August 24, 2011 • Vol. 09, No. 37
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Anthem couple admire Marine son’s dedication to dream YVONNE DOLBY SPECIAL FOR THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS
Submitted photo
Captain Jarrod Rothman of the U.S. Marine Corps is on his fourth tour of duty, this time serving in Afghanistan. During a 2006 deployment in Iraq Rothman stopped to talked to native children.
When the Anthem Veterans Memorial is dedicated on November 11, 2011, side-by-side pavers will commemorate the military service of Airman First Class Michael Rothman and his son, Captain Jarrod Rothman, USMC. Michael Rothman served in the Air Force from 1961-1964 maintaining aircraft engines, but he downplays his own military experience. It’s sharing the story of his son’s service that brings him pride. Jarrod Rothman knew he wanted to be in the military
from a young age. Growing up, his dad Michael worked for a defense contractor requiring moves to England, Spain and Germany where Jarrod and his family were always close to the military. Jarrod’s mom, Ginger Rothman, recalls him playing with his GI Joes (which had to be pulled from the trees with each move) and fighting imaginary battles as a kid. If the family was out for a round of golf, Jarrod would be hanging from the cart engaged in combat. And when the Rothmans lived in Virginia Beach, Jarrod wore a Marine hat and followed a neighbor who was an officer in
the Marine Corps. Jarrod’s fascination with the military didn’t diminish as he got older. By the time he was in junior high school, he was certain about his future. As a freshman in high school, he was attending military recruitment meetings intended for juniors and seniors. His high school wrestling accomplishments attracted recruiters from the Naval Academy, and Jarrod earned an Annapolis appointment, fulfilling his parents’ wish for him to get a college education and satisfying
MARINE
continued on page 8
Senior dominated Boulder Creek team bids for 4th straight postseason appearance MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
If ever there was a team prepared for a schedule in which all 10 teams on their 2011 schedule were participants in the 2010 football playoffs it’s the Boulder Creek Jaguars. In his fifth season at the helm coach Dan Friedman has his most experienced squad with 24 seniors on the team’s 48 player roster. “I’ve never had a senior dominated team like this before,” he said. “We’re going to have to stay healthy because we don’t have the depth, but we’re very talented.” Unlike last year’s team, which started the season with 65 players on the squad, this year’s squad, coming off a 9-4 season
Inside:
that ended in the 5A Div-II quarterfinals, only has 48. Whatever he lacks in quantity Friedman said he feels his team makes up for it in quality. Despite graduating running back Mike Contreras, who rushed for 1,059 yards and scored 25 of the team’s 58 touchdowns a year ago, the Jaguars say they have plenty of offensive weapons. The ammo starts at quarterback, where senior Trevor Bonifasi returns for his second full season at quarterback after passing for 1,857 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 65 percent of his passes in 2010. “I expect that Trevor will have a tremendous season,” Friedman said. “He’s more confident about what he can do
NATURE:
and I think we’re all excited for his senior season.” While last season’s team largely road Contreras on offense Bonifasi said this year’s offense will spread the wealth amongst a host of players. Stepping into Contreras shoes at running back will be junior Stephen Landeros. In limited playing time the 5-foot-8 170 pound running back rushed for seven touchdowns and a 7.52 yards per carry average. Landeros showed big play capabilities with touchdown runs of 78 and 59 yards. “Stephen has a pep in his step,” Friedman said. “He has great vision. I think he’ll do very well this year.”
BOULDER CREEK
continued on page 7
EDUCATION:
Marc Buckhout/The Foothills Focus
Marcus Bundy, stiff-arms a Goldwater defender to the ground during the Jaguars preseason scrimmage Aug. 17. The Jaguars wide receiver, who doubles as their punt returner, already has scholarship offers from Northern Arizona University and the University of Montana. To view more photos from last week’s scrimmage go to facebook.com/TheFoothills.Focus.
SPORTS:
OTHER :
New River woman leads Phoenix tarantula rescue
Chinese students pay visit to Anthem school
Cactus Shadows football begins new era with 1st year coach
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