Christina Romero attends Rio Rico High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID Program.

 

Beneath the glow of the stadium lights, the Rio Rico Hawks pulled out a final win against Rincon/University, shutting out their opponents 10-0 on a celebratory yet bittersweet senior night.

“With this win, I learned that everything is possible,” says Josue Ramirez Bonilla, senior running back and defensive lineman for the Hawks, “It doesn’t matter how you start, but how you finish.” 

In a season that was filled with challenges and triumphs, the commitment and dedication of the most determined players serves as a prime example of the importance of teamwork and perseverance in the face of adversity. Although it may not be clearly reflected in the team’s record, the Hawks were able to overcome hurdles and obstacles to strive for progress and personal victories throughout the season.

“We were able to unite through adversity, something that you will always have to do in life,” explains senior Jesus Guzman, who plays as running back and middle linebacker. 

“Throughout the season we had a lot of injuries. We had to keep going through the concussions, broken bones,” recalls senior Steve Cota, who plays quarterback, tight end, and defensive end, “but we all said that ‘no matter what, no matter what the record is, we’re going to fight by each other as brothers.’”

And that is just what the Hawks did. In spite of the team’s struggles, the players who remained determined to give it their all pushed through for every yard, every first down, and every score.

“Even though the season didn’t go exactly how we wanted, I’m just glad these seniors right here stayed with us the whole way, and now here we are,” added senior Matthew Felix, who plays as wide receiver and defensive back. 

In this redemption game for the Hawks, fans, students, and families all came out to rally around their seniors during their final game under Friday night lights. Bleachers were filled with commemorative signs, shiny balloons, and adoring fans that created a victorious atmosphere to push the team towards their last win of the season. The visible support and candid emotions of the evening were a reflection of a part of the team's biggest supporters. When asked who their biggest inspirations were throughout their athletic journeys, the interviewed seniors were unanimous in naming their biggest inspirations: their mothers.

“She gave me this fight and fire that I have, she’s my hero,” revealed Steve Cota.

The interviewees all felt that their supportive families have taught them just as many skills for their athletic careers as the sport itself. The consensus among the players was that they have all been able to strive for whatever they put their minds to, face challenges head on, and never let go of their aspirations thanks to their family cheering them on from the stands. 

With a few months left to go in their senior year, the spotlight players all have ambitious goals for their futures - goals that they plan to achieve with the help of the discipline and skills they have learned from participating in this sport. 

“I feel like if you can do that [football and challenges related to such], there’s really nothing you can’t do,” remarks Jesus Guzman, who plans to work with the U.S. Border Patrol and employ his sense of discipline he has mastered from his athletic career.

Likewise, Steve Cota also hopes to work in law enforcement, and intends to study business and criminal justice at Arizona State University or the University of Arizona. 

Similarly, Matthew Felix has plans to attend Pima Community College to earn an associates degree in criminal justice, “Football has taught me to always bounce back and keep my head up.” 

Josue Ramirez Bonilla, who possibly has a chance to play in a high school senior bowl, plans to attend the University of Arizona in hopes of becoming an engineer. 

Just as with any sport, these players have learned what it takes to accomplish their goals with dedication, teamwork, and determination, and there is little doubt that they all have bright futures ahead of them. 

After the win, Head Coach Dominik Bonilla personified the pride that the school, fans, and community had for the Hawks varsity football team.

“It feels amazing right now. The season didn’t go how we wanted it to go, but it ended how they wanted it to,” he remarked, before later being seen making his run to escape the congratulatory gatorade dump from the players on what was a senior night to remember.