Panthers Claw Past Thunderbirds on Special Senior Night

The Coconino High School boys soccer team earned an emotional 3-1 victory over rival Mohave in their regular season finale on Thursday. The win marked the first time the Panthers have beaten the Thunderbirds in nine years.

“The win was crazy, right? There were a lot of emotions because I knew the boys could do it,” said Coconino head coach Erik Carrillo. “I knew the potential was there and seeing them put it together out there was just a different feeling.”

For Carrillo, the victory was deeply personal. As a Coconino senior in 2015, his team also beat Mohave.

“My senior year was the last time we beat them,” Carrillo said. “Tonight’s win was awesome! We haven’t beaten this team in nine years.”

The game also served as senior night, honoring the Panthers' outgoing players in their last home game in front of fans and family. Carrillo praised this year's senior class as instrumental in turning around the program.

"This group is different and more special than the groups I've had in the past," Carrillo said. "The way they motivate, the way they talk to their teammates and the way they believe in each other is huge. It’s something we haven’t had at COCO."

Carrillo is in his third year coaching at his alma mater. After winning just two games last season, this year's Panthers are 5-5, with a chance to finish at .500 or better for the first time in nearly a decade.

"What's significant about this game is that it's Senior Night," Carrillo said. "They want to prove they're just as good or better than some of these teams. Our record and the scoreboard don’t show it. But it speaks to the confidence and impact of these seniors. These seniors were the group that turned the program around for CHS. It’s showing them that it started with these guys. It starts with effort. It starts with the grades. These guys are leaders for the next round of players coming in."

“We should have gotten a couple more wins like this. But we're still learning and growing as a team,” Carrillo said. “We’re still building a program here at Coconino High School. We're still learning. We’re growing the program.”

As for the seniors, Carrillo hopes they will carry lessons from soccer into the next stages of their lives.

"I’d tell the seniors as they head out into their lives that the future’s bright for them," Carrillo said. "It wasn’t all about me coaching them as soccer players but teaching them about life and giving them life experiences. It’s been about showing them how soccer relates to life. Life is the same as soccer. You’re going to have ups and downs. That means you have to focus harder. You’re going to have bad days and bad moments. Don’t let that come to affect you. Don’t let that bring you down. You have to keep fighting to the last second of the game. Don’t keep digging yourself into a bigger hole. Climb back up and keep fighting. That’s kind of how these seniors were. They’ve seen the worst of Coco, and now they're at the uprising of Coco, and that's just life.

“I’m beyond proud of this team and the seniors. I told them that if they were to play like this every single night, they’d be one of the top teams in the state. We're still learning. But I’m beyond proud. I would never change his team for any other team. The relationships we have, the culture, the families, the peers – it’s unique, and I love it."

Of course, no team is complete without the support staff and coaches.

"Neither I nor this team would be in this position without the help of the coaches we have!” said Coach Carrillo. "Being on the same page and system about how we coach has helped more than I would have ever imagined. They've helped players understand what we want on and off the field, to use tactics, or to bring new ideas to the table! The coaches provide more eyes and brains when it comes to the game and practice. They see things differently, and this has been super beneficial to me and the players! Having coaches everyone respects and can get along with is a huge plus! It helps them create relationships with anyone. I am definitely super thankful for the coaches in my corner. They are supporting and helping me every second of this season!”

Coconino Boys Soccer honors Class of 2024 players:

Alejandro Escandon

Alejandro Escandon, (#1 Captain) was accompanied by his mom Veronica Escandon, dad Jose Escandon, brother Coach Jose and sister Briana Escandon. “After high school, I plan to attend the Universal Technical Institute. My favorite high school memory is my very first high school soccer game,” Alejandro said. A 15-year-old kid with extreme nerves played two games in one day. First with junior varsity, then with varsity. He made more than 20 saves between the two games. But how am I going to pick only one memory, every single day is a memory with my second family here on the pitch. Freshmen and incoming freshmen, never let intimidation or regret hold you back. This applies both on and off the field. Life is a precious gift, and you only have one. After a loss, get back on your feet and keep on climbing.”

“Alejandro Escandon is a big, big voice back there in the defense,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “He sees the whole field and commands everything. His leadership this year and his wanting to do better have encouraged and pushed all these other players. You know, he saves us back there. He’s a big piece where he saved us back there. You know, he's a big piece and has saved our butts so many times. It’s nice having him as a captain that the players look up to. The players respond well to him.”

Isahi Gutierrez

Isahi Gutierrez (#10) was accompanied by Sergio Gutierrez, Maria Lopez, Hector Gutierrez, Vianeyth Gutierrez, Alexandra Adame, Abigail Lopez and Samantha Gutierrez. “My plans after high school are to go to college or join the army. My favorite high school memories are heading back to Flagstaff when we had games out of town,” said Ishi. “My advice to freshmen is to have fun and create memories. Time flies by fast, so enjoy every second of it.”

“Isahi Gutierrez has a crazy story,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “During my first year with him, he was a sophomore. And from sophomore to junior year, he lost something like 80 pounds. He lost tremendous weight trying to get in shape and be ready for varsity his junior year. He succeeded. And then, his ability to control the midfield and his vision distribution is huge. He has a language barrier. He speaks a little English, but he brings motivation. He’s a big joint in our team. He brings players together with his joy and happiness. So, he's a big piece of this team. We’re going to miss him next year.”

Jermaine Jensen

Jermaine Jensen (#13) was accompanied by his mom, Terrah, and two sisters, Eija and Tatum. “After high school, I plan to attend Northern Arizona University to become a Radiology Technician,” Jermaine said. “My favorite high school memories are car rides with friends at lunch. My advice to freshmen is to keep your grades up!”

“Jermaine is a first-year player. I don't think he's ever played soccer,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “This is his first year as a soccer player and his first year at Coconino Soccer. But he's a player that comes from track and cross country. And so, he never gets tired. He'll chase the ball up and down the field because he never gets tired from all his conditioning. I wish I'd had him the previous three years. He would have been a really, very talented player. He just doesn't know the game all that well yet.”

Jonathan Giles

Jonathan Giles Miranda (#2) was accompanied by his mom, Martha Miranda and brother Jose Giles Miranda. “After high school, I plan to attend Coconino Community College to study Automotive Engineering. My favorite high school memories are the bus rides with friends to and from games. My advice for freshmen is to have fun with friends and be confident,” Jonathan said.

“This is Jonathan Giles's first year of Varsity, but he’s been playing club soccer for a long time,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “He has a lot of soccer under his belt. He's a great player. I don't know how to word this, but his biggest weakness is his size, but that’s nothing we can control, right? But his size doesn't determine who he is. He might be small, but he's aggressive. What is the saying? “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” He’s a lion out there. He doesn't let his size affect him. And he's a big piece in our defense. He has big minutes when the players are getting tired, and I can trust him to be there. He knows the game very well. And he knows how to use his body to his advantage in defense.”

Oliver Arita

Oliver Arita (#9) was accompanied by his dad, Robinson Arita, and his girlfriend, Lacey Walker. “After high school, I plan to attend Northern Arizona University,” said Oliver. “My favorite high school memories are the soccer tournaments with teammates. My advice to freshmen: Try to make the most of each moment and enjoy all four years.”

“Oliver Arita played soccer in his freshman year, but I didn't have him,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “He hasn’t played his sophomore or junior year until now. So, this is his first year with me. He brings speed and physicality to the team – something that not a lot of teams have. The boys know when he comes in, they recognize what Oliver brings to the table. I wish I had a little longer to work with him. He still needs a bit more practice reading the game. But that’s part of growing in the sport. He has a lot of potential.”

Omar Cruz

Omar Cruz (#11 - Captain) was accompanied by his mom, Ana Yazmín, sister, Alexa Flores, and girlfriend, Jimena Anahí. “After high school, I plan to start my own construction business,” Omar said. “My favorite high school memories are soccer tournaments and the bus rides with teammates. My advice to freshmen is to keep working hard until your dreams come true.”

“Omar Cruz is a big piece of the team,” said Coach Erik Carrillo. “He’s been working with me the three years I’ve been here. He is a good leader. Also, the way he holds the up top is huge. When Omar has a ball, everyone knows Omar will do something with it or chase it back down. He also knows how to distribute the ball. Omar's mentality is huge for our game. He motivates his players, but at the same time, if people are having a bad day or a bad touch, he's there to support them. And even if he’s having a bad day, you know he’s going to work his butt off and bring everything he has to the table.”

Liam Thayer

Liam Thayer (#20 – Captain) was accompanied by his mom Beya, brother Ian, and girlfriend Alli. “After high school, I plan on going to college to pursue a degree in business,” Liam said. “My favorite high school memory is team bonding during the tournaments. My advice to freshmen is always to have confidence and never give up on yourself.”

“Liam Thayer is the player that has stepped up the most in leadership and vocal this year out of any player,” said Coach Carrillo. “His leadership and size will be big things someone will have to fill next year, especially with him Having a big influence on everyone on the team. Having him for three years and him understanding his role and understanding the system we play has helped tremendously this year. It will be a problem if we can’t fill his shoes next year. Besides being a great student and athlete on and off the field, his soccer game has also stepped up in ways we didn’t expect this year! He is a kid that will definitely be missed next year!”

In the Words of Coach Carrillo:

• "The win was crazy, right? There were a lot of emotions because I knew the boys could do it."
• "My senior year was the last time we beat them. Tonight’s win was awesome! We haven’t beaten this team in nine years."
• "This group is different and more special than the groups I've had in the past. The way they motivate, the way they talk to their teammates and the way they believe in each other is huge."
• "We’re still building a program here at Coconino High School. We're still learning. We’re growing the program."
• "Life is the same as soccer. You’re going to have ups and downs. Don’t let that bring you down. Don’t keep digging yourself into a bigger hole. Climb back up and keep fighting."

Summary:

The Coconino High School boys soccer team beat rival Mohave 3-1 on senior night, Jan. 24, 2024, marking the Panthers' first win over the Thunderbirds in nine years. Head coach Erik Carrillo, a former player for CHS, called the victory "crazy" and emotionally satisfying. He praised this year's senior class for helping turn around the program after years of struggling. At 5-5, Coconino has a chance to finish at .500 or better for the first time in nearly a decade under third-year coach Carrillo.

Flagstaff photographer and storyteller was at the event to capture this special moment for the team.