By America Cardenas and Xamantha Williams
Pueblo Magnet High school’s football team ended the regular season with a record of 7-3 and as section champions secured their first playoff appearance since 1991. The Warriors are set to take on the Estrella Foothills Wolves on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m.
Last season, Pueblo’s football program set the precedence of a 7-3 season; however, the team fell short of the playoffs by one game.
Senior Jasiah Booth, who has played varsity football at Pueblo for four years, said, “Playoffs is something I have dreamed about since my freshman year and to be the class to accomplish this is such a great feeling.”
The 25-year post-season drought has definitely come to an end for Pueblo, and the Warriors are eager to have the opportunity to play in the November tournament.
“Getting to playoffs is an accomplishment in itself,” said senior Jorge Romero, “however, I am no where near satisfied just yet.”
Junior Angel Faras added, “We’ve had one goal all season: [to make playoffs]; and now that we have made it this far, we are ready to fight for what we truly want which is State.”
The team has been preparing for the post-season since late May, and the Warriors are proud to have the opportunity to represent Pueblo in Goodyear, AZ, this weekend.
“Our team has become a brotherhood and I am excited and eager to play with my family in this amazing opportunity,” said senior Justin Pledger.
“We are not some ghetto south side school, we are going above and beyond people’s expectations this year,” said senior David Greenwood.
Senior, Luis Armenta said, “We are going to put all our hearts into this game and go out there and fight like true Warriors.”
Although the Warriors will still continue their season into playoffs, here is a recap of the last five regular season games.
Game 6: Friday, October 2:
Pueblo was victorious against the Catalina Trojans with a final score of 72-0, breaking the school’s record for all-time points in a single game. The Warriors scored in all ways possible: punt return, kick return, passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, interception, and fumble. This was also the Warriors’ first home game of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and all athletes wore pink in support.
Game 7: Friday, October 9:
Pueblo traveled to Palo Verde and took their fifth win of the regular season with a final score of 56-7.
Game 8: Friday, October 16:
The Warriors took on the Pusch Ridge Lions in weather that was less than 60 degrees—with rain and winds of more than 20 mph. Unfortunately, Pueblo lost with a final score of 13-35. Pueblo Cheer continued to rally for the Warriors throughout the cold, wet night.
Game 9: Friday, October 23:
The night began with senior recognition, a chance for seniors to be escorted across the field by family members before the beginning of their last game at Lou Farber Field. The night was filled with smiles and laughs. This was not a night just for seniors but also the night that Pueblo could secure their spot into the playoffs as sectional champions. The Warriors were victorious, with a final score of 73-41 against the Empire Ravens, once again breaking the school record for most points scored in a single game.
Game 10: Friday, October 30:
The last game of the regular season for the Warriors was against the Santa Rita Eagles, and the Warriors took the win with a final score of 55-6.
Now, it’s time for the Warriors to advance to the State playoffs, and we all cheer them on. On Saturday, Nov. 7, students and the Pueblo community are encouraged to travel to Goodyear, AZ, on the “Spirit Bus” to give our team some hometown support. The bus trip will cost $10, and another $8 for admission into the game. The bus will leave at 3:15 p.m. at Pueblo, and will return to Pueblo at approximately 11:30. Support our football team!