4A: Rincon/University
2022 record: 1-9 overall, 0-5 5A Sonoran (sixth)
Head coach: Khyree Copeland, 2-20, fourth season at Rincon/University and overall. Copeland, originally from Jacksonville (Fla.) before excelling as a running back at Concordia College of Chicago, joined Mike Strack’s staff in 2018. Upon Strack’s departure, after coaching Rincon/University to a 6-4 record in 2019, he recommended Copeland to replace him. The winning record in 2019 was Rincon/University’s first since 2012.
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Key returners:
- WR Mateo Montano, 6-1, 180, Sr.
- LB/TE Abdullah Jassim, 5-9, 180, Sr.
RINCON/UNIVERSITY COACH KHYREE COPELAND
RINCON/UNIVERSITY WR/DB MATEO MONTANO
RINCON/UNIVERSITY OL/DL AHMED BENDORA
RINCON/UNIVERSITY RB/LB ABDULLAH JASSIM
RINCON/UNIVERSITY QB THOMAS MONTGOMERY
Coaching staff:
- Head coach: Khyree Copeland
- Defensive coordinator: Bruce Hubbard
- Defensive line: Demeterius Webb
- Linebackers: Raiden Johnson
- Defensive backs: Freddie Simpkins
- Wide receivers: Javon Walter
- Safeties: Trevon Rush
- Offensive line/special teams: Mark Buckley
- Running backs: Davon Brooks
- JV head coach: Bert Oxnam (tackle specialist)
- Linebackers/running backs: Phil Mendoza
- WR/JV defensive specialist: David Shark Gill
- JV OL/DL & Quality Control: Jay Chan
Notes: Rincon/University was reclassified to 4A from 5A to improve its competitive balance after struggling in recent years. … The Rangers are building a culture under Copeland that is not all about victories but how the players conduct themselves on and off the field. He serves as a mentor to many of his players. … Thomas Montgomery, who plays for the Rangers’ baseball team, is a junior who is taking over at quarterback this season. … Rincon/University’s schedule is manageable with Vista Grande the only team on it with a winning record last year at 7-4.
Keep an eye out for: DL/OL Ahmed Bendora is a student from South Africa who is playing football for the first time after experiencing rugby in his native country. He is physically strong at about 6-foot and 250 pounds.
43. RINCON/UNIVERSITY (2-4, 0-2)
Head coach: Khyree CopelandRangers compete in the 4A Gila. *Region game. Games at 7 p.m.
| Date | Opponent | W/L | Ovr | Reg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/25 | at Washington | W, 24-18 | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| 9/1 | at Palo Verde | W, 20-6 | 2-0 | 0-0 |
| 9/8 | Safford | L, 49-17 | 2-1 | 0-0 |
| 9/22 | at Rio Rico* | L, 37-0 | 2-2 | 0-1 |
| 9/29 | Cholla* | L, 39-0 | 2-3 | 0-2 |
| 10/6 | Vista Grande | L, 54-14 | 2-4 | 0-2 |
| 10/13 | at Amphi* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/20 | at Sahuarita* | -- | -- | -- |
| 10/27 | Douglas* | -- | -- | -- |
| 11/3 | Empire* | -- | -- | -- |
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon. He became an educator five years ago and is presently a special education teacher at Gallego Fine Arts Intermediate in the Sunnyside Unified School District
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