At the halfway point of the regular season, the Phoenix Christian football team is 4-1. Head coach Brian Cole has been pleased with the early-season performances of his team but has made one thing clear: Everyone can always improve.  

“We’ve taken care of the teams we should have taken care of,” he said. “I’m happy so far with the way we're playing. We just need to continue getting better every week.” 

Senior Zach Cole, a four-year starter at center and team leader, echoed his coach.  

“So far, I think we’ve played a pretty good season,” he said. “I think we always get better because everyone’s always getting better.” 

Sophomore quarterback Jose Herrera’s play has been a key reason why the Cougars feel they have a shot at winning their first state championship since 2004.  

“He’s played really well,” Brian Cole said. “He’s exceeded our expectations a little bit, especially throwing the ball. We knew he’s a smart kid, so he’s going to know what to do but he’s actually performed really well, so I’m happy with his performance.” 

Herrera has 609 passing yards and eight touchdowns this season. 

“At the beginning of the year, I could’ve improved on some stuff,” Herrera said. “But, overall, I think I‘ve gotten better. I just have to keep improving from here.” 

Hererra’s performance has grabbed the attention of his more experienced teammates, as well as his coach.

“He’s improved a lot, he’s got more confidence,” junior wide receiver Howard Russell said. “He’s throwing great balls and making great handoffs, so he’s improved a lot. I’m proud of him.” 

“For the first year of him on varsity, he’s doing good,” said Man-Man Freeman, a senior running back. “I’m proud of him.” 

Herrera still admits the speed of the game is different than any non-varsity football he’s played.  

“It’s still kind of quick,” he said. “In games you can lose track of time. I’d say it goes by really fast. I just have to keep improving from here.” 

Russell and senior wide receiver Jeremiah Montgomery are the primary targets for Herrera, but Brian Cole made it clear: The main weapon for the Cougars on offense is Freeman.  

“He’s become the guy on offense that we’re counting on and giving the ball to more than anyone else,” he said. “Last year he was part of the offense, but he wasn’t the guy. This year, he’s become that player.” 

Freeman is convinced there’s still work to be done to reach the heights he expects of himself.

“I feel I’m getting better every year,” he said. “We’re still working.” 

On the defensive side of the ball, Brian Cole feels his team is strong on the line, led by senior defensive tackle Mark Hocking.  

“He doesn’t make as many tackles out there as some of the guys,” Brian Cole said. “But every team we play has to double-team him or triple-team him with a guard and a center on him every play.” 

The Cougars lost a tough game against American Leadership Academy on Sept. 13, but that hasn’t changed the goal as they continue the season as one of the 2A favorites.  

“The goal for this year was to get a state championship from day one,” Russell said. “I think we’ve got a good shot at it.”

"Every time we step on the field, we should give 100 percent no matter what team it is,” Herrera said. “Even if they’re bigger, stronger, tougher, we’ll play our best and hopefully come out with a win.” 

Phoenix Christian plays Round Valley at home on Friday at 7 p.m.