San Pasqual looks to take the next step behind star seniors and rebuilt roster
WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - After a bounce-back season that saw the San Pasqual Warriors triple their win total from the year before, head coach Miguel Rivas says the team is more motivated than ever to make a playoff push and bring home a trophy that's eluded the school for two decades.
"We've been pretty busy this year," Rivas said. "We went to Arizona Christian University, played 7-on-7s, hosted our own tournament we've taken on some of the top teams, and we played them well."
That energy hasn't faded as the Warriors prepare for the fall.
After finishing 3-7 in 2024, Rivas believes last year’s close calls could turn into victories this season and possibly a postseason run.
Leading the charge is senior Isaiah Martinez, a dynamic athlete who Rivas calls the best all-around player in Yuma County.
"We go as Isaiah goes," Rivas said. "He's our leader, and when the rest of the team sees how hard he and [kicker/linebacker] Alex Acuna work, they follow."
San Pasqual is bringing in one of its largest freshman classes in years, and several underclassmen are expected to see meaningful time including standout freshman Jesus Savedra, who recorded 6–7 interceptions across two summer tournaments.
With more bodies in the weight room and daily offseason work, Rivas says this is one of the most physically prepared teams he's coached.
The Warriors will also debut a brand new 4-4 defense this fall, focusing on press coverage, blitz packages, and constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
"We're going to live and die by it," Rivas said. "We're going to make teams beat us through the air, and I believe in our corners, our linebackers, and our leadership."
As for the season goals? Rivas isn't shy about them.
"We want to make the playoffs, and we want the Telegraph Pass Trophy back," he said. "It hasn't been at San Pasqual in 20 years. That's our biggest game every year Antelope and we want to win it."
With a revamped schedule that includes new opponents like Bourgade Catholic, the Warriors are set for another challenging season but one they believe they're ready for.
