By Nathaniel A. Lopez

  The San Manuel football team geared up, and took to the field for the first time last Friday. Hosting the Ray Bearcats, the Miners started the season off with a big victory. The final score of the game was 66-6.

  “For the first game of the season, I think we did really well,” said coach Ernie Ivy. “Our offense had a good flow, and the blocks were there. The defense was really aggressive and making good tackles.”

  Coach Ivy went on to state that penalties were one of the team’s biggest problems, alongside being a little under conditioned, something that the coach intends to work on in the week leading up to the next game. Tony Guisa, #8, was selected as the Special Teams player of the game. Justin Tafoya, #91, was selected as the Defensive player of the game, while Noah Huerta, #5, was selected as the Offensive player. Mathias Medina, #2, was selected as the overall player of the game.

  “We have Duncan this Friday, and they look better than last year,” coach Ivy commented. “Having a few JV games before our varsity game has really helped a lot for the ones that are subbing in to give the others a break.”

  Duncan is coming off a big win over the Superior Panthers last Friday.

  The Miners will once again host the game at Litau Field in San Manuel, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. If you cannot support the Miners in person, the game will be viewable via livestream on NFHSnetwork.com.

Ralphie Valencia looks over his shoulder to see who is coming up. Photo by Keira Leonard