by 
Copper Basin News
New, and former, Hayden head coach John Estrada said before the season started that he wanted “to get it back to the way it was years back” at Hayden.
Well, he and the Lobos certainly looked like they’re headed that direction after last Friday’s 60 – 21 victory at Arete Prep.
Running backs Brandon Cruz and Ryan Donovan combined for more than 200 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the victory, which Estrada said was dedicated to injured Lobo Santiago Píña.
Junior quarterback John Henry Gaona completed 7 of 12 passes for 175 yards with two passing and two rushing touchdowns. His two touchdown passes were to Mike Guerrero, a junior, who finished with 111 receiving yards on just four receptions.
Sophomore multi-purpose running back Emmet Simms rushing for 22 yards in addition to racking up 55 receiving yards in the win.
Donovan led the Lobos’ defense with five tackles. Guerrero and freshman Omar Lopez each had three tackles in the game.
The Lobos will play their second-straight game on the road this week, traveling to face seventh-ranked Valley Union on Friday. The Blue Devils defeated Ray last week, 56 – 0.
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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