YUMA, Ariz. – No one can argue the tough season endured by the Arizona Western College Matadors. They fell short of their national championship goals, after starting off as the preseason #1 team in all the NJCAA. Four tough conference losses put that to rest.
But, now the Matadors have a shot at finishing the season off on a very high note. All they have to do is upset 4th ranked College of DuPage out of Illinois in the El Toro Bowl.
Head coach Tom Minnick, quarterback Trent Hosick and #1 overall JUCO recruit and defensive end Jonathan Kongbo represented the Mats at the annual El Toro Bowl press conference.
All through the conference, both they and the out of town opponent expressed great respect for one another; but made it clear that both parties were in this game to win it.
The Mats themselves also made it clear through the media question period that they needed to play their best overall game of the season to come out with the victory; considering the Chaparrals have an explosive offense and the 2nd ranked defense amongst all junior college programs.
What may also be significant about this game is the connection between Minnick and the DuPage program; as he played his collegiate football there and even got his start with the Chaparrals as an assistant coach.
Both he and DuPage head coach Matt Foster were also assistant coaches together in that program for at least half a decade.
The reunion will culminate this Saturday, as the El Toro Bowl kicks off at 1 pm mountain time.