Through the first weeks of the 2024 high school football season, Empire senior running back Ngonkra Fuangunyi has emerged as one of the top rushers in Southern Arizona with 312 yards and a touchdown — the former ranking 20th in the entire state.
Fuangunyi is averaging 156 rushing yards per game and 6.8 yards per carry this season and has led the Ravens to a 2-0 start ahead of a matchup against Ironwood Ridge (1-1) on the road Friday night.
A week after having 209 yards and a touchdown in a 14-7 win over Phoenix Sierra Linda, Fuangunyi had 103 yards in the Ravens’ 31-12 win over Avondale La Joya Community School; he also had a sack on defense on Friday.
Fuangunyi, nicknamed “Gronk” by his EHS teammates, is also a soccer and track standout for the Ravens. The EHS multi-sport star joined “Spears and Ali” on ESPN Tucson to discuss Empire’s quick start to the 2024 campaign and more.
During a matchup last season at Empire High School, Empire’s Ngonkra Fuangunyi (2) forces his way out the reach of Amphi’s DeAngelo Mendoza (13) during the teams’ Oct. 5, 2023, contest.
How was Empire able to jump out to a hot start for the first two games?
A: “The first week, we had a lot of penalties. We went over that during practice. We made sure we did the right blocks.
“Also, our passing game wasn’t working as well, so we also went over that as well in practice. When we played La Joya, we were able to the pass the ball pretty easily when the run game wasn’t working and we had a lot less penalties than last game.”
Why do you think you had so much personal success in the first two games?
A: “Nothing really. I’m pretty calm. ... I listen to calm music before the game.”
As a leader, how do you keep the team focused for Ironwood Ridge?
A: “Probably tell them to not get too overhyped and just do your job and we’ll be successful.”
When did you first start playing football?
A: “Before I played football, I played soccer since I was 6 years old. I decided to start playing football my sophomore year of high school.”
Are you from Tucson?
A: “I was born in Tucson, but my entire family and some of my brothers were born in Cameroon.”
How is your family dynamic?
A: “I’m really close with my brothers. They’re like my best friends. My parents, they’re like my best friends also.”
During a matchup last season at Empire High School, Empire’s Ngonkra Fuangunyi (2) slams into Amphi’s Ethan Goodall (10), jarring him enough to send his pass off course in the third quarter of their Oct. 5, 2023, contest.
Since your parents are from Cameroon, how do they view football?
A: “Oh yes. My parents don’t really like the sport. Whenever they come and watch my games, they’re pretty bored, because they don’t know what’s going on.”
What’s Cameroonian culture like, especially within your family?
A: “My dad is a chief. Basically every week we have a meeting for the people of my village at a house or a meeting location.”
How many people attend?
A: “Like 30 or 40 people, not counting kids.”
What does it mean to you to have a contingent of people who hail from the same culture and country?
A: “For my parents, it’s probably very special. What they talk about is very important. I’m not sure what they’re talking about, but it’s probably very important. For me, it’s important to see kids who came from Africa.”
What’s your favorite Cameroonian dish?
A: “Fufu ... It’s made out of yams. It’s pounded yam or at least I think it is. But you mix it up with soup, pick it up, dip it in and eat in. It’s pretty good.”
What do you like to do outside of football?
A: “Spend time with my family and that’s pretty much it.”
What’s your plan for next year and do you envision yourself playing football beyond the high school level?
A: “That’s the plan, to play football. I also want to focus on my education, so playing football and education is important.”
What are you going to pursue outside of football?
A: “Physical therapy.”
What led you down the physical rehab route?
A: “The sports medicine class I took at Empire High School. I was pretty good at sports medicine. I took anatomy and was good at that, so I think I’ll be a good physical therapist.”
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