Beyond the Gridiron: Tolleson
Tolleson is a proud community, generations of families tied together by Friday nights.
A void was left last year when COVID-19 rocked the city, and left the high school without football.
"I think it was very devastating for them, to go through that," coach Rich Wellbrock says. "We're putting all of the pieces back together."
The Wolverines are starting over. New coach. New turf field. New hope. A rebirth.
This high school football season, The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com will follow Tolleson's football team in the second year of a documentary series called "Beyond The Gridiron: Tolleson."
Episode 6: Coming Nov. 18
► 'A lot of firsts': This season the Tolleson Wolverines performed well, recording many firsts for the team in over 25 years. They are hoping for a spot in the playoffs.
Episode 5
► 'It's a rivalry game': With the season winding down, Tolleson Union High School football has a lot on its mind. There's the budding win streak, cemented by a major win against rival Westview High School. For some players, their future is at the top of their mind as they pursue opportunities to play at the next level.
Episode 4
► 'There's nothing like a Friday night': Friday night football has always been big in Tolleson. The Tolleson Union High School football team now has back-to-back wins on their record. Could the regional title be in their sights?
Episode 3
► 'Stop thinking so much': After a rocky start to the season, Tolleson Union High School football has secured a few wins to its name. With homecoming coming up, Wellbrock and the other coaches, including Wellbrock's son, Griffin, push the team to do its best.
Episode 2
► 'Make or break': After a loss in week one, Tolleson football awaits a big decision from the Arizona Interscholastic Association and struggles to get a win on the books.
Episode 1
► 'The goal is to have a game one': After last season was canceled due to COVID-19, Tolleson football is ready to come roaring back. Their first opponent? The team's rival Agua Fria, and the prized "River Rock" is at stake.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Beyond the Gridiron: Tolleson
