Kyle Hildebrand is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com

Centennial is winless and scoreless this season. But not hopeless.

After an 8-0 loss to 12-0 Ironwood, coach Santos Robles said his team has been “very upbeat,''  something the seniors have taught their younger teammates throughout the season.

“[They taught us] that we need to keep working hard and it’s only going to get better from here,” sophomore Alexander Robles said.

“Some of us have given up, but most of the starters haven’t given up,” freshman Noah Johnson said. “We’re still going strong.”

A majority of the startersTuesday were Centennial’s seniors, who took their last steps on the field as members of the Coyotes.

“I’m going to miss most exactly playing with this team,” goalie Aaron Metzinger said. “This was my first and is my last year playing soccer with this team.

“I think it’s just the squad that I will miss the most.''

Robles isn’t discouraged with his group despite the winless record.

“We have a very young team and they’re all meshing together,” Robles said. “It’s a new start and a new culture for Centennial High School soccer.”

Robles also said he’s going to miss the seniors’ humor and hype they give the team.

Ironwood now rides a four-game shutout streak, scoring 19 goals in those four games.

Centennial (0-11) has now allowed 51 goals this season.

Ironwood controlled the ball all night,holding Centennial to no shots on net. The Coyotes got their first shot on net late in the second half.

After the first half it was 6-0 Ironwood. Two of the eight goals Ironwood scored were own goals by Centennial.

Robles’ message to the team after the loss was simple: “It’s a learning phase,” he said.

“[This team] works hard and they’re always willing to learn. They’re positive with each other.”

Centennial’s final game of the season is at Sunrise Mountain Monday at 6 p.m.