Gridiron Guide: Flowing Wells bring an old-school feel
The Flowing Wells football stadium, 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road, has hosted some big games, including a 17-10 win over Marana to end the 1982 regular season. “We rarely see a small crowd; it’s usually packed,” coach Mark Brunenkant says.
School: Flowing Wells
Name: John M. Mead Athletic Arena
Address: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road
Opened: 1958
The lowdown: Flowing Wells is coming off just its second winning season since 2001, but hopes are high and the feeling in the air on Friday nights at Mead Athletic Arena this fall could be similar to those decades ago when the Caballeros were a local power and a postseason regular. Regardless of the team’s record, however, fans still come out on a weekly basis, coach Mark Brunenkant said. The venue can hold about 5,000 people and includes a moderately sized press box atop the home stands.
Don’t miss: The stadium has an old-school feel to it – in a good way. Something most spectators may not even notice is that the light posts are on the field, just inside the track. The visitors’ bleachers stretch nearly 80 yards, and the west end of the complex is bordered by a neighborhood, just on the other side of a fence. Pat Weber, the school’s athletic director, said he anticipates major renovations in the near future.
Biggest game: Senior quarterback Ken Leikem connected with tight end Ron Collins in the final seconds of regulation to finish off a 17-10 come-from-behind victory against Marana to close out the 1982 regular season. The Caballeros trailed 10-3 with 5:07 remaining before Leikem anchored a pair of touchdown drives, capped off by a 33-yard touchdown pass with just 23 seconds remaining. Flowing Wells went on to finish the season as the Class AA state runner-up.
Performance for the ages: Junior running back Dionte Flores rushed for 127 yards and four TDs in a 63-0 win against Catalina last season to help Flowing Wells to its first 5-0 start since 1994. Flores ran for a 67-yard score on the first play before the home crowd and found the end zone four more times before halftime, with the help of a 25-yard TD reception.
Quotable: “People like to be here on Friday nights. They like to watch the game and be a part of that environment and atmosphere; that’s a neat thing. We rarely see a small crowd, it’s usually packed.” – Brunenkant
Daniel Gaona
