![](http://www.copperarea.com/pages/wp-content/uploads/panther1-150x150.jpg)
Superior Panthers
Senior wide receiver Marcos Bueno and sophomore quarterback Steven Ybarra starred for the Panthers’ football team in its 34 – 26 season-opening victory at Trivium Prep last Friday night.
The win proved that talk of the demise of the Superior football program following the graduation of a championship core is at least premature, and at worst entirely wrong.
“It was a very physical football game,” Superior head coach Ryan Palmer said after the game. “Trivium Prep is a vastly improved team from a year ago.
“We were fortunate to come out with a win,” he added. “I was impressed with our grit and toughness.”
Bueno, who displayed the ability that makes him considered one of the state’s best receivers, caught 10 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. “Bueno is a very skilled athlete,” Palmer said. “He can make something out of nothing and opposing teams will have a tough time containing him.”
Ybarra, who was making his first varsity start at quarterback, finished 21-for-34 for 241 yards with five touchdowns. He also rushed for a team-high 43 yards in the win.
“Ybarra would have been a playmaker last year, however, he played on the offensive line because it was best for the team,” Palmer said about his junior signal caller. “This year he will showcase his abilities, as we saw in a strong first game performance against a tough opponent.”
Freshman Adam Navarrette had 80 return yards and junior receiver Jared Moreno had four receptions for 47 yards.
Palmer acknowledged his team has plenty of room for improvement, including fundamentals and technique, both coachable areas. It’s the things that are difficult to coach that impresses him the most about the Panthers.
“I was most impressed with the heart and relentless attitude that these kids displayed,” he said. “Players either have it or they don’t. This team appears to have a strong will to win.”
Up Next: Superior hosts Anthem Prep this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.