Superior’s Adam Sandoval (#81) goes horizontal with the ball cradled in his arm as Ray’s Samson Martinez (#24) tries to stop him. Photo by Debbie Torres
Superior and San Manuel this week added a W to their records. Hayden had a week off due to a forfeit from Cicero Prep.
Ray Bearcats vs. Superior Panthers
Last Friday was the Annual Copper Helmet rivalry game at Ray, where the Bearcats take on the Panthers to see who will get possession of the Copper Helmet for the next year. It was also senior night for Ray’s senior fall athletes and marching band.
Superior came out strong scoring the first touchdown, and not allowing the Bearcats in the end zone in the first quarter, going into the second quarter 0-8. By halftime the game sat at 8-14, with the Panthers leading over the Bearcats.
Both teams picked up the pace during the second half of the game, ending up in the end zone more. The Panthers would be the ones who would end up claiming the victory over the Bearcats, with a final score of 46-28, meaning the Copper Helmet would continue to be held by Superior until Ray has a chance at it again in 2026.
The seniors on the Panthers’ football team celebrate with the Copper Helmet. Photo by Debbie Torres
San Manuel Miners
On Friday, Oct. 10, the Miners football team hosted Duncan for their last home game of the season. It was senior night, honoring senior athletes: Mikayla Black, Azucena Herrera, Julie Guerrero, Priscilla Garcia, Cienna Maghinay, Kenya Moreno, Madelyn Richardson, Tanner Decker, Ivan Flores, Marcos Smith, and Kevin Waddell. It was also Snoop Dogg Night in partnership with the National Football Foundation of Southern Arizona. Patrons were able to sign up for a chance to win tickets to the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl. Four people were lucky enough to win some tickets, as well as one outstanding player from both teams.
San Manuel’s Ivan Flores (#33) struts into the End zone. Photo by Nathaniel Lopez
The game started off with a lot of back and forth. Tanner Decker scored the first touchdown. Nate Holley scored a touchdown off of the kick return. The first quarter ended with a 12-14 score.
Going into the second quarter, the game began to pick up. Brody Fletcher scored a touchdown, with Ivan Flores running in the 2-point conversion. Ivan Flores scored a touchdown off of a punt block, and then ran the ball in for a 2-point conversion. Nate Holley ran a second touchdown off of a kick return. Ivan Flores once again got the 2-point conversion. By halftime the score sat at 36-26.
In the third quarter, Taylor Decker made a touchdown. Ivan Flores intercepted a pass and ran it in for a touchdown. Flores also scored one more touchdown during the third quarter. The third quarter ended with a 54-26 score. The Miners held tight in the fourth quarter, and only let one touchdown slip past them, ending the game with a win, and a final score of 54-32.
Hayden Lobos
There was no Friday night lights for Hayden last week, due to a forfeit from Cicero Prep.
Coming Up Oct. 17
San Manuel will travel to Baboquivari.
Superior is scheduled to play against Cicero Prep, but that could possibly become a forfeit from Cicero Prep.
Hayden will host its Homecoming game against the Ray Bearcats, with a kickoff time scheduled for 7 p.m.