It's not everyday you see a football team with the sudden pedigree that Sunnyside High School has been able to develop over the past few seasons. Especially since the majority of their roster is Hispanic. The odds are already stacked against them in other areas of life;
-As it pertains to football, they reside in Tucson. Not a lot of good teams are able to compete statewide from the southern town. It seems that every year, only Salpointe Christian gets any respect from the Phoenix team.
-Sunnyside is located in South Tucson, which means that there may be more things to worry about than football such as getting home safely.
With these elements and many more it's hard to believe that the Sunnyside Blue Devils were 5A-II semifinalist last season and has won two 4A State Championships since 2001. Not bad for a bunch of kids who don't look like football would even be their first sport.
The key to success? Good coaching and good personnel on the field. Head Coach Richard Sanchez has been able to show these kids how to win with class and efficiency. Last year, the Blue Devils were loaded with talent which happened to all graduate. This season, some players who were waiting in the wing will get their chance.
-RB Manny Aguilar will be the force on offense and will have to carry this team to success.
-QB Jesus Vega is a transfer from Cholla High School and is only 5-foot-8-inches,and 180-pounds.
In the first game of the season, Sunnyside went up against Glandale Mountain Ridge and lost in a heart breaker, 14-5. Aguilar had 122 yards rushing on 20 carries while Vega threw for 117 yards on 11-of-23 passing. While the loss is tough, look for this Blue Devil team to make a lot of noise this season. I know I'll be watching.
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