Daniel Gonzales has been through thick and thin as a three-year, predominantly two-way starter for Cienega's football team.

Mostly thick. The thick is Cienega's 35-4 record in that span. The thin are a pair of semifinal losses to Canyon del Oro, one decisively his sophomore year and last year in heart-breaking, gut-wrenching fashion, 28-24. Cienega failed to hold a 10-point lead with four minutes left in that one.

The Bobcats got past that semifinal hex last week when they edged Ironwood Ridge, 24-21, to get a crack at two-time defending champ Chaparral in the Divsion II championship game on Saturday at 5:07 p.m. at  Sun Devil Stadium.

"Missing out on championship games hurt, especially last year," Gonzales said. "We have a chance this year. We want to make the most of it."

Gonzales, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior, has started three seasons. He did so at fullback his sophomore year and gradually gained more playing time on defense at linebacker as the season progressed. The last two years he's been a full-fledged, two-way guy. This year he is one of only three Bobcats to pull two-way duty.

"He's the kind of player we call all-in," Cienega coach Nemer Hassey said. "Daniel puts all his money on the table. Holds nothing back."

As a fullback and linebacker, two of the most rugged positions, he's excelled. He leads Cienega in tackles this season with 104, has six sacks, recovered three fumbles and caused two others. He's also been durable. The only time he's missed he blames himself.

"I knocked myself out making a hit," Gonzales said. "I missed four games. I love playing defense. I don't like to sit on the sidelines so playing all the time. There is nothing better."

Gonzales averages about four carries a game over his career. He's run the ball more this year, almost as many as the first two years combined. His blocking has been an integral part of the big-year tailback Manny Vera and quarterback Michael Archie have produced.

"He is durable, especially for as physical as he plays," Hassey said. "He is the consummate Bobcat."

Gonzales power running has been a complement  to Vera and quarterback Michael Archie. Cienega's offense has been shaded a little more to the run than the pass in 2011, but Gonzales is the type runner that gets the tough yard or two and keeps the offense on the field. That will be critical in trying to slow Chaparral on Saturday.

Gonzales rushed for 432 yards his first two seasons. This year he's amassed 481 yards and eight touchdowns. He's also caught more passes each season (12 for 151 this year). Whatever it takes. I big hit. A fourth-down stop. Or a half-yard gain for a first down, Gonzales can't wait.

"Getting to this game is special," Gonzales said. "We have to go out and make the most of the opportunity. It's been close twice, but now we're here. We have to do all we can to get it done."