Jennifer Jimenez
Special to AZPreps365.com

La Joya snaps Westview's 49-game region win streak

October 26, 2019 by Jennifer Jimenez, AZPreps365


A lot was on the line Friday night between the La Joya Lobos and Westview Knights.

A win would extend Westview’s region win streak to 50 games and remain undefeated against La Joya. But it was the Lobos’ turn to make history, earning their first ever win, 41-21, over Westview.

The Avondale schools have faced off on and off for the past 15 years. Westview head coach Nick Gehrts gave La Joya credit for outplaying his team.

“Credit to them for forcing the four turnovers,” he said. “We didn’t play to our capabilities. They outplayed us tonight in all three phases of the game. I feel bad for our seniors because they really wanted it, but at the end of the day they shouldn’t be ashamed of what they accomplished with 49 straight region wins, which is great.”

La Joya senior Alfred Jordan finished the game with three rushing touchdowns and a touchdown reception.

The playmaker is a privilege to coach, La Joya coach Devin Dourisseau said.

“He is a special kid and all-around athlete who is coachable and loves to play the game,’ he said.

Jordan said the team was hungry after falling short last year against Westview and got it done.

He said the defense is coming up and is working hard to help the team become a full force.

“Defense gave us a boost tonight for the next game, and we are going to keep pushing,” Jordan said.

Lobo quarterback Miguel Valdovinos said the win was a once in a lifetime opportunity since he is a senior.

“Coaches put up a great game plan to pick on their weaknesses and we took advantage of that,” Valdovinos said. “The defense bailed us out a lot this season, and I am thankful for them. But ultimately we practiced hard and were more focused and that was how we came out and played.”

Dourisseau shared Friday’s accomplishments with the team and what it truly means.

“To dethrone them at our last home game on Senior Night was special,” he said. “The team overcame adversity falling behind and we believed in ourselves and I am very proud of those gentlemen.”

La Joya took control in the second quarter after trailing 14-7.

With the game tied at 14, a bad snap sent over Westview’s quarterback Nico Vasko and was picked up by Zachary Baselt.

Two plays later, Valdovinos connected with Dominic Ramirez, giving the team a 21-14 lead it kept the rest of the game.

Dhayven Valentine finished the game with two touchdowns for Westeview (4-5, 3-1), which plays Valley Vista High School next in another region game, while La Joya (7-2, 4-0) travels to Tolleson to finish the regular season.