La Joya struggling, but running back Hubbard making an impact
From the end of last football season to August, junior running back/cornerback D.J. Hubbard had three coaches at Avondale La Joya.
One resigned. Another didn't get to the first practice. And the third, Jamie Simms, was talked out of retirement.
La Joya has won only one game, and Simms figures to be one and done.
"To be honest with you, I was looking forward to retirement," Simms said.
But La Joya (1-6) needed somebody quick. Simms worked at La Joya. The athletic director knew him from his days coaching in the Phoenix Union High School District. And Simms, who has been coaching for 35 years, agreed to take it for a year as an interim.
He said he had 43 players dress out for varsity in the opener against Tempe Marcos de Niza.
In last week's 55-10 loss to nationally ranked Peoria Centennial, Simms said just under 30 kids dressed.
One constant is Hubbard, who has rolled with the change, trying to find positives out of what could be a huge negative.
He is 5 feet 7, 165 pounds of pure athleticism and a will to excel. He has rushed for 788 yards and eight touchdowns on 92 carries. His longest run from scrimmage is 70 yards. He has caught six passes for 64 yards.
"We're having a rough season but we're getting better every day," Hubbard said. "We had one coach coming in, then we got a different coach. He changed the whole offense and defense. But I think we're doing well."
The offense has been good, for the most part, and much of that has to do with Hubbard, who gets about 14 touches a game. He has been willing to serve as a decoy against defenses who key on him.
It's opened up other areas for other players, such as fullback Kei Harris, who averages six yards a carry.
But the defense has struggled.
"We were close to 500 yards of offense and lost by 20 to (Surprise) Valley Vista," Simms said. "There were seven straight possessions where a touchdown was scored. We had 400 yards of offense against (Avondale) Westview, but we couldn't stop anybody. It's baffling for me. We're doing the best we can. We're playing as hard as we can. We don't lay down. We finish each game."
Simms calls Hubbard a bright spot. And not just because of what he can do on the football field. Hubbard is a top student who puts books before football. He learned that from his mother and father, Joyce and Tim Harris.
"He's a fine young man and a good athlete," Simms said.
Tim, no relation to Kei Harris, tells his son, D.J., to make the most of the situation.
"We went into this year just to do whatever you have to do to get better, challenge yourself and be a leader," Harris said. "We're into this season trying to move forward. I just hope that everybody sees the hard work that he does. He's been a straight-A student for as long as I can remember. He takes pride in his grades."
Hubbard is dealing with the adversity.
"What keeps us motivated is trying to get better," Hubbard said.
One resigned. Another didn't get to the first practice. And the third, Jamie Simms, was talked out of retirement.
La Joya has won only one game, and Simms figures to be one and done.
"To be honest with you, I was looking forward to retirement," Simms said.
But La Joya (1-6) needed somebody quick. Simms worked at La Joya. The athletic director knew him from his days coaching in the Phoenix Union High School District. And Simms, who has been coaching for 35 years, agreed to take it for a year as an interim.
He said he had 43 players dress out for varsity in the opener against Tempe Marcos de Niza.
In last week's 55-10 loss to nationally ranked Peoria Centennial, Simms said just under 30 kids dressed.
One constant is Hubbard, who has rolled with the change, trying to find positives out of what could be a huge negative.
He is 5 feet 7, 165 pounds of pure athleticism and a will to excel. He has rushed for 788 yards and eight touchdowns on 92 carries. His longest run from scrimmage is 70 yards. He has caught six passes for 64 yards.
"We're having a rough season but we're getting better every day," Hubbard said. "We had one coach coming in, then we got a different coach. He changed the whole offense and defense. But I think we're doing well."
The offense has been good, for the most part, and much of that has to do with Hubbard, who gets about 14 touches a game. He has been willing to serve as a decoy against defenses who key on him.
It's opened up other areas for other players, such as fullback Kei Harris, who averages six yards a carry.
But the defense has struggled.
"We were close to 500 yards of offense and lost by 20 to (Surprise) Valley Vista," Simms said. "There were seven straight possessions where a touchdown was scored. We had 400 yards of offense against (Avondale) Westview, but we couldn't stop anybody. It's baffling for me. We're doing the best we can. We're playing as hard as we can. We don't lay down. We finish each game."
Simms calls Hubbard a bright spot. And not just because of what he can do on the football field. Hubbard is a top student who puts books before football. He learned that from his mother and father, Joyce and Tim Harris.
"He's a fine young man and a good athlete," Simms said.
Tim, no relation to Kei Harris, tells his son, D.J., to make the most of the situation.
"We went into this year just to do whatever you have to do to get better, challenge yourself and be a leader," Harris said. "We're into this season trying to move forward. I just hope that everybody sees the hard work that he does. He's been a straight-A student for as long as I can remember. He takes pride in his grades."
Hubbard is dealing with the adversity.
"What keeps us motivated is trying to get better," Hubbard said.
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