Hawks name Denton as head football coach

A hall of fame football coach has landed at Gila Ridge.

Yuma's newest high school announced the hiring of Jay Denton as its head football coach Thursday afternoon replacing Simon Ocampo, who resigned in January to pursue other professional interests.

"I feel great about it," said Denton, who is a member of the Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame. "The school has got some good, positive, progressive leaders out there. I think it's a place where we can develop a good program.

"From what I see we got some good potential there - just going to try to carry it further," he said.

In its first varsity season and without any seniors on the team, Ocampo led the Hawks to a 4-6 regular season finish and a trip to the independent playoffs, where they lost to Gilbert-Williams Field. Gila Ridge opened its doors in 2007.

Denton directed the Sidewinders' football program from 2005-06 to 2007-08. San Luis replaced Denton with assistant coach Fernando Solano in June 2008. Denton remained at the school in a teaching capacity and will continue teaching P.E. at Gila Ridge beginning in the fall.

"I never really considered myself out of coaching forever," Denton said.

"I don't have any ill feelings (toward San Luis). That is over and done with. I enjoyed the time while I was down there. I want to moved forward with Gila Ridge," he said.

Prior to San Luis, Denton spent more than 20 successful years at 3A Eloy-Santa Cruz, winning two state football titles and three wrestling state championships.

The going was a little tougher at San Luis. Denton went 1-29 in his three seasons, the lone win coming in week two of his final campaign, as the school moved into the class 5A Division II Gila Valley Region. He took over a squad that went 3-8 in 2004-05 and competed in the 4A Skyline Region.

Denton is looking forward to meeting with the players and getting ready for the sport's first as a member of the Gila Valley Region, which also adds Lake Havasu to its ranks.

"When I meet with the players we'll see," Denton said when asked about what to expect on the field. "Once I find out what suits the personnel the best then we'll proceed with putting everything else into place."