Prep Football team preview: Somerton Toros

The Toros are tackling their first varsity season horns first

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Just three years after being established, Somerton High School is fielding its first-ever varsity football team.

Head Coach Cyril Atherton explains that the moment is not only special for the team, but for the community too.

"It's an honor. This community has been longing for a football team," Coach Atherton said. "To have a high school in their home community is big."

For players like junior running back and linebacker Jose Polino, the goals for the inaugural season are clear.

"Our goal is to make it to state, win our conference," Polino said. "Win as many games as possible."

But for others, success isn't measured only in wins. Junior tight end and linebacker Roberto Siqueiros said he hopes to build bonds that will last beyond this season.

"I try to just bond with all my teammates, especially the younger ones, the sophomore and freshman," Siqueiros said. "I try to sort of be a role model for them, and not only just for them, but so that they can be a role model in the future when they're upperclassmen."

Although Somerton is building a football culture in front of our eyes, the Toros are known to have a great wrestling program, and Coach Atherton plans on using those wrestlers to his advantage on the gridiron.

"Football is about 11 men winning their one-on-one battle, you know, similar to wrestling," Coach Atherton said. "Some of the techniques they utilize in wrestling, can be incorporated into football, which we try to identify and highlight that."

Because the program is brand new, they might have a learning curve, but the Toros hope to surprise some teams as the season unfolds.

"We're probably going to be underestimated a little bit," Siqueiros said. "We're just starting out, and hopefully we can be a shocker to everyone and show that we can play the game."

With hard work, dedication and a culture still being built, Somerton hopes its first varsity season will be just the beginning of something special in Toro Territory.