The Broncos are well into our 2011 football season, and its been marked with success and challenges. Our first game against Flagstaff High started slowly for the Poston Butte, but picked up in the second quarter. Although the Eagles struck first to gain a 7-0 lead, the quick-strike Broncos answered with three touchdowns of our own. When the third quarter began, things got a little weird. The offense was plagued with a case of the turnovers, two lost fumbles and an errant snap from center that went out the back of our own end zone, resulting in a safety. With the score at 21 to 9, an electrical transformer near the Coconino High School scoreboard threatened to explode, possibly leaving the town of Flagstaff in the dark. Therefore, we were forced to postpone the game until September 19th, which will be held in Anthem at Boulder Creek High School. Hopefully, we can finish this game with a victory and bring this chapter of our season to a close.

The Broncos returned home for the second game of the season against the Tempe Buffaloes. We learned a lot from our first game and worked hard to apply the lessons learned on the field. The defense was stifling all night, holding Tempe’s offense to only a single touchdown late in the fourth quarter when the reserves, many from the JV, were on the field. The Buffaloes turned the ball over numerous times as a result of the suffocating pressure put on by the defensive line and linebackers. Defensive touchdowns by senior cornerback Brady Gibson and senior linebacker Aaron Juarez put this game away early in the first half. The Bronco offense wasted no time applying an immense amount of pressure as well. We scored early and often, not stopping until we amassed 55 points. Senior quarterback Dean Martino scored three touchdowns, while doing a great job of managing the no-huddle pressure offense. It was a complete effort that helped to affirm the belief that we are a team that is to be reckoned with.

The third game of the season was a big test for our football team and a bigger test for our program. Our matchup with Higley High School challenged our ability to play at a high level for an extended amount of time against a very talented and well-coached team. The Knights were an undefeated team that was coming off two very good games where they completely dominated their opponents, averaging almost 50 points a game. The Bronco defense hasn’t allowed any team to score more than one touchdown a contest. So, something had to give. The start of the game hit the Higley home crowd like a sucker punch. You could almost hear the crowd deflate at junior return specialist Cameron Owen took the opening kickoff for a quick touchdown. The Knights responded with a long drive that ended in a short quarterback keeper for a touchdown. Higley senior quarterback Eric Kump came prepared and was every bit as talented as touted by the local media. But the Broncos were on a mission to bring our program to the spotlight. It was a see saw affair that had both teams exchanging scores, but Poston Butte’s quick-snap no-huddle offense started wearing the Knights’ defense down. With multiple touchdowns by junior running back Dustin French, and a defense that would flex, but not break, the Broncos jumped to a 48 – 25 lead. Then like déjà vu, the game had to be postponed due to a lightning storm. Undeterred, the Broncos came back Saturday morning and finished the job they started. Despite giving up a couple of scores, the boys held the Knights and brought home the biggest victory in our young program’s history. It was a gutty performance and a good indication of just how good this team can be.

This week, we take on our fellow San Tan Valley opponent, the Combs Coyotes. They will no doubt be ready to knock us off. Come out and support us as we strive to take home another victory. Go Broncos!

The Bronco football program is now in full swing as we prepare for the upcoming season. The Broncos have successfully completed scrimmages at all three levels. The varsity competed in a three-way controlled scrimmage with the McClintock Marauders and the Pinnacle Pioneers at McClintock’s stadium. Although competing with division 1 and 2 teams, Poston Butte fared well. Although no score was taken, our offense scored a few times and our defense only allowed a couple of scores. It was a good opportunity to assess where our football team stands at this point in the preseason. As expected, we made some mistakes that need to be addressed. However, we also were successful in situations that lead us to believe that we will be competitive this season. The junior varsity and freshmen programs squared off in our annual scrimmage, Bronco Bowl III. Hundreds of fans showed up at Bronco Field to watch our younger teams test their skills against each other. Despite having no field goal posts due to a microburst blowing them down the day before the game, the boys worked hard to give their fans a good show. The freshmen, led by Chris Musselman and Brandon Hatfield pulled off an exciting upset of the JV, 28 – 20. Player eligibility has plagued both teams recently and the coaching staff and players are working diligently to rectify the situation.

This week, our varsity will travel to Coconino High School in Flagstaff to play the Flagstaff Eagles. We are very excited to kick off this season and we hope to bring home a victory to our fans and our school. The JV and freshmen teams have a huge test in facing our in-district school, Florence. The Gophers will no doubt strive to beat the Broncos in this first-ever match up between the programs. As you may know, Coach Mike DeLaTorre’s father, George, is the head football coach of the Gophers. It will make for an interesting couple of games. Come out and support our players this week. Go Broncos!

Come and Join us for the 3rd Annual Bronco Bowl.  The scrimmage puts our Freshman team against our JV team.  Scrimmmage starts at 6:00 PM at PBHS Football Stadium.  See you there.

Official Start date of Football is August 1st.  All paper work must be turned into Athletic Office before player can begin practice.   Paperwork can be downloaded from http://pbhs.fusdaz.org/site_res_view_folder.aspx?id=537b4ea5-0dec-4483-8a09-57c08bdbfbfb

The Poston Butte High Football Program is proud to announce the 2nd annual Youth Football Clinic/Camp being held at PBHS practice fields on July 29th, & 3oth.  Cost is $30 for pre-registration.  Camp registration fees can be paid on this website in the Team Shop. See the below link for further details.

Youth football camp flyer 2011

Come get a sneek preview of all that we have to look forward to with the 2011-12 football season as the Poston Butte Varsity face off against the Chandler Wolves in a 7 on 7 tournament this Friday, May 20th! The excitement will begin at Chandler High School 5pm sharp. Make sure you arrive a little early to get the best seats and still have time hit the concession stand.

Select the link below for details including a full schedule of the night and a map of Chandler HS.

CHS spring fling 2011

When:  Friday May 20th, @ 5PM
Where:  Chandler High School
350 N Arizona Ave
Chandler, AZ 85225