By Don Ketchum

On a recent Saturday morning, Phoenix Central senior quarterback Andrew Lobato sat down with a group of freshman players and told them how it is in the real high school world, both on and off the field.

“I told them that they don’t want to waste their high school years by doing the wrong stuff or not doing anything, that they don’t want to be a punk,’’ Lobato said.

There were times in Lobato’s earlier years that he was in danger of slipping over the edge. But he found a way to survive. His grades improved quite a bit, not to the point where he wants them, but still a long way from where he started.

On the field, he developed into a versatile, reliable leader, a player who has helped the Bobcats come within reach of a second straight Class 5A Metro Region title.

That issue is expected to be decided on Thursday night (Oct. 28) when Central (6-3 overall, 6-1 in region) plays host to Laveen Betty H. Fairfax (6-2, 6-0). Kickoff is at 7.

“We are excited. It is a big game for us,’’ said the 6-foot, 170-pound Lobato, who also plays free safety. “It would be great to win back-to-back region titles. We know we can do it if we keep our composure and not get carried away.’’

Lobato has carried quite a numbers load this season. According to MaxPreps, he has completed 108 of 185 passes for 1,843 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has rushed for 205 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has 35 tackles on defense, with five interceptions and a fumble recovery.

“The thing he has improved on the most is his leadership,’’ said Central coach Todd Williamson.

Since Central runs the spread formation most of the time, Lobato’s first objective is to throw the ball. But he does have the authority to run, according to Williamson, after he has gone through his obligatory series of receiver progressions/checks.

“If he sees the hole, or the pocket breaks down, he will take it,’’ Williamson said. “Or if there is short yardage for a first down or a chance to score, he also has that option.’’

The other players respond to Lobato, Williamson said, a testament to his leadership. The coach also likes Lobato’s improvement in the classroom.

“It’s all about maturity. Coming into high school, as a freshman and sophomore, I was so immature, but I learned the high school ways,’’ Lobato said.

There could be a few occasions against Fairfax when the game is close, where Lobato will have to take control of the huddle even more.

“In the huddle, I just tell the guys to keep their cool, that we need to step up, that the linemen need to play mean and the “skills’ (skill positions) need to make the plays. I’ll do it if I need to, but I want to put the ball in their hands, give it to the ones who are capable of doing in the most on a particular play.’’

He admits he is tired by the end of the game in which he has played virtually every snap on both sides of the ball.

“The adrenaline keeps me going,’’ he said.

Lobato is looking forward to a strong finish to the season. He plans to attend Scottsdale Community College and play football there and hopes to get picked up by a four-year school after that.