Though the Rams ran out of steam at the end of the season, 2015 was a memorable year with a winning record as the team overcame tragedy. Photo by William Lange

The Maricopa High School football team overcame adversity and tragedy to post the school’s first winning season since 2012. The Rams ended the season 7-3.

Even more important than the wins, the Rams gave the community a distraction from tragedy. For 10 weeks, the community rallied around Maricopa football. From their first victory over Agua Fria High School just six days after they lost teammate senior Nate Ford to a tragic traffic accident, to the final seconds of the season, the team gave the community a reason to celebrate.

Their play was inspiring, gritty and imperfect, much like the community in which they live.

In the Rams’ final game, the team came within a second of a berth in the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division III State Football Playoffs. As Bradshaw Mountain High School’s junior quarterback Gunner Bundrick heaved the game’s final pass through the air, the heart of a team and community sailed through the air with it. When the ball landed in the hands of Bears’ junior wide receiver Ryan Shaver, the heartbreak in the stadium was palpable. The Rams season had come to an immediate end.

However, despite missing the playoffs, Maricopa’s season should not be diminished or minimized. They overcame tragedy and helped a community heal. No trophy can ever replace that.

“I’m proud of these kids,” head coach Chris McDonald said. “As a whole we made a step up from last year. Going to the playoffs was a goal, but overall we made a positive stride. There will always be adversity in life, and the players know that, but they did a good job handling it all. The kids were inspired to play for a fallen teammate. Unfortunately, we just seemed to hit a wall at the end of the season.”

Doug Ford’s presence at the games this season was a reminder of his son Nate and an inspiration for the team. Photo by William Lange
Doug Ford’s presence at the games this season was a reminder of his son Nate and an inspiration for the team. Photo by William Lange

The team carried the spirit of Ford with them throughout the year. From the “Everyday Hero” shirts fans and players wore to honor him to the helmet, jersey and flag brought to every game, Nate was always present. It inspired the team to play for something more than themselves, and it inspired the community around them.

“The outreach has been incredible,” Nate’s father Doug Ford said. “He touched a lot of lives in a lot of places. It’s been great to see.”

As this team moves forward, they have a foundation of success to build upon. They will lose 12 seniors including starting quarterback Aaron Owens , their emotional leader and center Nikolai White, and All-State contenders at wide receiver in Johnny Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Pedro. However, there are at least 17 juniors waiting eagerly to take their places.

“We want to take the next step and build off of this year,” McDonald said. “I already have juniors texting me and wanting to get back in the weight room. They’ve had a taste of success and they want to build on it.”

Next year, the Rams will move into the 5A conference. Powerhouse high schools such as Queen Creek, Centennial and Ironwood Ridge will now be peers, and the Rams will have to dig deep to succeed. However, this is what it takes to be a successful program, and the coaching staff believes they are up to the challenge.

“Moving forward, I hope being 7-3 becomes the standard,” McDonald said. “It will be important for us to embrace being 5A as well. Doing anything different would send the wrong message.”

This story was published in the November issue of InMaricopa News.