The Hayden Lobos defeated the Bisbee Pumas 28-8 last Friday to advance to the 2A semi-finals against state power Thatcher this Saturday at 2PM.  Bisbee was playing in their first football state playoffs since 1963, the year they won a state title.  Hayden's storybook journey and undefeated season is a compelling story that goes to the heart of small town America. 

 

Rewind the clock a year, and the mining town saw people leaving in droves seeking jobs.  No. 1 employer ASARCO had been on strike since July, due to a labor impasse.  Third-year football coach John Q. Estrada had 20 of the team's 34 players left to take the field, as the rest were unable to play because of the cost of insurance.  The school dipped into its Humanitarian Fund so the team could afford insurance and play at full strength, which is a relative term.  They still lost 6 players to family moves, and at least 10 of the players were living with other families, while their families pursued mining jobs elsewhere.  In the meantime, the school was facing a major crisis due to unpaid bonds.  The team finished the season 7-2, with a loss in the playoffs to 2A finalist Arizona Lutheran Academy, and graduated just four seniors. 

 

Coach Estrada, a 1981 Hayden graduate who played his college ball at Eastern Arizona, was poised to make a run at the state title.  He had been coaching most of the Lobos players since they were seven years old, as he had started the area's Pop Warner program 10 years ago.  They played most of their games in Tucson, and the program continued through junior high.  The turning point came when they beat Coolidge for the 8th grade Championship.  That class is now seniors, and Coolidge is looking to repeat as 3A State Champions.  This is the first undefeated season in the school's long history, which includes a state title in 1972.  Coach Estrada welcomed 17 kids his 1st year, and remembers being able to practice only 1/2 of the plays at a time (left or right, offense and defense).  His player comments below are in quotes.  It is probably worth noting that Hayden has the smallest enrollment among Class 2A schools with 130 students. 

 

The offense has scored a state leading 537 points.  2-time All-Region senior QB R.J. Garcia ( 6-foot-0, 200 pounds, 3.64 GPA) is "a strong leader with solid work habits.  He has a powerful arm, is a good decision maker, and has excellent running skills.  R.J. is a solid performer out of the strong safety position."  He plays on the basketball team, and is a pitcher on the diamond.  Senior FB Roberto Gallego (5-foot-9, 220 pounds) is one of the teams most improved players.  "A converted lineman, he became our leading rusher this year.  Roberto is a strong, powerful runner, who I would call our 'go to player'.  He also excels at LB, and plays basketball and baseball."  The other part of the tandem backfield is senior Bobby Smith (5-foot-9, 175 pounds).  This two-year starter is actually the leading scorer in the state with 216 points.  "He has seen playing time since his freshman year, and is a very dedicated athlete."  This versatile player has 26 TD's, and has kicked 45 extra points and 5 FG's this year.  His teammates describe him as a "clutch performer".  Another "tough runner" is junior Joseph Lopez (5-foot-10, 185 pounds).  Described as "fast and powerful", he is a "playmaker out of the linebacker position."  Joseph also is a top pitcher on the baseball team. 

 

The offensive line includes two four-year starters.  Senior OG Ryan Chiquete (6-foot-1, 240 pounds, 3.6 GPA) is "big, strong, speedy, and has excellent technique."  This prospect has been named 1st team All-Region since his freshman season, and was named 1st team All-State following his junior year.  "Ryan is one of the hardest workers on the team, and often times outruns our backs in the sprints.  He has a passion for the game, and a non-stop motor."  Include basketball on his resume'.  The other stud is 2-way senior R.J. Guzman (6-foot-0, 200 pounds, 4.0 GPA).  As a TE, he "is like a coach on the field."  This brilliant student/athlete is a 3-year All-Region performer, who "has good hands, and exudes leadership qualities.  R.j. often adjusts our schemes based on the defensive alignments.  He is steel-nerved, and has a calming influence on his teammates in critical situations.  A top DE, not many teams run in his direction." 

 

The defense has given up only 85 points all year, which is the 3rd fewest in the state.  "Because we are blessed with so much good senior athletes, most players go both ways. Our LB corps is special."  Senior ILB Mario Lopez (5-foot-11, 175 pounds, 3.2 GPA) "plays sideline to sideline.  He is tough, and a punishing tackler."  This very hard worker also plays on the baseball and basketball team.  Another tough ILB is junior Alejandro Estrada (5-foot-9, 170 pounds).  This coach's son "really knows the game.  He is leading the team with 8 interceptions, covers well, and has a nose for the ball."  Add the fact that Alejandro likes to hit.  The trio is complete with senior OLB Felix Monroy (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), who is a real 'headhunter'.  Felix is a 2-year starter, who is like the captain of our special teams."  Other players that will start or see considerable playing time include:  TE/DE Thomas Schneider (6-foot-0, 190 pounds, Sr), OL/DL Esteban Gaulego (5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Jr), OL/DL Juan Fuentes (5-foot-10, 240 pounds, Jr), OL/DE Manny Rivera (5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Sr), and OL/DL Ian Lemaire (6-foot-1, 260 pounds, Soph).

 

The coaching staff is highly dedicated and skilled.  It consists of:  Gene Westrope (WR/DB), Bob Bohrn (OL/DL), Robert Manriquez (OL), Bony Cruz (OL), and Harold Eaton (DL).  All of them, with the exception of Mr. Cruz, are graduates of Hayden.  Coach Estrada felt the turning point in this season, came during the fourth game against 4A Raymond Kellis.  The first half was poorly played, and the players were really getting on each other.  A stern talk by the coaches at halftime helped, and the team pulled out a 16-13 overtime victory. 

 

"The team is very close, and the defense has been solid all year.  Most of our players are multi-sport athletes, and they really apply themselves in the classroom.  Our school, overall, ranks high academically on state measures.  The players are very focused, and are sending the message that this can be a very special season.  The administration is very supportive, and the players understand their responsibility to set an example for the middle and elementary school kids.  Many of these kids are from 4th and 5th generation families, whose parents like the character building and loyalty a successful season brings.  Our senior group has really paid their dues, and we expect a hard fought contest with Thatcher this week.  No one talks about our perfect record, because the players goal since the season began was to reach the State Championship game." 

 

One great effort away!