by 
Superior Panthers
The Superior football team continues to dominate its opponents.
For the third-straight week the Panthers hung a 60-spot on the scoreboard, shutting out its most recent prey, Fort Thomas, last Friday night, 60 – 0.
In addition to its high-scoring offense, the Superior defense has been equally dominant, giving up only 12 points in its last three games. Superior has outscored its opponents 218 – 38 in four games this season.
“The team executed well,” Superior head coach Ryan Palmer told the Superior Sun in a text. “I was happy to see our discipline and focus matched our hustle and heart.
“This team is going to give its all every play.”
Quarterback Steven Ybarra accounted for four touchdowns – two rushing and two passing – in the win. He threw for 125 yards and rushed for 105 more. Kale Major, a junior, also threw for two touchdowns against the Apaches.
Freshman Adam Navarrette, like his team, continued his consistent play, rushing for two more touchdowns. Matthew Diaz-Gonzales also had a rushing score.
Marcos Bueno (1), Jared Moreno (1) and Jesus Castellanos (2) each caught touchdown passes in the win.
The Panthers defense had seven sacks in the game, including three by Cedric Mendoza. Diaz-Gonzales and sophomore Daniel McConnell had two apiece.
Jared Moreno recovered an Apaches’ fumble.
Perhaps the greatest athletic class ever at Superior just graduated in May. Many members in that class made consecutive runs for a football state championship before just falling short. It’s hard to imagine that anyone expected this Panthers’ team to be this good so soon.
Is it championship caliber?
No doubt about it.
“If we continue to improve our discipline and fundamentals we are as tough as any team in the conference,” Palmer said.
Up next: Superior at Hayden on Friday, Sept. 22. 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.
by by