It is unfortunate for Cottonwood Middle School that the Junior Metro Football League does not have a postseason, because the Lobos would be the team to beat.
CMS won its second straight road game Tuesday, Sept. 23, defeating Fountain Hills Middle School, 44-6, to move to 5-0 heading into games against their final four opponents of the season.
“Everyone played well,” said sixth-year head coach Mark Simmons, who has more victories this fall than all of last season. “Our goal is to get a defense on its heels right off the bat, keep them on their heels, and then either run them over or pass over them.”
After a 46-20 win in their opener Aug. 30 at Chino Valley, the Lobos defense, coached by assistant Jose Zabala, has only allowed the six points to the Falcons.
“Our linemen will get us wins as they stay fresh,” he said. “We aren’t grinding out two- and three-yard gains over and over again. We get 8- to 18-yard gains one or two times out of four plays, score quickly, and put Coach Zabala’s stingy defense on the field to wear them out.”
This is possible because of a fast-paced style of offense Simmons learned watching his son play quarterback in high school — the shotgun spread.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Sept. 24, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
