Sometimes it can be tough to contain Flowing Wells’ top two weapons on offense in juniors Jayden Simmons and Benicio Ruiz. Just ask Nogales.
In the Caballeros’ 70-0 win over Nogales last Friday, Ruiz and Simmons combined for 15 rushing attempts for 219 yards and three touchdowns. Flowing Wells had eight rushing touchdowns as a team.
“It’s awesome to know the defense has to worry about more than just one of us,” Simmons said. “They have no idea who’s getting the ball most of the time. We’re really a two-headed dragon back there.”
The win for Flowing Wells ended a four-game skid, but the Caballeros (4-5) won’t make the Class 5A playoffs even with a win on Friday against Maricopa.
Flowing Wells head coach Brian Hook talks with running back Jayden Simmons as the Caballeros warm up for the start of the third quarter at Sunnyside High School.
“It was kind of hard. Three straight losses, it put a toll on us,” said Ruiz, who is named after actor Benicio Del Toro. “The type of team we are, we never stop trying. All four quarters, all of us put effort in. Even during practice, we always put in our best effort, especially our scout team. They always give us a good look and get the offense going.”
Since Simmons and Ruiz both rushed for over 100 yards and scored touchdowns, they are the Star’s co-high school football players of the week — a first since starting the series earlier in the season.
We caught up with them earlier this week. Here’s what they said:
Flowing Wells’ Jayden Simmons (8) heads to the house with what turned out to be the Caballeros only score of the night in the first quarter at Sunnyside High School on Sept. 5, 2024.
How did it feel to end the four-game losing streak in dominant fashion against Nogales?
Simmons: “It felt great because it was our homecoming and senior night, so it was awesome for me and Ben to succeed and get our seniors out there. They were able to run the ball the entire second half and do great, as well. It was a really amazing feeling.”
Ruiz: “It was great. We went back and forth every other drive and kept saying, ‘This is our drive. We’re going to score here,’ and we ended up scoring on pretty much every drive. We did pretty good that game.”
How did you start playing football?
Simmons: “I started when I was 7 (years old), playing football in (Tucson Youth Football) league.”
Ruiz: “Just like Jayden, I started when I was young. I played in TYF — not with him, but I was in the same program when I was 5. I bounced around a couple of teams. I was with the Steelers first, then the 49ers, the Broncos and then I ended up on the Jaguars where we won three straight championships and went to nationals and got second place.”
Did you always play running back?
Simmons: “No, I started out as an offensive lineman. I dropped a couple of pounds, started putting in extra effort off the field in the weight room. Eventually, the coaches thought, ‘Hmm, let’s see how this kid runs the ball.’ I ended up succeeding at it, and I just took it from there.”
Who’s your favorite football player?
Simmons: “Right now? I’m stuck between (Cleveland Browns running back) Nick Chubb and (Boise State running back) Ashton Jeanty. Watching (Jeanty) run is amazing, watching him break tackles and run for over 100 yards every single game.”
Flowing Wells’ Benicio Ruiz (1) reaches back to swat away the pass intended for Sunnyside’s Gio Leyva in the third quarter on Sept. 5, 2024.
What is your favorite football team?
Ruiz: “The Carolina Panthers. We’ve had a rough season so far. It’s hard being a fan. ... Cam Newton is actually my favorite player. I loved watching him play. He’s such a big guy, but he was so fast at the same time. It’s crazy to see a guy like that do what he did. He was good for so long. ... He has an odd sense of fashion.”
What are your hobbies?
Simmons: “I like to work out in the weight room and run track. Besides that, I spend a lot of time in the library reading and catching up on literature. ... Right now, I’m reading ‘The Fear’ (by Natasha Preston), but it’s a book about a rumor. It’s a social media quote, unquote meme that’s spreading death and everyone thinks it’s a joke, but it’s reality. It’s a bunch of teens coping and dealing with that as it goes on. ... Ever since I was a kid, I got attached to reading.”
Ruiz: “In the offseason, I like to workout. I also run track. That’s another favorite sport of mine. ... The two of us, we’re the two fastest, so we compete every day.”
What do you want to pursue when you’re done playing football?
Simmons: “I definitely want to pursue nursing in college. I was exploring different options outside of high school, but the only thing that caught my attention was the medical field. I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I wanted to be something close, so that’s what I’m going to pursue. ... My dream school is the University of Michigan. It has nothing to do with the school, I just love the football team. ... They’re a winning program, and I definitely relate to that.”
Flowing Wells’s Benicio Ruiz (1) is surrounded by nothing but black and blue trying to run around the end against Sunnyside Sept. 5, 2024.
Flowing Wells won’t qualify for the playoffs, but both of you return next season as seniors. How does this season set you up for 2025?
Ruiz: “I’ve learned a lot. This is actually my first year playing receiver. Last year, I was the backup quarterback and kicker. It’s also my first year playing safety. During the offseason, I learned a lot and got used to playing those positions. ... I think we can achieve a lot and do even better next year.”
Simmons: “It’s been a big learning experience because me and Ben have been on varsity since sophomore year. Since we’ve been in high school, we’ve gone 3-7 in both seasons. It’s been interesting to see the jump from this year to last year. We have a chance to make borderline history. It’s been a long time since our school has won five games in a season, so we’re going to try and do that this Friday.”
