of our football field has prevented us from using it all season so far. We expected to see our inexperienced players get significant playing time, and we got just that.”
Senior Jayden Lagunas, junior Alex Bravo (2), senior Eric Manriquez, and Johnny Chester each tallied touchdowns in the win. Tracon Naranjo, a sophomore, scored on a 65-yard pick-six.
Defensively, the Bearcats were led by Christian Day, Julian Becerra, Mark Rodriguez, and Jando Felix.
“The whole team played well defensively,” Fessenden said.
How can the Bearcats build on this win?
“The key to stay on the winning track is to remain focused and strive for progress each and every week,” Fessenden answered. “We still need to work on our communication on defense, cut out the mental errors and costly penalties.”
Up next: NFL Yet Academy at home on Friday, Sept. 13. 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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