Rams overcome turnovers, stay unbeaten

The Maricopa High School football team overcame four first-half turnovers and an early 10-point deficit to beat McClintock High School 19-10 on the road and stay unbeaten.

The Rams offense came out flat and seemed out of sync throughout the first half. Maricopa’s first three offensive drives ended with fumbles. McClintock took advantage and put 10 points on the board.

Just before halftime, Maricopa drove down the field and cut the deficit to three. The Rams entered the half trailing their opponent for the first time all season.

“It was just one of those nights for us,” MHS head coach Chris McDonald said. “The ball wasn’t bouncing our way, but our defense stayed strong and kept us in it.”

In the second half, the Rams came out firing. Senior quarterback Aaron Owens drove the team down the field.

The drive ended with two passes being dropped in the end zone and Owens throwing an interception.

McDonald brought in senior quarterback Isaiah Pedro for the Rams’ next possession. The change of personnel seemed to light a spark in the heart of the offense.

Pedro led two late touchdown drives, and the Rams took a 19-10 lead with just over five minutes left in the game.

Maricopa’s defense forced two interceptions in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

“Pedro was a better fit for quarterback in this game,” McDonald said. “We saw [McClintock] was leaving the middle open, and credit to Pedro and the offensive line for taking advantage of it.”

Pedro finished the game without any completions, but he ran the ball 12 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver and co-captain Johnny Johnson Jr. also eclipsed the triple-digit mark in rushing yards with 118 yards on 11 carries.

“It says a lot about this team that we can win a game despite turning the ball over so many times,” McDonald said. “You don’t typically win a game when you lose the turnover battle by three, but these guys dug deep and got it done.”

For the first time this season, the Rams were faced with adversity. The confidence and experience gained from this victory could prove to be invaluable.

“I’m still in shock,” Pedro said. “We are 6-0. I’ve never been 6-0. I have to give credit to my whole team. We came together and got it done.”

The Rams will return to Maricopa next week in a highly anticipated game against section rival Arcadia High School. The Titans are ranked one spot ahead of Maricopa in the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division III Power Rankings but lost to Tempe Friday night.

MHS football at McClintock

1 of 43