Peoria High School's Cordova at ease with changes in life or on football field

Johnny Cordova knew the drill.

Be funny, open and talkative. Do that and the transition will go smoothly.

So when he and his family moved to Peoria from Flagstaff, Cordova knew he had put on the charm to be accepted within the football program.

It's one of the benefits of attending three high schools in four years.

"You have to be ready to meet and talk to everyone," Cordova said. "If I was quiet and timid it would've been a lot harder to get in with the team. Going to three schools has really helped me socially because you have to make friends fast."

Cordova started out at Glendale Copper Canyon as a freshman before moving to Flagstaff Coconino when his dad got a job opportunity. The family came back to the Valley early last summer and Cordova ended up at Peoria where most of his extended family graduated, including his mom.

"I'm glad I got here in June and not August," Cordova said. "I got to go through passing leagues and weightlifting. Otherwise it would have been much harder if I got there in August."

Cordova is a big reason why Peoria (11-1) won the Class 4A Division I West Valley Region and continue postseason action Friday against Scottsdale Saguaro (12-0) in the state semifinals at Phoenix Paradise Valley High with 7:07 p.m. kickoff (Cox 7).

"He's made a huge impact," Peoria coach Doug Clapp said. "He came in and was our starting middle linebacker, and then when we needed him he switched over to fullback and has done a great job."

Cordova, who is 6-foot and 220 pounds and a two-time state runner-up in wrestling, still plays defense even though he isn't starting anymore.

"I prefer defense, but I told the coaches I'd do whatever they needed me to do," Cordova said. "I played fullback (at Coconino), and it wasn't hard making the change."

Cordova knows his team has a tough assignment this week against two-time defending state champion Saguaro, but if there is someone who knows how to make the best of a tough situation it is him.

"We have to come in the first half and play our best," he said. "We can't slack off because it's going to be real tense. As long as we execute it should be a good game."