Under the veil of darkness, the Ray High Bearcats stole into Florence last Friday night on a mission…a mission to destroy a menace that has been tormenting them for several years.

Who can remember when the ‘Cats were last able to take down the Gophers? It’s been a while… but all that was avenged with a 20-8 win…and ohhh how sweet it was…in more ways than one.

With the win, the Bearcats stretched their record to 4-3 overall and are 2-0 in a close conference battle for post season play. A win over San Manuel this week would assure Ray a third place slot in the Copper Region behind Morenci and Thatcher, and a chance for a rematch against Mogollon.

Also with the victory, Ray’s running back Randy Rodriguez pushed his season’s record to 938 yards by gaining 134 yards on the night. He needs just 62 more to reach the 1,000 rushing mark this year, a fete rarely accomplished in high school football.

But the sweetest of all was the courage shown by the Bearcat team who didn’t back down despite being crippled by a rash of injuries to key players. Sidelined were receiver Jonathan Archuleta with a leg injury, and linebacker and back up quarterback Clay Campbell who suffered a concussion in the Superior game. Also hurt and forced to sit down during the game was guard Peter Celis.

"We had to fill these positions with some young kids and they did a great job," said Coach Aaron Chenoweth.

Rodriguez accounted for two of the Bearcat touchdowns while Marco Loroña added the third with a spectacular 65-yard catch.

Also contributing to Ray’s rushing attack was Nathan Naranjo and a well working Bearcat line. "Without the help of the offensive line, neither Randy or Nathan would be effective," said Coach Chenoweth. "Both are great runners, but blocking is the key that opens the holes."

In the air quarterback Estevan Celis completed one of six for 65 yards with Loroña on the receiving end, while Rodriguez, in the halfback option, was successful in one of two for 40 yards, a pass caught by Patrick Ornelas.

If their heroics on offense weren’t enough, Rodriguez with 10 tackles and a sack, Naranjo with six tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack, Ornelas with five tackles, E. Celis with four tackles, and Loroña with three tackles also helped secure the Bearcat win from the defensive angle.

Adding more fiery ‘Cat defense to the mix was P. Celis who had five tackles and a sack before leaving the game, and Adam Free with six tackles and Joe Padilla with four tackles.

Named as "Buzzy’s" player of the game was Loroña.

"This makes four in a row," said Coach Chenoweth. "We have the momentum and we know how to win, but we also remember what it feels like to lose…and we don’t want to…we’re out to secure that number three spot."

But to get there, the Bearcats must get pass the Miners who come to call this Friday night. Also on the line is the Copper Valley Trophy, a coveted prize that has yet to rest in the Ray trophy case.

And if that wasn’t enough pressure, Friday evening has also been set aside as Parents’ Night, an annual event that honors parents and guardians of the athletes participating in the Bearcat football and cheer programs.

Sounds like quite a night…so get there early…kick-off is at 7 p.m., but the festivities will start at 6:30.

(NOISE – NOISE – NOISE…I know I’m obnoxious but it could be worse.)

In defense of its 2001 Central Junior High Championship, the RJHS Bearcat football team opened the 2002 season against the Superior Panthers last Wednesday night on Dave McFee Memorial Field in Kearny.

The young ‘Cats put up quite a defensive battle despite the loss of several key players to high school promotion but fell to the Panthers late in the game 0-8. The one Bearcat threat came in the fourth quarter only to be turned back by a very respectable goal line stand on behalf of the Panthers.

Guiding the Bearcats at quarterback this season is Jordan Hillan-Huerta. He is backed up by Kevin McCubbin who also doubles as the center. Ball carriers include Jose Lopez, Lance Goad and Jon Beede. Wide receiver is Reece Headley and listed as tight ends are Zach Bowie and George Hayes.

Other young ‘Cats on the roster include Chris Juardo, Zach Bingham, Tyler Bingham, Stephen Crawford, Jerime Cude, Josh Elkins, Allen Baca, Patrick Sanchez, Jesse Marinez, Heath McEuen, Andrew McCubbin, Xavier Rodriguez, T.J. Boatman, Johnny Lopez, Pancho Marinez, Caleb Elkins, Elmer Schwartz, A.J. Carter, Ace Avechuco and Matt Solis.

Blaine Windle is the head coach and is assisted by Stanley Sanchez.

RJHS played Florence last night. Results were unavailable at press time.

Ray Elementary School has released the names of students earning academic honors for the first grading period.

Named to the Principal’s List were:

Fifth Grade – Erica Aguirre, Matthew Avelar, Paula Crawford, Sam Ford, Graciela Juvera, *Skylar Rubalcaba, Devry Smith and *Noel Wormwood.

Sixth Grade – Ashley Allen, *Tyler Bingham, *Lerrin Cook, Laurissa Esquivel, Amanda Giorsetti, Mark Sims and Krysten Torres.

Seventh Grade – Brandy Carter, *Shawna Craig, Stephen Crawford, *Renae Dubois, *Oscar Escarcega, *Mallory Hall, *Amber Middaugh, Madison Middaugh and *Danielle Prinz.

Eighth Grade – Sarah Brush and Jennifer Duron.

Academic Honor Roll students are:

Fifth Grade – Gabriella Carrera, Mikhail Chiquete, Jordan Cruz, Julian Hillan-Huerta, Chelsea Holyoak, Reggie Nichols and Daniel Sainz.

Sixth Grade – Makayla Burke, Carlos Estrada, Jordan Hillan-Huerta, Michaelene Mann, Nikki Montaño, Carrie Nichols and Jaclynn Oldfather.

Seventh Grade – Anna Bamber and George Mendoza.

Eighth Grade – Ericka Aguirre, Katy Chester, Sarah Foerster, Leticia Garcia, Jeff Gillway and Joseph Mann.

Achieving General Honor Roll status were:

Fifth Grade – Sharina Arguello, Kaitlyn Baker, Bethany Burgess, Alex Buso, Emerald Kittrel, Francisco Lechuga, Chad Pounds, Roie Putman, Daniel Rodriguez and Vince Roman.

Sixth Grade – Staci Arrona, Ashley Boatman, Christopher Carrillo, Krysten Carrillo, Michele Chiquete, Breanna Coryell, Tiffany Cruz, Courtney Davis, Laura Gillway, Erika Jurado, David Kenyon, Zachary Moore, Elisa Pacheco, Matt Russell, Marissa Sanchez, Patrick Sanchez and Matt Solis.

Seventh Grade – Zach Bingham, Aleynia Boatman, Matt Casillas, Richard Garcia, Lance Goad, Reece Headley, Matt Jenkins, Kevin McCubbin, Amanda McDowell, Amy Nichols, Kristy Payton and Xavier Rodriguez.

Eighth Grade – Ruben Aguirre, Lyndsey Bingham, Ashley Buchanan, Marcos Esquivel, TJ Jenkins, Wuanita Newell and Camlen Romero.

*Denotes all A’s.

Jr. High Bearcats face Tigers, suffer loss

09/25/02

The Ray Junior High Bearcats ran into a buzz saw with sharp teeth last week when they went to call upon the Tigers in Globe. Although the young ‘Cats went down hard they weren’t completely shut out and managed to finish the game with a 12-40 score. The Tigers, who look like the #1 contenders for the division crown this year, jumped all over the Bearcats from the first whistle and were relentless in their attack. The two Ray TDs came late in the fourth quarter and both were pushed over by eighth grade fullback Lance Goad. Also carrying the ball for the Bearcats during the night were Tyler Bingham and Jose Lopez while Jordan Hillan-Huerta executing some razzle dazzle quarterbacked the team. Other stand-outs included Matt Solis and Stephen Crawford, defensively, and Zach Bingham on special teams. RJHS traveled to Miami last night and will be on the road again next week against Hayden.

The Ray Bearcats’ bid to extend their season came to an abrupt end when they collided with St. Johns on the Redskins home turf last Friday night in the first round of state championship play.

A 51-0 mercy ruling loss was handed to the ‘Cats by the state ranked number one 2-A Redskin team when the half-time buzzer sounded. The AIA imposed mercy rule requires two full quarters of play before it can be invoked.

The loss put the Bearcats’ overall record at 5-5 with a 3-1 conference total on the season.

Playing for the last time in a Bearcat uniform were seniors Randy Rodriguez, Nathan Naranjo, Brad Halvorson, Patrick Ornelas, Estevan Olvera, Anthony Rodriguez, Peter Celis, Albert Flores and Adam Free.

This year’s Bearcats were coached by Aaron Chenoweth, Bobby Armenta, Rick Romero and Harold Eaton. Managers were Jeremy Cude, Matt Solis and Justin Chavez.

A full wrap-up of the season along with All-Conference picks will be published at a later date.

The Ray junior high girls basketball team made quick order of the girls from Miami. The Lady ‘Cats jumped out to an 11-2 lead at the end of the first quarter, largely the result of a stifling defense that didn’t allow a Miami point until one minute left in the quarter. The ‘Cats extended their lead to 13 points at halftime.

The second half was more of the same, with Lerrin Cook and Tiffany Cruz spending much of the final quarter scoring on fast break lay-ups. At the final horn, the Lady ‘Cats had earned a 40-16 victory.

Scorers for the Lady ‘Cats included Cook with 20 points and Cruz with 12 points while Laurissa Esquivel added 4 and Marissa Sanchez and Graciela Juvera contributed 2 each. The ‘Cats made 6-of-11 attempts from the charity stripe, including Juvera going two-for-two.

The 8th grade boys got back to their dominating ways in a 62-24 mauling of the Vandals. The Junior ‘Cats held the Vandals scoreless through the entire first quarter, finishing the quarter with a 21-0 lead. Many of the ‘Cats’ points came on fast break lay-ups by Mario Romero. Romero scored 14 points in the quarter, finishing the game with 30 points.

The Bearcats also held a significant edge on the boards, out rebounding the Vandals 22-15. Jeremie Cude led the ‘Cats with 6 rebounds while Jordan Hillan-Huerta added 5 and Zac Moore 4.

Romero led all scorers with 30 points. Hillan-Huerta contributed 14 points while Moore added 7, Tyler Bingham 4, Chris Carrillo 3, and Matt Solis and Skylar Rubalcaba with 2 points each. The Bearcats were a perfect three-for-three from the free throw line.

The 7th grade boys struggled early, falling behind 8-17 at halftime. In the second half, the ‘Cats came out strong, narrowing the Vandal lead to 16-20 at the end of the third quarter.

The Bearcats nearly completed the comeback, but came up four points short at the final horn, 24-28. Evan Riley was a key component of the comeback, scoring 5 points in the final minutes and accounting for several steals on the ‘Cat full-court press.

Skylar Rubalcaba finished the game with 10 points while Riley added 7, Josh Judd 4, Julian Hillan-Huerta 2, and Kelly Gillian contributed a free throw.

Ray Elementary School has released the Principal’s List and Honor Rolls for the second grading period of the 2003-04 academic year.

Students named to the Principal’s List are:

Fifth Grade – *Jordan Arguello, *Samantha Juvera, Eileen Kline, *Paula Real, *Lacee Reidhead, Amber Rodriguez, Alejandro Romero, Dylan Rubalcaba, Holli Wormwood.

Sixth Grade – *Amanda Carter, Caitlin Duron, *Briana Owen, *Marie Palmer, Sarah Smith.

Seventh Grade – *Paula Crawford, Sam Ford, *Skylar Rubalcaba, *Noel Wormwood.

Eighth Grade – Ashley Allen, Lerrin Cook, *Laurissa Esquivel, *Amanda Giorsetti, Jordan Hillan-Huerta, Matthew Solis, *Kristen Torres.

Academic Honor Roll students include:

Fifth Grade – Dustin Bingham, Stacey Boatman, Meaghan Buchanan, Elaine Casillas, Craig Cook, Austin Cude, Frank Davila, Elizabeth Lopez, Savana Lopez, Nicholas Oldfather, Amanda Petty, Antonio Romero, Michael Smith, Christa Solis.

Sixth Grade – Theresa Duncklee, Alyssa Lechuga, Francisco Mesina, Paul Middaugh, Corey Sosa, Dominic Warren.

Seventh Grade – Bethany Burgess, Gabriella Carrera, Christina Gonzales, Graciela Juvera, Roie Putman, Ryan Stuart.

Eighth Grade – Johnathon Serna, Mark Sims.

“B” Average Honor Roll students are:

Fifth Grade – Analisa Canisales, Steven Gaona, Ashley Gonzales, Curtis Kelley, Peter Mann, Anissa Newman, Robert Newman, Daniel Padilla, Shane Poarch, Anissa Salazar, Stevie Sena.

Sixth Grade – Stephanie Aguirre, Alec Archuleta, Robert Arguello, Jimmy Birkett, Stephanie Boyer, Sean Gillway, Amber Hightower, Travis Lechuga, Alexia Lopez, Colt MacClennon, Tony Meza, Jessica Nichols, Alexis Salazar, Kurt Wiegert.

Seventh Grade – Erica Aguirre, Sharina Arguello, Matthew Avelar, Andrew Davis, Kyle Dickey, Kelly Gilliam, Julian Hillan-Huerta, Andriana Lechuga, Daniel Sainz, Devry Smith.

Eighth Grade – Tyler Bingham, Makayla Burke, Christopher Carrillo, Krysten Carrillo, Tiffany Cruz, Courtney Davis, Carlos Estrada, Meghan Johnson, Felisha Lechuga, Jose Lopez, Heath McEuen, Mario Romero, Marissa Sanchez.

* Denotes all A’s

The Ray Bearcats are looking to build upon last season’s trip to the state playoffs. The Bearcats defeated Camp Verde in the first round of last year’s post-season before losing to eventual champion Chandler Valley Christian.

The men in the trenches appear to be the strength of this year’s squad. George Mendoza, Johnny Lopez, Xavier Rodriguez, and Elmer Schwartz are expected to anchor a powerful Bearcat line. Head Coach Bobby Armenta agreed that the key to this year’s team is to get the line firing on all cylinders. “We have two quarterbacks who can throw long and we have speedy backs. The line opening holes will be the key,” said Armenta.

The two long ball quarterbacks that Armenta was referring to are Reece Headley and Jordan Hillan-Huerta. The speed in the backfield is expected to be provided by Jose Lopez, Jerry Lopez, Lance Goad and Julian Hillan-Huerta. The bruiseback this season will be 6’2” 220 pound Zack Bowie.

Catching the long tosses of Huerta and Headley will be Stephen Crawford, Allen Baca, Matt Solis, and Jeremy Cude. The golden foot of Pete Ross will once again be splitting the uprights for the ‘Cats.

“The kids are really upbeat and are very coachable,” added Armenta. The ‘Cats will need an upbeat attitude as they face a challenging schedule. Ray starts their regular season at 3A Globe on September 1. Globe is expected to be improved over last year’s squad that got run over by the Bearcats.

On September 8, the ‘Cats travel to Tonopah Valley. Last year the ‘Cats earned a mercy rule victory over Tonopah. The ‘Cats follow-up their trip to the West Valley with a road trip to Tombstone. The Yellow Jackets finally graduated Mr. Everything Dwayne Thomas, but have plenty of talent coming up to take his place.

The Bearcats finish their non-conference schedule against defending 2A State Champion Chandler Valley Christian and their revolving door of college talent. The Trojans are expected to have an off year this year, with pre-season rankings placing them only third in the state. The ‘Cats dropped two games to the Trojans last year.

Conference play for the Bearcats begins September 29 at Miami. This year’s 2A Central Region should prove to be an interesting one. Last year’s region champion Pusch Ridge is reporting to have lost most of last year’s team to graduation.

Coach Armenta expects the Hayden Lobos to be the team to beat in the region. It is expected to be a free-for-all for the other two playoff positions between the Bearcats, San Carlos, San Manuel, and Miami.

San Manuel finished fourth in the region last year with a very young team. The San Carlos Braves, while escaping last season without a victory, showed a strong ground game at times with a very young team. The Braves could squeak in for a playoff spot.

Perhaps the biggest improvement in the region is expected to be from the Miami Vandals. Miami played San Manuel tough last year and also had a big victory over Globe.

The ‘Cats, and their assistant coaches of Steve Stein, Fred Cruz, Raul Rodriguez, Willy Jordan, Michael Bennett, Wally Kenney, Eric Armenta, and Alberto Lopez, will get their first taste of foreign pads on August 25 with a scrimmage at Northwest Community Christian. While score will not be kept, the ‘Cat coaches will get a good idea of how Ray stacks up against the competition.

Good luck ‘Cats on a victorious season.

In a game loaded with controversy, the Ray Bearcats fell to Desert Christian 38-62 in Tucson.

The game started strong for the ‘Cats who opened up an early first quarter lead thanks in part to the three-point shooting of Anthony Carrillo. Carrillo had two three-point baskets in the period as Ray managed to hold on to a 16-16 tie at the end of the first quarter.

Along the way the self-destruction of the Bearcats began. Bearcat Robert Martinez was leveled by a Desert Christian screen. Calls from the Ray fans and bench for a foul went unheard by the officiating crew. From there, things went downhill fast, including the ejection of Ray assistant coach Mike Green and several Ray fans. From that point on, the Bearcats could do nothing right.

Another Carrillo long ball and baskets from Mitchell Sandoval and Marcos Esquivel kept the ‘Cats in the game during the second quarter. At halftime Ray trailed 24-30.

Of the eight field goals that Desert Christian made in the second half, three were long balls from Ben Adam. But the story of the half was free throws. Desert Christian was 13-of-25 from the charity stripe in the half while the Bearcats were two-of-three from the line. For the game, the Eagles were 25-of-43 while Ray was 3-of-7.

Four Bearcats fouled out of the game, with Carrillo and Michael Migliore fouling out prior to the start of the fourth quarter. Carrillo, Esquivel, and Sandoval were also assessed technical fouls during the course of the game. On the game, Ray was whistled for 30 fouls while Desert Christian was caught 11 times.

Esquivel led the Bearcat scorers with 10 points. Carrillo tossed in nine points, Sandoval six, Migliore and Stephen Crawford four points each, Martinez and Reece Headley two points each, and Jordan Hillan-Huerta scored one point.

Tucson officiating has not been kind to the ‘Cats. In their two games played in Tucson, Ray has been whistled for 55 fouls while their opponents have been whistled for just 24 fouls. Away from Tucson, the foul count is just the opposite. In 11 non-Tucson games, including tournaments in Chandler and Maricopa, Ray has been whistled for 128 fouls while their opponents have been cited for 160 infractions.

In the JV game, Ray once again came up short, losing to the Eagles 40-50. Mario Romero had the hot hand for the ‘Cats, dropping in 13 points. Greg Goeller scored eight points, while Skyler Rubalcaba and Zach Moore had seven points each, Matt Solis and Jerime Cude two points each, and Stephen Crawford with a free throw.

Once again the story of the game was fouls. Ray committed 21 fouls with Desert Christian being whistled seven times. Ray was three-of-six from the charity stripe while the Eagles were 18-of-32 from the line.

Information regarding the Lady ‘Cats trip to Tucson was unavailable.

The Ray Bearcats had to face a tough Pusch Ridge squad as they tried to rebound from a disappointing and unbelievable trip to Tucson earlier in the week. Ray was able to stave off a furious second half rally by the Lions to preserve a 57-53 victory.

In the first quarter, the Bearcats used slashing drives to the basket and the dominant play of their big men to open up a 16-13 lead. Michael Migliore led the attack with six points in the quarter, including a lay-up as the horn sounded.

The Bearcats continued to pound the ball inside in the second period, with point guard Robert Martinez penetrating the Lion defense and then dishing off to Marcos Esquivel and Mitchell Sandoval. In the meantime, the ‘Cat defense stiffened, limiting Pusch Ridge to a meager six points in the quarter. At the break, Ray held a commanding 33-19 advantage.

In the second half, Aaron McLeod came alive for the Lions. The swingman hit 10 points in the third quarter for the Lions as Pusch Ridge went on a 3-20 run. The perimeter defense of the Lions also became tougher, playing a close man-to-man defense which limited the ‘Cat guards’ ability to penetrate and dish. With 2:04 left in the third period, the Lions had not only cut the ‘Cat lead, but had taken their own lead at 36-39. As the quarter came to a close, Ray had regained a narrow 42-39 advantage.

With three minutes remaining in the game, Ray trailed 51-50, and Pusch Ridge was attempting to run a delay. However, Ray was able to steal the ball. On the Ray possession, Esquivel was fouled going to the basket. Esquivel hit both free throws to give Ray a 52-51 lead.

Pusch Ridge once again coughed up the ball to the ‘Cats and was forced to foul in the Ray end of the court in an attempt to get the ball back. Ray would toe the free throw line 10 times in the final two minutes of the game, making five of the charity offerings.

However, it wasn’t until Martinez sank two free throws with seven seconds remaining to give Ray a four point lead that the ‘Cats could finally relax. This was the ‘Cats second victory over the pre-season fifth-ranked Lions in as many weeks.

Esquivel led the scoring charge with 20 points. Sandoval dropped in 12 points while Migliore added 10 points, Martinez six, Anthony Carrillo five and Jordan Hillan-Huerta and Reece Headley two points each.

Sandoval had a game high seven rebounds while Martinez picked the Lion pockets seven times.

The victory gives the ‘Cats a 3-3 record in the 2A Central region and a 12-6 record overall.

In the JV tilt, the Bearcats were simply outgunned by a strong Pusch Ridge squad, losing 39-85. Mario Romero led the JV with 12 points. Oscar Gomez and Stephen Crawford added six points each, Richard Garcia four points, Greg Goeller three, Skyler Rubalcaba, Matt Solis, and Matt Dull two points each, and Chris Carrillo and Zack Bowie each made a free throw.

  Ray raced out to an early lead and never looked back as they defeated non-conference opponent Tonopah Valley 83-52.

  The Ray Lady ‘Cats and San Carlos Lady Braves battled back and forth for the full 24 minutes, but in the end it was the Braves who had claimed a 17-16 victory.