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Talent galore for Devils
The defending Class 4A state champs are working hard to repeat in 2004.
JESSIE VANDERSON
Tucson Citizen
One week away from football was enough for the football team at Sunnyside High School.
Only seven days after knocking off Glendale Cactus
21-13 last December in the Class 4A state title game, the Blue Devils of
head coach Richard Sanchez were back in the weight room getting ready
for the 2004 season.
That's how it is at one of the state's top high school
football programs. Success does not begin down the road, it starts one
week after the last game.
"Hopefully we will be playing until December," said
Sanchez, whose teams have won 37 of their last 41 games. "The whole
school and the community is excited about Sunnyside football."
As well they should. Senior quarterback Jaime
Cota, 6 feet 1 and 195 pounds, threw for 1,485
yards and 19 touchdowns passing last year. He also rushed for 416 yards
in the Blue Devils' spread option offense.
"We had a really good summer in the passing leagues," said Cota, who started all 14 games in 2003.
Senior wide receivers Nathan Vega and
Aaron Garcia will be Cota's favorite targets. Vega grabbed 26 throws last year for 382 yards and six touchdowns.
Senior back Xavier Smith rushed for 1,831 yards and 22 touchdowns. His backup, senior
David Morales, probably could start anywhere else in town.
"We have some pretty good linemen, so I think we will do well," Smith said.
Senior stalwarts Adam Montijo at center and
Anthony Bonfiglio at right tackle anchor an offensive line that returns three of five starters. Senior tight end
Matt Berrellez, a crushing run blocker, is also back.
"We worked really hard all summer," Bonfiglio said. "We are expected to perform better than we did last year."
The secondary is led by Vega, a star at cornerback. Also back at cornerback is Garcia and senior safeties
Wally Altamirano and
George Garza.
Promising senior Michael
Carreon, Smith and George Lopez are the linebackers. Junior transfer Alex Smith adds depth to a defensive line that lost two of three starters.
SUNNYSIDE SCHEDULE:
Date - Opponent
Aug. 27 at Salpointe Catholic
Sept. 3 Scottsdale Chaparral
Sept. 10 at Goodyear Millenium
Sept. 24 Nogales
Oct. 1 at Cholla
Oct. 8 Catalina
Oct. 15 at Marana
Oct. 22 Ironwood Ridge
Oct. 29 at Rincon/University
Nov. 5 Santa Rita |
