Broncos’ kicker Araiza named to All-America team

Matt Araiza booted his way into the record books this past season and now the Rancho Bernardo High sophomore is beginning to earn the accolades for his efforts.

Araiza, who had never played football before high school, was recently named to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-America First-Team Offense. He is one of 11 players from California on the 60-man All-America Team.

Araiza connected on a San Diego Section-record 18 field goals while helping the Broncos finish with a 13-2 record and as Division III-A state champions. He was 66 of 69 on PAT attempts and had touchbacks on 64 of 67 kickoffs. He averaged 40.1 yards on 49 punts.

Araiza had a pair of record-breaking kicks in 2015. His field goal against Otay Ranch in the San Diego Section Division II playoffs broke the school record of 14 field goals in a season set by Nate Tanberg in 1995.

Araiza’s 23-yarder against Mt. Carmel in the section’s Division II championship game broke the section record for field goals in a season, which was previously 16 set by St. Augustine’s John Cortney in 1997. Both Tanberg (San Diego State) and Cortney (Air Force) went on to kick in college.