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Jr. Panthers 2016 CJHL Champs (Vanessa Navarette photo)
If you believe life is about making memories, then you’ll agree the players on the Superior Junior High football team created one of the best of their young lives last Tuesday, defeating Ray 38 – 6 to win back-to-back Central Junior High League Championships.
The Panthers went a perfect 17 – 0 during their consecutive championship runs, including 8 – 0 this season, their first playing in the 8-man format.
“I can’t say enough about these young men and their accomplishments,” said head coach Martin Navarrette, who guided the team to both championships. “Regardless at what level you are playing at or what sport you are playing, it is very difficult to have back-to-back undefeated seasons.”
“The coaching staff is very proud of these young men and are very happy to have had the opportunity to coach them,” he continued. “Thanks for the memories.”
The game wasn’t easy from the start for Superior, which overcame five first-half turnovers and held a slim 8 – 6 lead at the half. The Panthers’ lone touchdown came on a trick play.
“Ray came to play in the first half,” said Navarrette, adding that he expected that type of performance from the Bearcats. “We were very fortunate to hold them to just six points.”
Superior’s defense stepped up in a big way, limiting Ray’s top offensive threat and forcing six turnovers. Ray’s offense was ineffective in the second half, likely the result of the punishment dished out by the Panthers.
A few halftime adjustments and a “productive” pep talk ignited the Panthers’ offense in the second half, leading them to outscore Ray 30 – 0 after the break, despite a collarbone injury to their quarterback in the fourth quarter.
“We came out firing on all cylinders,” Navarrette said.
Indeed they did and now they have a memory for a lifetime.
Congratulations to the Jr. Panthers’ players and staff, which includes:
Adam Navarrette, Nathan Duarte, Matthew Cruz, Matthew Perez, Josh Marquez, Matthew Diaz-Gonzalez, Dominic Hernandez, Xavier Hernandez, Chris Granillo, Gabriel Denogean, Angel Munoz, Marc Mendoza, Richard Drennan, Jonathan Apodaca, Kevin Duarte, Ben Duarte, Luis Villobos, Andrew Pena and Marcus Contreas. Managers: Craig Bearup and Elias Gerola. Coaching Staff: Martin Navarrette, Joseph Navarro, Michael Alonzo and Bobby Sommer.
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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