AUGUST 13, 2014

Meet this week's four Falcon Football seniors

Nick Bobelick, Cole Bootz, Brent Buono and Conner Freese
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When the Falcon “O” is facing a 3rd-and-short to pick up a 1st down that keeps a drive going, or when their “D” needs to make a critical stop to change a game’s momentum, odds are that a senior will step up to make the big play. In high school football, that’s called “senior leadership.” It’s the glue that holds the team together when things are going south. I’ll wager the stakes of fans’ choice that Mike Hudnutt has been a head football coach more than long enough to appreciate the importance of senior leadership. Will his 2014 Falcons have it? The answer may come as early as the controlled scrimmage at Maryvale in the late afternoon of August 20.

Profiled below are this week’s four Football Falcon seniors. They belong to a special band I’m naming “15 for ’15”!  The CSHS Class of 2015, that is.  Guys, I encourage you to focus on this: you’re going to be a Football Falcon senior only once. Make this, your senior season, count!

~ Pete Mohr

Nick Bobelick  |  6’ / 178  |  WR/LB
nick bobelickHead Coach Mike Hudnutt will be expecting a lot from this two-year letterman – on both sides of the ball. But no more than wide receiver “Bobo” is expecting of himself: “No drops! Run crisp routes and make the Playoffs.” In that process, he’s out to score ten touchdowns. Lofty targets, Bobo! Born November 15, 1996 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Nick is the son of Creekers Mark and Rosanna Bobelick. As a football player, he’s progressed from a Mighty Mite 2nd grader to being one of the Falcons’ most reliable receivers, as evidenced by his touchdown receptions last season. He’s excited to be a Falcon senior: “It means everything to me. I’ve been waiting a long time for this season. I’m ready to put the team on my back and do all I can to keep everyone’s attitude positive, which means that we all must work hard.” Nick has a “positive attitude” about sophomore Hannah Dopp, and names his brother, Frankie, as most encouraging his football career. Will he play at the next level, preferably ASU? “Hopefully,” he answers modestly.  Give me as many Bobos on my team as I can recruit! Obviously, Nick Bobelick’s got what it takes.

Cole Bootz  |  6’1” / 250  |  NOSEGUARD
cole bootzOne thing’s for sure: When the Falcon “D” is on the field, native Creeker Cole Bootz, at his noseguard position, will be right in the middle of the action. Born July 3, 1996, Cole is the son of Bob and Kristina Bootz. He’s no newcomer to organized football, signing up for Youth Football as a 4th grader and playing all four years at CSHS. 2014 will be Cole’s second varsity season. Cole “gets” senior leadership, recognizing, “I have to lead and set an example for the underclassmen,” while concentrating on “play execution every down.” His goal for the team? “Make it to the State Playoffs.”  In the classroom, Cole excels in English, looking toward earning his collegiate degree in criminal justice. He’s “unsure” about playing at the next level; but he looks up to Cardinals’ All-Pro defensive back, Patrick Peterson. With Cole’s personal football goals set high and unselfish, look for him to have a successful senior season.

Brent Buono  |  5’10” / 170  |  CENTER
brent buonoBrent Buono is “proud” to be a Football Falcon senior, with his one personal football goal being to earn a starting position. Born March 11, 1997 in Phoenix, Brent lives with his Creeker parents, Ron and Denise Buono. He’s a CCUSD “lifer”, graduating from Sonoran Trails in 2011. Brent first played organized football in 4th grade. At CSHS, he played as a freshman and sophomore, stayed out last season, then decided to come back to football for his senior year. 2014 will be his football finale, before he graduates and moves on to ASU, where he’ll major in Engineering. Brent’s Dad, Ron, has been his biggest football encourager. Brent, your height and weight tell me that you are quick and agile. I hope these strengths will translate into the start you’re hoping to earn.

Conner Freese  |  6' / 240  |  “O” LINE
conner freese“Back home in (Carmel) Indiana” is where Conner Freese was born, September 26, 1997. This “O” lineman is the son of Creeker parents Gary and Debbie Freese. Conner first played organized football as a 2nd grader before moving to Arizona. He entered CCUSD in 2011, graduating from Sonoran Trails four years later. At Cactus Shadows, 2014 will be his third season. This fall, Conner is determined “to get better every game … making State Playoffs” a realistic goal. He’s football “done” after this season. Conner hopes to attend BYU, his major undecided. Who have been his biggest football boosters? That’s “no contest – my family.” And for these next few months, they’ll be rooting for you all the way!