For the second time in program history, the Coconino Panthers went 8-0 in the regular season. The program began the varsity legacy in 1967 and earned its first undefeated season in 1983. While a 41-7 loss to Cactus in the quarterfinals certainly wasn’t the goal, the Coconino athletes had nothing to hang their heads about. While the majority of their season was against fellow Northern Arizona teams, the Panthers earned victories in Metro Phoenix against Marcos de Niza and Estrella Foothills.
In his second year as head coach, Mike Lapsley has taken the Panthers to back-to-back postseason appearances, a feat last accomplished 15 years ago. Coconino has only made it to the quarterfinals five times and has yet to reach a semifinal game. The back-to-back 4A Grand Canyon Region Champions have made tremendous strides over the past few seasons and strive to visit the 4A semifinals next season.
Devon Henry
