Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Coronado’s freshmen have flawless finish

Coronado freshmen football3

Richard Brian

Coronado’s Ryley Isakson (11) and Evan Ianbucci (8) celebrate with the rest of their team after defeating Foothill in the final freshmen football game of the season on Oct. 29.

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Coronado's Christopher Johnson dives Into the end zone during the final freshmen football game of the season at Foothill on Oct. 29.

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Coronado wide receiver Tyler Proctor (81) catches a touchdown pass during an away game against Foothill on Oct. 29.

Two undefeated freshmen football teams met at Foothill on Oct. 29, but it was the Coronado Cougars who remained perfect after a 35-8 win against the Foothill Falcons.

Coronado first-year coach Billy Mitchell said he knew early into preseason workouts he had a talented, hard-working team.

"I knew right away that this team was going to be phenomenal," Mitchell said. "I told the parents the first week, 'If we don't go undefeated then it's the coaches' fault.' You could see we had the kids and the coaching staff to have a great year."

The Cougars went 9-0 this season with a balanced offense that featured quarterback Cody Taylor and running back Chris Johnson, but Mitchell stressed he received contributions from the entire roster.

"It was all teamwork from day one," Mitchell said. "We have over 70 kids on the roster and every one of them played. They were disciplined, they listened to the coaching staff and we literally saw them improve with every game."

Taylor said he learned a lot from his first season of high school ball, especially about exceeding low expectations.

"I think we had a lot of doubters when we started the season," Taylor said. "People expected us to go 0-9, but we pulled off an undefeated season. Next year, people will have higher expectations but I think we can exceed them again."

Johnson agreed Mitchell prepared them for the next level and expects to see success as they progress through the program.

"It feels great to have a perfect season," Johnson said. "We want to take into next season and the next and on to a state championship."

Mitchell said defense was one of the Cougars' biggest strengths. He said defensive end Ryley Isakson and linebacker Christian Chavez has bright futures in the program.

Against the Falcons (8-1), the Cougars pulled down two interceptions in the fourth quarter to keep the game out of reach.

"Virtually every kid on this team made a big play at some point this year, especially the kids on defense," Mitchell said. "Our defense was just brutal."

Chavez, nicknamed "Monster" by coaches, wasn't sure what to expect out of the Cougars this year.

"Honestly, my expectations weren't as high as some of the other guys," Chavez said. "Some of them say they knew we were going to be this good but I wasn't sure how we'd look until we got our first win."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].

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