Bob Park is entering his 3rd season as head coach of the Safford Bulldogs. The team went 4-6 last season and where just percentage points away from making the playoffs. The Bulldogs won 3 of their last 4 games to make the late season case for the playoffs but fell just short.
Safford will rely on their Senior skill players this year to make a playoff push this season.
JoJo Ruelas – Sr – QB/S
Ruelas enters his 3rd season at the helm of the Bulldog offense. He threw for 1300 yards last season with 10 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He was also the team’s 2nd leading rusher and the top tackler from his safety position.
Chris Shatto – Sr – WR/Kick Returner
Shatto was a threat to take almost any kick or punt return to the house last year for the Bulldogs. His 21.7 yards per return average last year earned him 2nd team All 3A South Returner. His 423 receiving yards were tops for the ‘Dogs and earned him 1st Team All 3A South honors.
Monster Rios – Sr – RB
Don’t let the size of Monster Rios fool you. He may stand 5’6″ and 130 pounds but that didn’t stop him from rushing for a team leading 679 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Rios also caught 20 passes for 200 yards. He earned 2nd Team All 3A South honors as a running back.
Cole Goodman – Jr – WR
Goodman had 9 catches for 95 yards last season but 4 of those catches were for touchdowns. Goodman was a favorite redzone target of Ruelas.
Brandon Aguilar – Sr – OL/DL
At 6’2″ and 230 pounds, Aguilar will anchor the offense and defensive lines this season. Last year from his defensive tackle position, he collected 17 tackles.
2 Questions with Coach Park
What game do you have circled on your calendar? The season opener at Payson. They came down to our place last year for homecoming ranked #8 and we pulled off a big upset. They will be ready for us this year!
What would you consider a successful season? Our goal is always to contend for a conference championship. If we focus on doing well in the regular season the other goals will be achieved.
The 3A South might be the best league top to bottom in the conference this season. Safford will have some early tests to find out where they are and with some early wins could find themselves right in the mix when it comes playoff season.
2023 Safford Coaching Staff
Head Coach – Bob Park
Assistant Coaches – Tyrell Andrews, Marcus Gaethje, Brad Reynolds, David David, Fuzzy Ruiz, Hunter Cochran, Robert White, Clay Emery
Strength and Conditioning – Tiffany Faunce
