The 3A State Championship will be decided at the University of Arizona stadium this Saturday, November 24th. Show Low will try to derail the Coolidge express, which has rolled to four straight title appearances, and secured back-to-back golden footballs. Rewind to the 2004 Title Game...

Bears coach Carlo Hernandez, who has compiled a glittering eight year record of 88-13, was facing a prep juggernaut in the Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets. Coach Paul Moro's program had secured nine State Titles in the past dozen years. Both teams entered the contest sporting 13-0 records, with offensive machines that had scored 600 plus points. Blue Ridge had also shut out eight opponents. The mighty Bears opened up a 24-6 halftime lead, utilizing a nearly unstoppable rushing attack. At the intermission, many of the fans opted for the parking lot rather than the concession stand. The Coolidge offense was shut out in the second half, and another Yellow Jacket would secure his place in title game lore. Sophomore Bryce Talbot nailed a 29-yard field goal with 18 seconds left in the contest, and Blue Ridge escaped with a 25-24 victory. It turned out to be the changing of the guard.

Graduation saw the departure of most of Coolidge's key players, including QB Angel Felix, The Arizona Republic's Small School Player of the Year. The 2005 season began with untested underclassmen at the skill positions, and the team lost a rematch with Blue Ridge 21-7 in the second week of the season. "We knew we would have to work twice as hard, because we had a lot of young kids," Hernandez said. "But they really grew up. Coolidge has a strong tradition. The kids were willing and eager to learn; do what it takes." The Bears defied the odds, rolling to an 11-1 record, and winning the State Title with a 34-19 victory over Winslow. Hernandez was named The Republic's Small School Coach of the Year.

Following the amazing run in 2005, the team welcomed back 16 starters to make its title defense. Key offensive returnees included QB Jesse Wheeler, All-State tight end Brad Jackson, offensive lineman Joss Thornton, and RB TJ White. Along with the continued involvement of defensive coordinator Larry Delbridge.

Delbridge had been involved with the Coolidge Bears last six state football championships. He was a standout on the 1967 and 1968 title teams, earning 1968 3A Player of the Year honors. He continued his career at Arizona State University. In 1970, he helped lead the Sun Devils to an undefeated season, and victory in the Peach Bowl. Arizona State won the Fiesta Bowl in 1971, with Delbridge as a team captain. Upon returning to Coolidge, he was the head coach of the 1983 and 1984 Class A football State Champions. Delbridge was later named the 2004 AIA Athletic Director of the Year in the 3A South Region. Before the start of the 2005 championship season, Hernandez talked Delbridge out of retirement, and convinced him to take over as Bears defensive coordinator on a volunteer basis. A decision that would rock the 3A football world.

The 2006 season began with victories against Snowflake (27-7), and a thrashing at powerhouse Blue Ridge (42-16). The Bears stumbled the following week at Seton Catholic, then never looked back. Coolidge ran off nine straight wins, including a 28-21 conquest over 13-0 Wickenburg for a second consecutive 3A Title. The team rode a skilled offensive line and the brilliance of two seniors. RB White (1,900 yards, 23 TD's), and QB Wheeler (2,076 passing yards, 900 rushing yards, 29 TD's) were added to the Coolidge football honor roll.

The Bears returned only five offensive and three defensive starters in seeking a three-peat during the 2007 season. One of the leaders was expected to be two-way lineman Andrew Ashford, a two-time state wrestling champion. Converted senior RB Jackson was coming off a 1,300 yard, 14 TD season. Coolidge promptly opened the season with back-to-back home losses to Round Valley (21-14), and Blue Ridge (43-14). The loss to the Yellow Jackets was a particularly stinging one, as the visitors scored fourth quarter TD's off an interception and blocked punt. The Bears have since run off ten straight wins, to earn a spot in this weeks' Title Game.

Last week's semi-final victory saw Coolidge's ground game overcome Round Valley's aerial circus. RB Jackson galloped for 275 yards and three TD's, and had an 80-yard TD reception called back because of clipping. QB Charlie Garnett had 106 yards rushing and two TD's. The iron will of Coolidge was dearly tested, as Round Valley's QB Hayden Eager was 33/58 for 531 yards and three TD's! However, he was also picked off four times. "Our kids have battled adverse conditions all season," Hernandez said.

Spearheading this years offense, QB Garrett has put up impressive numbers. They include; 906 yards passing, 66% completion percentage, 655 yards rushing, and 19 TD's. This returning free safety is also a top student in the classroom, carrying a 4.0 GPA. Coach Hernandez describes him as "fiercely competitive, and a truly clutch performer who wants the ball when the game's on the line." The Bears complex offense features Wing T (misdirection), spread, one back, and no huddle. The backfield includes senior Jackson (1,542 yards rushing, 9.18 per carry, 18 TD's), and the junior duo of Jeremy White (1,068 yards, 7.74 per carry, 11 TD's), and Charlie Garrett (655 yards, 7.12 per carry, 12 TD's). White also plays corner, and is one of the fastest players on the team. Coach Hernandez calls Jackson "a real workhorse, who is very strong and powerful."

The receiving corps includes three very talented juniors. They are; Kevin Mitchell, Julien Nunez, and Ryan Yucupisio. The offensive line consists of senior center Derrick Gonzales, junior guard Nuke White, senior guard Andrew Ashford, senior tackle Melvin Chang, and junior tackle Clay Gillespie.

The Bears defense will have their hands full trying to pressure Show Low's gunslinging QB, senior Jared MacArthur. On the heels of a junior campaign in which he threw for over 1,200 yards, MacArthur's 2007 passing numbers are scintillating. They read; 2,187 yards, 24 TD's, 2 Int, 115 QB rating, and five rushing TD's. Last week's performance against top rated and undefeated Blue Ridge reads; 13/21 for 257 yards and two TD's. The bulk of the Cougar rushing chores are handled by senior Styles Reidhead (1,381 yards, 15 TD's). The title game should feature plenty of offense, witnessed by two communities that support their football teams with unwavering loyalty and passion.