Jordan HammThe Cienega football program was one of the best in the state last year.
Quarterback Jamarye Joiner was a handful for defenses as a threat to air it out or tuck and run. Dakota Poe paired with Joiner in the background as a rock-solid backfield. Senior receiver Breaben Bolton was 1,000-yard threat. Chris Vega and Sean Harshman led one of Southern Arizona’s best defenses. And Terrell Hayward had over 1,000 all-purpose yards and six interceptions as a sophomore.
The talent was there. And the only blemish on a perfect season came in the state semifinals when the Bobcats lost to Centennial.
With a strong group returning including Joiner, Hayward, Harshman, Terrell Huggins and Nathaniel Amico, along with many others, Cienega football is ready to take the next step.
“We are in the weight room getting better just overall getting better as a team,” Joiner said. “We are looking at last year and saying there is no reason we shouldn’t do that again as a team. We are going to push ourselves and push ourselves and I will push my teammates to make us better.”
Joiner has been one of Arizona’s top quarterbacks and is committed to the University of Arizona as an athlete. He has used the 7-on-7 circuit, a style where he can’t run the ball, to help improve his ability to throw the ball.
“I’ve gotten better as a passer overall,” Joiner said. “This year you should expect a lot more passing than running.”
ASU passing tourney champions pic.twitter.com/cmo5DPy9CF
— #TheBoysInVail (@CienegaFootball) June 13, 2017
The Bobcats have been laser-focused on using 2016 as a stepping stone for years to come.
“We just need to keep working hard and don’t give up,” Hayward said. “Last year we had a great season and we build off of it. We don’t stop we keep going and take that loss to heart and come back stronger.
What’s Next
Cienega football kick off their 2017 schedule at Marana on August 25th.
