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Playing defense in the Ray vs Duncan game. Photo courtesy Paul Wormwood.
In the Bearcats last non-forfeit victory against Ft. Thomas on Sept. 2, it appeared they solved some defensive issues that had plagued them in consecutive losses to start the season, specifically their pass defense.
Following the consecutive forfeit victories, those same issues reared their ugly heads in last Friday’s 34 – 20 loss to Duncan.
Playing defense in the Ray vs Duncan game. Photo courtesy Paul Wormwood.
“The game was really a tale of two halves,” Ray head coach Frank Lechuga told the Copper Basin News. “In the first half we had too many mistakes, especially on their two long touchdown passes.”
“In the second half we settled down and controlled the ball a little more with our passing and that opened up the running,” he continued. “Our defense tightened up and we started holding them.”
Unfortunately, by then it the deficit was too large to overcome.
Duncan opened up a 22 – 0 lead at halftime before the Cats were able to adjust. They outscored the Wildkats 20 – 14 after the break.
Trying for a goal in the Ray vs. Duncan game. Photo courtesy Paul Wormwood.
Fabian Valenzuela had two rushing touchdowns and Nathan Molar another in the loss.
Next up for the Cats is its Homecoming game this Friday versus archrival Hayden.
“When it comes to Ray versus Hayden, for both schools the records mean nothing,” said Luchega, looking forward to this week’s game. “That long standing rivalry between Ray and Hayden; it doesn’t matter which has the better record, it comes down to which team plays better football.”
Friday’s 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.
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