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When Combs’ head coach Jesse Hart volunteered to take over the Coyotes’ football program two years ago the seniors on this year’s team were entering their second season of high school football.
During their freshmen season in 2012 – the year before Hart took over – they watched as the varsity team won only one game.
As sophomores, some of them were members on a varsity team that “changed the culture” of the program, going 6 – 5 and reaching the playoffs for the first time in school history.
As juniors last year, most of them, if not all, were part of a 7 – 4 team that made a return trip to the playoffs.
Now in their final season, the group of seniors is ready to lead what most consider the deepest team ever at Combs. The plan is to parlay that depth and their experience into a run for the state championship.
“I like the leadership we’re getting out of this team,” Hart answered when asked why he’s optimistic about the upcoming season. “We have a good group of seniors who really want to be leaders.”
The seniors have seen both the best and the worst of Combs’ football during their time in the program. That’s not only on the field but also off it. Some seniors on this year’s team were critical of the lack of senior leadership, especially last year, and vow to be the best leaders they can be this year.
They’re motivated to make this season special and know their younger teammates are looking to them for leadership.
“The senior class has stepped up so much compared to last year,” said returning All-Division senior linebacker Todd Avery. “Last year we didn’t have many big senior leaders, but this year we’ve seen more leaders and the team is working hard, probably the hardest we’ve ever worked.”
On the heels of what he called the best summer camp since he became head coach, Hart believes the team’s depth, as well as its experience, has the Yotes more ready than ever compared to previous seasons.
“We’re so much further ahead as far as where the offense is, where the defense is, and where our special teams is,” Hart told the Ledger during a recent practice. “We’re so much further ahead than we’ve been, just because these guys have been in the program (for several years).”
“Obviously, speed has been our thing – trying to be as fast as we can – but they’ve been really dedicated in the weight room,” the third-year head coach added. “So we’re a lot bigger than we’ve been before.”
The Coyotes have been a strong running team since Hart took over and a stubborn one too. That’s mainly because they’ve been such a successful rushing team but also the result of a less-than-efficient passing game in previous years. That will not be the case this season.
“We’re going to be able to open it up a little bit in the passing game, which is really big for us so teams can’t stack the box,” Hart said.
Avery is expected to pull double-duty this season, playing his normal linebacker position in addition to playing as a receiver on offense. Senior Trey O’haver is expected to be another receiving threat for the Yotes this season.
But who will get them the ball?
Ethan Hunt, last year’s starting quarterback, appears to have the inside track to be named the starter again this season. The senior signal-caller worked to improve his game in the offseason and is excited to put it on display with the help of Avery and O’haver.
“I’ve really learned to get out of the pocket,” said Hunt, describing the improvements he’s made. “I’ve learned to get away from (the rush). My arm strength is improved a little bit – I feel like I can throw the ball harder – and we’ll be able to get the ball downfield a little better than we did last year.”
The strength of the Coyotes for the past two seasons has been their defense and it will be again this season, which is a good thing because, as we all know, defense wins championships.
Last year, junior defensive end Coda McLaws was nearly unstoppable as he led the Coyotes in tackles and sacks. He was also second on the team in tackles-for-loss. Many consider McLaws one of the best defenders in the state, including his head coach, who has plans to move him around so opposing teams can’t key on him.
“I’m excited, definitely, to be moving around,” McLaws said. “I’m excited to see what other guys can do at their positions. It’s going to be a great experiment to see what happens and I’m excited to see what Coach Hart has in store for (us).”
The AIA’s new division and section alignments resulted in the Coyotes remaining in Division IV and a member of Section III, which includes four playoff teams from a year ago – Coolidge, Florence, Fountain Hills, and Combs. Casa Grande and Coronado round out the six-team section.
“We have a legit section,” Hart said. “We’re excited about it. We want to take on that tough competition. Our non-conference schedule is absolutely no joke (either). But that was done on purpose and I think the boys are ready (for the challenge).”
The Coyotes open their season on Aug. 28 at Estrella Foothills, one of seven playoff teams from a year ago on this year’s schedule. Kickoff for the opener is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Combs’ head coach Jesse Hart leading linemen through drills during a practice last week.
Coyotes’ QB’s and receivers working on passing routes.
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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