Warrior Football Finishes 7-4, Advances To State, Players Honored

By América Cárdenas

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the 2015-16 Pueblo varsity football team advanced to their first playoff appearance since 1991, taking on the Estrella Foothills’ Wolves. Unfortunately, the Warriors lost with a final score of 35-13.

The Warriors ended the season with a final record of 7-4, giving them their second consecutive winning season.

Junior Michael Beltran said, “Last year we set the trend of a triumphant season, and I hope this year we set the precedent for next year’s post-season performance and appearance.”

Pueblo secured their playoff status by being undefeated in their class to become section champions.

“We may not have finished our season with a state championship, but we are making a name for Pueblo again,” said senior David Greenwood. “We want the community to know that we are not a ghetto south side school and that we have so many great programs here including an outstanding athletics department with committed players with pride and devoted coaches who want us to learn the meaning of team spirit.”

Another senior, Jasiah Booth, said, “I couldn’t be any prouder of my team, and I want to wish all upcoming sports just as much luck in their seasons as our football team had this past season.”

On Nov. 23, several of our Warrior football players were honored by coaches for their commendable performances in Division IV, Section II, including:

  • Justin Pledger (Offensive Player of the Year)
  • Jorge Romero (First Team Running Back)
  • Frankie Gomez (First Team Receiver)
  • Michael Beltran (First Team Offensive Lineman)
  • Jasiah Booth (First Team Offensive Lineman)
  • Elliott Perez-Guillen (First Team Linebacker)
  • David Greenwood (First Team Defensive End)
  • Justin Pledger (First Team Defensive Back)
  • Jasiah Booth (First Team Interior Lineman)
  • Justin Pledger (First Team Returner)
  • Armando Lucero (Second Team Receiver)
  • Adrian Madero (Second Team Linebacker)
  • Frankie Gomez (Second Team Defensive Back)
  • Raul German (Second Team Interior Lineman)
  • Jesus Rodriguez (Second Team Interior Lineman)
Jasiah Booth

Booth added, “Pueblo is back on the map, and I am proud to say I am a part of the school’s turn around years. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.”

Michael Perez Recognized As Player Of The Year

Courtesy of TucsonCitizen.com
Michael Perez

The TucsonCitizen.com website announced their 2010 Boys Basketball High School All-Stars and recognized Senior Michael Perez as their Player Of The Year for the 4A I Division.

He was also named to the First Team All- Conference. Congratulations to him and the basketball team for a great season.

Here are some of Michael’s 2009-2010 Season Highlights:

Averaged 29.9 pts. per game
Michael Perez concluded the season as the leading scorer in the state of Arizona among big schools [4A/5A].

McDonald’s All-American Finalist

1st Team – All Southern Arizona Tucson Citizen

Sonoran Region “Player-of-the-Year” Tucson Citizen

Sonoran Region “Player-of-the-Year” Sonoran Region Coaches

Southwest Rotary Classic All-Tournament Team
Cibola High School [Yuma, AZ.]
116 total pts. [4 games]

Alvarez Tire All-Tournament Team
Bradshaw Mountain High School [Prescott Valley, AZ.]
Tournament Scoring Record
45 pts. v. Moon Valley
162 total pts. [5 games]

Most Valuable Player
2009-2010 Pueblo Varsity Basketball

Awards Keep Coming For Michael Perez


Michael Perez

After a great individual season for Junior Michael Perez, awards recognizing his efforts keep coming in.

The Arizona Republic just recently announced the all-state basketball selections and Michael was selected 1st Team 4-A.

Here’s a list of other awards Michael has received after 2008-08 season:

1st Team 4A All-State
Arizona Republic

1st Team All-Southern Arizona
Arizona Daily Star

1st Team All-Southern Arizona
Tucson Citizen

Sonoran Region Player of the Year
Sonoran Region Coaches

Alvarez Tire All-Tournament Team
Bradshaw Mountain High School

Most Valuable Player
Pueblo Varsity Basketball

Head Basketball Coach Gary Crane said, “I believe the last such basketball player to receive such an array of awards was Lafayette “Fat” Lever (1978), after whom our gymnasium is named.”

Congratulations to Michael Perez!

Michael Perez

[Basketball Photo Gallery]

Michael Perez & Stephen Ponce Awarded

Congratulations to both Michael Perez and Stephen Ponce for their unanimous selection by the Sonoran coaches:

Michael Perez & Stephen Ponce
Michael Perez & Stephen Ponce
  • Michael Perez – Boys Basketball Arizona Sonoran Region, Player-of-the-Year, 1st Team
  • Stephen Ponce – Boys Basketball Arizona Sonoran Region, 1st Team
  • Jaqwan Johnson & Esteban Lopez – Honorable Mention

[View Basketball Gallery For Action Shots]