Mayor honors Falcons for 4A state title
Carefree recognizes big season
by Jason Stone

CAREFREE – The awards and honors keep rolling in for the Cactus Shadows High School football team.

Two weeks after winning the school's first state championship in the sport at University of Phoenix Stadium, the Falcons were feted again–this time by the government. Carefree Mayor Ed Morgan presented coach Chad DeGrenier and the rest of the Falcons a "Mayor's Honor" at the Dec. 14 town Christmas concert.

DeGrenier said the 2006 season was a dream for his team, and he thanked the community for supporting the Falcons.

"I love this town," DeGrenier said. "The support we've had from the community is amazing. We had around 7,000 people at the stadium for the championship game. That's just unbelievable."

The Falcons wrapped up the title Dec. 2 with a 28‑14 win over Higley. The state title comes just two years after the team went winless in 10 games.

"He's done an amazing job in a short time," Morgan told the big holiday crowd, who had gathered for free food and drinks and Christmas entertainment.

Six players accompanied DeGrenier in accepting another plaque for the trophy case.

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.