Defense first

Finishing second in the Gila Valley Region in defense wasn't good enough for the Cibola football team.

Playing in a region featuring speedy running backs, the Raiders enter the season looking to lead the league in total defense.

Adrian Lugo said second - either in the standings or the statistics - wouldn't cut it this year. So far, everything is heading in that direction.

"We're looking pretty good," Lugo said. "Things are going pretty well."

Six of the seven linebackers and defensive ends return from last season's team, giving the Raiders some continuity up front on defense as they look to rebound from a 3-7 season and a 1-2 region record.

"We want to take back that city trophy," lineman Leo Aranda said. "We're going to take back that which is ours."

Coach Lucky Arvizo said the defense will be the key to the Raiders' season, which starts Sept. 4 at home against Imperial (Calif.)

"We're looking forward to the defensive side of the ball," Arvizo said. "We got three linebackers that are coming back this year, so they have experience under their belt. We also have two anchors on the defensive line coming back."

The teams that took the top two spots in the region last year - Yuma High and Kofa - feature running backs that led the area in rushing. Linebacker Cody England said the players on defense are confident in their ability to stop those backs.

"We have to work as a team," England said. "We have to work as a team to take them."

Even on offense the Raiders have some key pieces coming back, including quarterback Dylan Arviso, running back Roy Thompson and a pair of offensive lineman.

"We're going to run some multiple sets, maybe some misdirection," Arvizo said. "We'll spread it out a little bit, air it out some times to keep the defense as off balance as we can. The game is going to dictate what we do."

Arviso said he's excited for the season to finally get underway.

"As a coaching staff, what we've noticed is our players are really working hard out here in practice, which is always exciting" Arvizo said. "That's all you can ask for from your players. When the season comes, I feel pretty confident our guys will be prepared and ready to go."

Last year: 3-7 (1-2 Gila Valley Region)

Top returners: LB Cody England, LB Adrian Lugo, LB Blake Brazeel, DL Andre Hernandez, DL Leo Aranda, QB Dylan Arviso, RB Roy Thompson

Key newcomers: WR Cody Pletch will lead a replenished receiving corps for the Raiders.

The Big Game: The Raiders will know right off the bat in district play where they stand, facing defending Gila Valley champ Kofa at home Oct. 9.

The lowdown: While the defense is loaded, the offense should still be a threat for the Raiders. Quarterback Dylan Arviso returns, as does running back Roy Thompson, who made an impact after being called up from the junior varsity team during the middle of last season.

2009 Schedule

Sept. 4 vs. Imperial (Calif.)
Last year did not play

Sept. 11 vs. Mesa-Skyline
Last year did not play

Sept. 17 (Thursday) vs. Mesa-Red Mountain
Last year did not play

Sept. 25 at Phoenix-North Canyon
Last year did not play

Oct. 2 vs. Chandler-Basha
Last year did not play

Oct. 9 vs. Kofa*
Last year lost 36-22

Oct. 16 at Yuma High*
Last year lost 28-26

Oct. 23 at Lake Havasu*
Last year did not play

Oct. 30 vs. San Luis*
Last year won 35-7

Nov. 6 vs. Gila Ridge*
Last year did not play
*-denotes district game; all games at 7 p.m. unless noted