After advancing father than ever before, the Pumas went off to Tucson on Dec. 2 to take on the Chandler Wolves and came up just short of a state title victory. The Pumas played in what was one of the best games of their season, and ended the game just shy of a touchdown, 42-49.

Many of the starting players played very well in the game, junior Travis Calloway being one of them. Calloway had a great defensive game against the Wolves. The junior defensive back said, “We did all we could, but didn’t get the stops when we needed them. The team played great.”

The boys had a huge improvement since last playing Chandler and put up their best fight, and there is no doubt that they will be after the state title yet again next season.

Junior defensive lineman, Travis Beckman said, “We are coming back next year,” he continued, “we will keep doing the same thing we’ve always done, just keep working.”

The team will not rest in their off season, they will be participating in winter and spring sports to stay in shape for for the next fall season.

As for the game last Sat. Dec. 2 they played as hard as they could, although they did lose a little momentum toward the end of the first quarter, but came out after halftime fired up and ready to go.

Senior quarterback, Brock Purdy said, “Second half everyone stepped up and played their parts but they [Chandler] scored more points than us… We gave it all we had second half, and I don’t regret anything.” Purdy is among the players that will be graduating this year, and will leave behind incredibly large shoes for the next quarterback to fill. Purdy recently won the Ed Doherty Award, as well as being named the Cardinal’s high school player of the year.

Head varsity coach, Preston Jones said, “We have to take a mental break and physical break from football, but then get back at it,” Jones continued, “and know that it can be done and hopefully continue with this momentum and continue with the confidence and build off of this year.” The juniors and sophomores that will make up the varsity have lots of drive and will not have any trouble picking up where their successors left off.