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The Copper Helmet returned to Superior for a fourth year in a row. The Panthers had more to celebrate than the Helmet, though, as they took the region championship.
Photo by Phalicitee ‘Pinky’ Thomas
The No. 2-ranked Superior football team routed No. 10 Ray on the road last Friday, 56 – 14, keeping the Copper Helmet in Superior for another year. The win improved the Panthers’ overall record to 7 – 0, but it’s their 4 – 0 record in the 1A East Region that matters most right now, as it clinched Superior, aka Title Town, its fourth-straight region championship.
Since 2015, the Panthers are undefeated in region games, a perfect 20 – 0, with one more remaining this Friday at NFL Yet Academy. With a win against the Eagles, the Panthers will own a 31 – 1 regular-season record over the last four years.
“As a program, we have been consistent over these last four years,” head coach Ryan Palmer said. “All the credit goes to the players, both past and present, for the hard work they put in. They have created a winning culture and a tradition committed to excellence.
Steven Ybarra (30) looks for an opening at Friday’s game in Kearny. Photo by Phalicitee ‘Pinky’ Thomas
“Our seniors have an opportunity to earn a four-year regular-season record (with only one loss), which is pretty special. With that said, we still have one elite goal we are focused on accomplishing.”
Friday’s result also meant the Panthers retained the Copper Helmet for the fourth time in as many years, as senior Steven Ybarra and junior Gabe Otero each rushed for three touchdowns. Ybarra also added a 55-yard pick-six on defense and Otero returned a kickoff 85 yards for his fourth touchdown in the game.
The Panthers were without three two-starters against the Bearcats but even that wasn’t enough to slow them.
“We had some kids playing out of position,” Palmer told the Superior Sun. “Considering that, I felt we played well. I was proud of the way everyone stepped up and got the job done.”
Once again, Superior’s defense was the difference. The unit had four interceptions and four sacks.
Ybarra (2), Jesus Castellanos and Sammy Lopez, who now leads the team with five, accounted for the Panthers’ four picks. Sophomore Matthew Diaz-Gonzalez (2), who is now second on the team with six, freshman Matthew Cruz and junior Julian Navarro combined for the four sacks.
Arguably, it’s been the Panthers’ defense that’s been the weak link in the playoffs the last three years, surrendering 135 points combined – an average of 45 points per game – in their last three playoff losses.
“Defensively, we are fast, and we have improved our strength,” Palmer said. “When we execute our game plan, we are as good as anyone.
“We need to be more consistent with our discipline. Fundamentally, we need to improve if we are going to have a shot at raising the golden football in the end.”
So far this season, opponents are averaging less than seven points per game against the Panthers.
Could this be the year?
You know what they say: Defense wins championships.
Up next: Superior closes out the regular season at NFL Yet Academy 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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