Southern Arizona’s high school football landscape is defined not just by the talent on the field but by the men who guide those teams from the sidelines. This season, several head coaches are marking personal landmarks that blend longevity with achievement.
Milestones in the Win Column
Matt Johnson, now in his 23rd year at Mountain View High School, shares the top spot with Jay Campos for the most career victories in the region, each sitting at 145 wins and eyeing a 150‑win milestone. Meanwhile, Chris Determan, who recently took the helm at Buena High School, brings 144 victories earned largely at Benson, positioning him just one win behind the leaders.
Championships continue to punctuate the résumés of these mentors. Ryan McBrayer guided Sabino to a 2023 3A title, defeating Paradise Honors 68‑46, while Kent Middleton secured the 2024 3A crown at Pusch Ridge with a 26‑7 victory over ALA‑West Foothills. Earlier, McBrayer’s 2025 state championship run with Mica Mountain marked his first title after four previous title‑game appearances at Sabino.
Matt Johnson’s 2012 Division II championship at Ironwood Ridge, a 27‑3 triumph over Peoria Centennial, remains a benchmark for excellence. Scott McKee, an assistant on CDO’s 2023 championship squad, is eight wins away from his own 100‑win milestone, having compiled 71 victories at Sahuaro and a 2018 4A semifinal run.
Justin Argraves at Cienega High School is nearing the century mark with 86 wins after 17 years, while Ryan McBrayer holds the record for the most consecutive wins at a single school — 64 in nine seasons at Sabino. Their stories illustrate how sustained success can be built on consistent program development.
Coaching Roots and Alumni Ties
A distinctive thread runs through many of these programs: several coaches are returning to mentor at the schools where they once played. Matt Johnson, Ernest Ivy, Hunter Long, Sly Lewis, Carlos Lopez and Thomas Cortez each coach at institutions that shaped their own football journeys, joining a small but growing cadre of alumni‑turned‑leaders.
Among the alumni‑coaches, Hunter Long stands out as one of three former University of Arizona players now steering high school programs, alongside Robert Bonillas and Scott McKee, underscoring the deep pipeline from collegiate football to local leadership.