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Hayden football coach John Estrada works with his team, readying them for the coming home game against Williams.
The Hayden football team finished last season with only one win and never fully recovered from adversity that resulted from tragic season-ending injury to running back Santiago Pina and other injuries throughout the season. But the Lobos’ offseason commitment has head coach John Estrada optimistic entering the 2016 season.
Running backs Brandon Cruz and Ryan Donovan along with senior defensive end Michael Guerrero are among 10 seniors – nearly half the team – on the Lobos’ roster who figure to make a big impact and lead a turnaround this season.
Estrada told AZPreps365.com that he’s also excited about the increased number of players that his program attracted during the summer.
The Lobos begin their season versus visiting Williams this Friday, Aug. 26. The Vikings went 5 – 4 last year, reaching the Division VI playoffs before suffering a first-round loss to Mogollon.
Kickoff for Friday’s home opener 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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