
Following a 36-21 victory over Stone Ridge Christian (Merced) on Friday night at Jack Lytton Stadium, Denair High School’s football team is off to a 4-1 start for just the second time in the past two decades.
The last time the Coyotes won four of their first five came seven years ago when they captured the CIF Division 7-AA state championship. And while it’s too early to compare this year’s squad to its 2018 counterpart, it’s clear that the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be something special for the Purple and White.
“We definitely think this can be a special team,” said Anthony Armas, now in his 11th season as Denair’s head coach. “We’re just not sure yet how special we can be.”
Once again, the Coyotes’ running attack led the way, picking up 8.4 yards per carry.
Junior running back Connor Hart produced 164 yards on eight carries (20.5 per attempt) — with nearly half of that coming on a 73-yard scamper that gave Denair a 15-7 first-quarter lead — and Degan Butler amassed 117 yards and three touchdowns on 20 totes (5.9 per attempt). Bryson Salazar, meanwhile, chipped in with 63 yards on 13 tries (4.9). For the season, the Coyotes are averaging 9 yards every time they rush the football.
“Having options as to what we can do and who we can give the ball to, not to mention the confidence that the play will be successful, makes play-calling so much easier,” said Armas.
Through the air, Derek Potter connected on three of six attempts for 41 yards and a 24-yard scoring strike to Harlan Brown, who was good on all four of his PAT attempts and had an interception on defense.
Up next for the Coyotes is a Southern League matchup at Gustine (2-3), which is coming off a 22-16 loss to Mariposa.