Carlos Palomera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover La Jolla Community High for AZpreps365.com

COOLIDGE - The La Joya Community High School earned its first win of the season against Coolidge High School, 12-6, on Friday night, in Coolidge.

Senior quarterback of the Lobos, Gabriel Waldren threw for 129 yards and two touchdowns passes. Waldren also threw two interceptions.

“It was ugly at first, but we did what we had to do and (finished) out the game,” Waldren said, “We came out with a dub. We started out the season 0-5, but it is a great way to bounce back.” 

Last week, La Joya Community High School lost a close game to Paradise Valley High School at home, 35-34.

What a difference a week makes.

La Joya came out ready, scoring on its to score and did just that by scoring on their first drive on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Waldren to sophomore wide receiver Bryce Johnson. The extra point attempt was blocked.

The Bears were still looking to score their first points of the season after losing last week against Florence High School, 68-0. Both schools were winless prior to this game.

Coolidge scored on a blocked field goal attempt. Jordan Talley picked up the block and ran 82 yards for the score. The Bears failed on its 2-point-conversion try.

A total of four interceptions were thrown in the game as well as three fumbles occured. Omarie Sibley of the Lobos caught an interception thrown by Coolidge quarterback, Christopher Reed, early in the game.

The game was 6-6 when Waldren replaced after halftime. Nasir Smith, senior wide receiver and defensive back, replaced Waldren at quarterback.

Offensive Coordinator of the Lobos getting his offense ready in the third quarter helmed by Smith at quarterback (Carlos Palomera photo/AZPreps365)

Coolidge High School had a 26-yard run that would have put it up by six in the fourth quarter, but the play was called back because of a holding penalty.

That’s when Waldren took control. With less than three minutes left in the game, he led the Lobos down the field.

Waldren threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wideout Christian Otterbridge.

Christian Otterbridge on his way into the end zone to put the Lobos up 12-6 late in the fourth quarter. (Carlos Palomera photo/AZPreps365)

“(Waldren’s) been good for us all year… he just got off to a really slow start so we kind of wanted to bring him over and let him settle down for a bit,” head coach Adam Beene said.  “Then, he kind of got back to his usual self and drove us down the field for that final score.”

On the sideline before going on defense,  La Jolla's Smith was heard shouting,  “game-winning pick.” Three plays later, Smith did just that

“I told them boys that I was going to get the game-winning pick,” Smith said, “It felt great, knowing that we needed this win, man.”

Wide receiver and defensive back Nasir Smith looking to La Joya supporters after the game-sealing interception. (Carlos Palomera photo/AZPreps365)

Smith, who replaced Waldren at Quarterback, finished with one completion for 17 yards, two catches for 29 yards, five carries for 22 yards, two solo tackles, one assisted tackle and the game sealing interception.

“I mean, there’s a chance we can run region; there’s a chance we can go to (the) playoffs,” Waldren said, “If we execute, we’re gonna win games.”

Junior running back Zion Hills fumbled the ball twice yet did not let that get the best of him. Hills led the Lobos in rushing with 54 yards on 16 carries.

“I started off bad. I’m not gonna lie, but in the second half, I had to lock in,” Hills said. “I’m proud of my team, I love these boys ... and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

La Joya will have a bye week next week then will play district rival Sierra Linda High School on October 18 at home.

“We got a bye week at a critical time,” Head coach Beene said. “It’s a great time for us to heal up and get a little extra practice for Sierra Linda …"