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Micah Parker, shown here during last year's Valley of the Sun Bowl, has been given a scholarship to Utah State

Thunderbirds Recruited Heavily Following Valley of the Sun Bowl Championship Season

Coaching staff sees 17 continue to next level

In addition to TE Micah Parker receiving a scholarship at Utah State University, Mesa football has a bevy of players representing Thunderbird athletics across the country.

Golf Outing To To Raise Funds For MCC Football

Western Skies event set for June 13 at noon

Mesa football is hosting a fundraiser golf outing at Western Skies Golf Club Friday, June 13 at noon. The cost is $75 per person and includes golf, lunch, beverages, and an auction.

Please reserve your spot by calling 480-461-7517 or via email at Aeisportsclinics@aol.com. To access fundraiser flyer please click here

One Last Honor For Dunn

Hall-of-Fame Coach Awarded at MCC Athletics Banquet

Coach Dan Dunn was honored at the MCC Athletics Banquet this past Monday, April 20. He spoke largely of last year's Valley of the Sun Bowl Champs.

"This team was really, truly special. I thank the parents for and the wives of the coaches for putting up with all that goes on in this game of football," said Dunn.

Dunn, currently a math instructor at MCC since 1980, was surrounded by many of his players from last year.

"Coach Dunn game me the shoes off of his feet because I didn't have any dress shoes for the banquet," said star wideout Terrence Moore. At last fall's Valley of the Sun Bowl Banquet, Dunn actually gave T-Moore his shoes.

"I'll never forget that," said defensive back Stanley Edmond.

One can be sure that anyone that ever put on a uniform for Mesa T-Bird football will ever forget Coach Dunn.

New Recruits Please Access Links Below

to access general prospect questionnaire...

Thunderbirds Football Prospect Questionnaire

to access Checklist for Incoming MCC Football Participants...

Checklist for Incoming MCC Football Participants

2007 Valley of the Sun Bowl Champs

The Mesa Thunderbirds!!!

And the winner is...Mesa 47-31

Esquivel gearing up for a hit

Parker snares a highlight reel TD from Crum

Wilkins with a circus TD catch from Crum

Ominous Weather Can't Spoil Valley of the Sun Bowl

Mesa triumphs 47-31 over Fort Scott

Nearly 24 straight hours of rain tore up the field at John D. Riggs Stadium for the Valley of the Sun Bowl Saturday December 1, but the cold and wind did not dampen the spirit of the T'Birds on this day.

Mesa culminated its best season in the Dan Dunn era with a dominating performance over the Greyhounds from Fort Scott Kansas. The clouds parted and rains subsided just in time for kickoff. Shortly thereafter, Dax Crum began lighting up the dark skies with 386 yards of passing on 22 of 29 through the air, four TD's and one intlerception. The pick was due in part to Terrance Moore slipping on the wet field and safety Lucien Antoine being in the right place at the right time to return it all the way to the house.

Terrance Moore attested for the slip and raked in seven catches for 151 yards and three TD's. However, not all three scores came by way of Crum's arm. Wide Receiver Brice Wilkins got the scoring started and threw a 14-yard strike to Moore on some Mike Jacobs offensive trickery.

The wide-open offense didn't stop there. Running Back Jay Leal threw a touchdown pass to Brice Wilkins. Wilkins has two TD receptions on the afternoon to go along with his TD pass. Leal also ran for 81 yards on 15 carries to lead the T'Birds on the ground.

Tight End Micah Parker was loose like a bull through the middle of the field all day, catching nine balls for 146 yards and a score. Rounding out the scoring was Running Back Kevin Morris's touchdown run in the third quarter. Morris had 31 yards on four carries to go along with the score.

The defense that has been there all season long was stellar once again as Jamichael Hall and Devon Cox each intercepted Fort Scott quarterback Greg Cross. Cross and Running Back Rodney Lovett accounted for most of the Fort Scott offense. Cross threw for 198 yards on 11 of 22, two TD's, two INT's, and also ran for 97 yards on 11 carries, including an 86-yard scamper for a score late in the game.

Linebacker "Sack" Hernandez had nine tackles and a defensive stop for which he is nicknamed. Gabe Hernandez had four tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. Linebacker Marcos Esquivel was all over Fort Scott's running game as well, notching seven tackles on the afternoon.

The most valuable player was given to Dax Crum but the entire team stepped up in the biggest game in Mesa in ten years. The Thunderbirds finish the season at 9-2 and will presumably move up a notch or two in the NJCAA national rankings from their #8 position prior to the bowl game.

T'Birds Have Momentum Going Into Bowl Game

Finish up regular season at 8-2 with win over Arizona Western

Mesa won on the road Saturday afternoon, November 10. Winning 42-35 over the Matadors of Arizona Western gives the team momentum heading into the Valley of the Sun Bowl, to be held on December 1 at Riggs Stadium. The opponent has yet to be determined.

Dax Crum was 22 of 30 for 387 yards, 4 TD's and 2 INT's. Wideout Terrance Moore caught two of those touchdowns along with two other balls, tallting 119 yards on the day. Wideout Spencer Perkinson snagged five more for 108. Brice Wilkins continued his strong play of late, catching six for 68 and Tight End Micah Parker nabbed five cathces for 50 yards.

On the ground it was Kevin Morris, who ran for 56 yards and a score. Morris also caught a touchdown.

Mesa now has three weeks to prepare for theFort Scott (Kansas) Greyhounds in the Valley of the Sun Bowl on December 1, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Riggs Stadium.

Mesa To Host Valley of the Sun Bowl

T'Birds too much for Gauchos

Coach Dan Dunn said it best. "This is a big one."

A 31-17 victory over the Glendale Gauchos assures Mesa a birth in their first Valley of the Sun Bowl in 11 years. The game will be be played in Mesa against a yet undetermined opponent on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.

Mesa fell behind early and trailed at the half 7-3. However, the T'Birds came out and dominated the entire second half, outscoring Glendale 28-10.

Quarterback Dax Crum was efficient once again, completing 23 of 31 for 250 yards, 2 TD's and 1 INT. Wideout Brice Wilkins was Crum's main recipient, catching 11 balls for 86 yards. Tight End Micah Parker grabbed 5 balls for 46 yards and a score. Wideout Ray Rivera caught two balls, one of which was a nice slant for a score.

On the ground, Mesa used a tandem of backs to get the job done. Ronald Young, Wallace LeBrance, Kevin Morris, and George Allums shredded the Gaucho defense for 199 total yards. Morris and Allums each scored for Mesa.

Dominic Gamboa continued with his stellar year, connecting from 32 yards out to get Mesa on the board. He also made all four PAT's.

The 7-2 Thunderbirds play their final game of the regualr season Saturday, November 10 in Yuma at 2:30 against Arizona Western.

WSFL SPECIAL TEAMS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
(October 21, 2007)

James Klingensmith
Mesa

Mesa's James Klingensmith is the WSFL Special Teams Player of the Week. Klingensmith averaged over 47 yards on five punts and twice was able to
pin the Gilamonsters inside the 20 yard line.

Mesa Manhandles Phoenix College

On pace for Valley of the Sun Bowl, now 6-1

Head Coach Dan Dunn knew Phoenix has been a tough game in the past, but his concerns were all but over after the first quarter. Mesa dominated the first, leading 24-0, then cruised to a 45-6 victory at home Saturday, October 13, in front of nearly 1000 at Riggs Stadium.

QB Dax Crum led the T'Birds with two TD strikes, one to WR Terrance Moore and the other to TE Micah Parker. Moore led the T'Birds with 3 grabs for 108 yards and a TD. Crum was 14 of 26 with 274 yards and 2 TD's on the night.

RB Jay Leal led Mesa once again on the ground, grinding for 78 yards on 20 carries. K Dominic Gamboa was good on both of his field goals, one from 37 and the other from 38. He also made all five PATs.

The defense didn't go unheralded as two (nearly three) safeties were recorded. Andy Centner was in on both. Julian Hunsaker and Gannon Conway helped on the second. CB Jamichael Hall had a huge defensive effort with two INTs, one he returned for touchdown.

RB George Allums got some carries as well and scored the final tally for Mesa who completely controlled the entire contest. Also on the defensive side, Marquis Esquivel recorded a sack to go along with 3 solo tackles. Billy McGrew led the team with eight solo tackles.

The crowd was brought to a hush in the third quarter as Phoenix QB Shane Mascarenas went down with a gruesome leg injury and had to be transported to an area hospital. The game was suspended for 33 minutes as Mesa officials scrambled to get another ambulance at the scene in order for play to resume.

The game was broadcast by MCTV Sports and will be televised on Wednesday, October 17. Check Cox Cable channel 115 for times.

Next on tap for Mesa is the #1 team in the WSFL - Eastern Arizona, at Riggs Stadium, Saturday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Gamboa launces from 40

(photo by David Burgess - Mesa Legend)

T'Birds Take Breath Out Of 'Chokes

Stifle Scottsdale, 27-14

The Thunderbirds tallied a gritty road victory in Scottsdale on Saturday, October 6. Only Eastern and Snow are ahead of the 3-1 T'Birds heading into week seven. The T'Birds are now 5-1 overall on the season.

Freshman QB Dax Crum returned to action in the second half after missing the last game-and-a-half due to a shoulder injury. Crum fell right back into the groove, hitting on 4 of 7 for 114 yards and 2 TD tosses.

Sophomore Wideout Terrance Moore was the recipient of Crum's TD passes as he caught 3 balls in total for 99 yards, to go along with the two scores.

Sophomore Running Back Jay Leal was the workhouse once again, rushing for 97 yards on 21 carries. Sophomore RB Wallace LeBrance notched his first score of the year on a 22-yard scamper.

"The defense played especially well in pass defense tonight," said Assistant Coach Jacob Reid. Sophomore Cornerback Devon Cox picked off a pass in the second half, keeping Scottsdale at bay.

Up next for the T'Birds is Phoenix College at Riggs Stadium on Saturday night, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Fans Pack Riggs Stadium for Snow game Saturday, September 29, 2007

Mesa Falls From The Ranks Of The Unbeatens

Snow too much for T'Birds, lose 48-17

A game that was labeled the NJCAA game of the week had its moments. Unfortunately for the T'Birds, most of those moments belonged to the Snow Badgers.

Both schools were without their starting quarterbacks, and Mesa made too many costly mistakes to overcome the #1 team in the NJCAA college poll. Personal fouls, penalties and turnovers proved to be the difference in this one.

Snow would take a 21-3 lead into the break and took control of the game in the second half behind the power running game. Snow would gain 220 yards on the ground to Mesa's 93.

There were a few bright spots for the T'Birds as RB Ronald Young busted one for 63 yards right up the gut for Mesa's longest score on the night. Wide Receiver Terrance Moore was on the good end of a 61-yard score from the hand of QB Brian Libby. Moore would finish with 100 yards on 4 grabs and one TD.

Place kicker Dominic Gamboa hit from 37 yards to get Mesa on the board initially in the first quarter.

Linebacker Nick Anderson had 10 tackles on the night and DB Michael Darrington has 6 tackles and one sack.

Next up for Mesa is Scottsdale on the road next Saturday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m.

MCC Hosts Snow In WSFL Game Of The Week

League notes significance in matchup of unbeatens

At John D. Riggs Stadium Saturday night, September 29, MCC will host Snow College in a battle of unbeaten football teams. The prize is sole possession of first place in the WSFL depending on whether or not Western Arizona can knock Eastern Arizona out of the undefeated rankings.

Coaches and players are excited as the WSFL has announced this as the game of the week. Radio station KMTI has already made plans to broadcast the game live to the fans in Southern Utah and many others are expected to take part in one of Mesa's biggest football games in recent memory.

To listen live please access KMTI at http://midutahradio.com/kmti 

The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Mesa Holds Off Mew Mexico Military, Now 4-0

28-21 victory has MCC on top of ACCAC

Mesa Community College football has reason to believe that this could be the start of something big. The T'Birds are 4-0 on the season and are in the driver's seat in the ACCAC.

A second half offensive explosion propelled the T'Birds who looked lackluster early on. They would end up with 461 yards in total offense when the final whistle blew.

Mesa had to fight their way back into the game after being outplayed in the first stanza. The Broncos led 7-0 early on but Mesa would retaliate to tie the game after QB Dax Crum hit WR Terrance Moore with a 17-yard scoring strike. It would be the first of two scores between the tandem. The second would go for 37 yards.

Jay Leal had another nice game on the ground. He ran for 100 yards on 20 carries and two scores. Kevin Morris would also run one in from six yards out later in the game.

Crum completed 18 of 32 passes for his first 300-yard game of the season (310). His two touchdown passes went to Moore. Spencer Perkinson led all receivers with six grabs for 130 yards on the evening.

Brice Wilkins also had a good night on the receiving end as he caught four balls for 74 yards, one being a diving catch over the middle that sustained a key drive in the second half.

A balanced offense is becoming the norm for the 2007 T'Birds. They gained 151 on the ground and 310 through the air as NMMI tried to curtail the offense, to no avail.

Mesa leads the WSFL in scoring defense, allowing only 70 points in four games. Offensively, the T'Birds have tallied 158 for an average of 39.5 points per contest.

The always dangerous Snow College visits Mesa next Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at John D. Riggs Stadium.

Mesa Remains Unbeaten With Victory Over Aztecs

49-17 drubbing keeps Mesa rolling

Wide Receiver Spencer Perkinson got things going on a six yard TD catch from Dax Crum. Crum would have himself a nice night, going 16 of 23 for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

The ground game remained solid as Running Back Jay Leal gained 116 on 11 carries, scoring twice.

Through the air, Crum connected with WR Terrance Moore most often. Moore snagged 4 balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns. One of the Crum-to-Moore hook-ups was good for 53 yards; the longest scoring play of the day.

On the defensive side of the ball, Linebacker Zach Hernandez will be in line for the ACCAC Defensive Player of the Week, as he tallied five sacks on the night. That would be MCC's second award for DPOW in the first three weeks.

Saturday, September 22, the T'Birds travel to Roswell, NM to take on New Mexico Military Institute at 7:00 p.m.

Mesa Goes to 2-0 With Drubbing Of Phoenix College

T'Birds prevail in penalty-ridden affair

Mesa football improved to 2-0 on the young season after whipping up on Phoenix College 53-26 Saturday night, September 8 in Phoenix.

The officials called 38 penalties throughout the game, 18 on MCC and 20 on Phoenix in one of the longer games in recent memory.

MCC Rolls Arizona Western in Opener

Mesa passing attack too much for the Matadors

The Thunderbirds opened the 2007 campaign with a convincing victory over the Matadors from Arizona Western Saturday night, 28-6.

Arizona Western had a size advantage, but that had no bearing on the outcome in this one as the defense played solid throughout. Coupled with a nice performance from MCC QB Dax Crum (14 of 22, 204 yards, 2 TD's) and strong running from Ronald Young (12 carries, 80 yards) and Jay Leal (16 carries, 41 yards, TD, the T'Birds blew things wide open in the first half.

"The defense played really well. There had to be six or seven batted balls tonight; and Dax Crum did a very nice job," said MCC Athletic Director John Mulhern.

Terrane Moore was the main recipient of Crum's generosity, catching five balls for 95 yards and two scores.

"We were worried that they (AZ Western) would eventually get to us with their size, but we got such a big lead it didn't matter," said Mulhern.

A win in the first game is a good sign for Coach Dan Dunn and his staff as big things are expected out of Mesa this year. Next week the T'Birds play their first of three straight road games. First up is Phoenix College at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 8.

Mike Jacobs Joins Football Coaching Staff

Mike Jacobs who has 28 years of college football coaching experience at the NCAA level has joined Dan Dunn’s staff at Mesa Community College as offensive coordinator. A native of Berea, Ohio, he is a graduate of Wittenburg University and has a Master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University where he had his first coaching assignment.

He went on to coach at Ashland, Toledo, West Virginia, Ohio State and Oklahoma State. His teams played in 13 bowl games, including the 1989 Fiesta Bowl. He was on John Cooper’s staff when Ohio State was ranked #2 in the nation and defeated Arizona State in the 1997 Rose Bowl. For the past seven years he has been in sales and player development positions.

Please contact The Athletics Department for comments or corrections phone: 480-461-7517