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Making history takes more than action, it takes mental and emotional strength, too. Chavez High football coach Rodrigo Nunez knew it would take all three for the Eagles to beat Grant.
“Every year, no matter the records, Grant always finds a way to beat us,” Nunez said.
That kind of psychological ceiling can be hard to break through for players, programs, and sometimes, coaches. Chavez’s best team in its short history was in 2016. The team finished 10-3, including a 5-1 league record.
The Eagles’ one league loss that season: Grant.
They finally broke through Thursday night as Chavez beat the Lancers for the first time in program history, 30-22, at home to remain unbeaten this season. The school opened in 2011 and had its inaugural football season in the fall of 2012. Nunez has been the head coach since 2013.
“This football team is supported by a small community,” said Nunez. “A lot of younger siblings and cousins play on this team. The alum are family, literally. All week, the message to the players was that they could be the first.”
Now they are.
Adrian Velasquez ran for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Landeros ran for 101 yards and a score.
Senior Alejandro Rafael made the game-sealing tackle on fourth down to stop Grant’s potential game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. Rafael’s tackle stopped the ball carrier a yard short of the first-down marker inside Chavez’s 30-yard line.
“When he made the tackle, the parents erupted in cheers. Our sideline went nuts,” Nunez said.
The Chavez offense was able to kneel the ball three consecutive times until the game clock hit zeros.
Chavez (3-0) can make more history this season with a win over Sun Valley Poly (1-1) next week, which would earn the Eagles at least a share of the East Valley League title – another program first. However, a Chavez victory and a Grant (2-1) win over Arleta (1-0) on April 30 would give the Eagles an outright league title.
“The game proved we can take a punch and punch right back. I’m so proud,” Nunez said of the historic win.
