Despite lopsided loss, strong opponent could strengthen Rams

There’s a reason Maricopa High School football coach Cory Nenaber placed one of Arizona’s toughest football programs on this year’s schedule.

“It’s going to make us better in the long run,” Nenaber said Thursday evening, following the Rams’ (0-3) 42-6 loss against Williams Field High School in Gilbert. “That’s what my hope is.”

The Black Hawks (3-0) dominated in the first half, racking up 35 points with big plays by seniors Kyle Gill, Roman Scholtens and Jacob Anderson. Junior running back Josh Page put 12 points on the board when senior quarterback Jeddediah Fagg connected with Page on a 47-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and a 15-yard pass in the second. 

Max Preps ranks Williams Field as No. 10 in the state (Maricopa is ranked 64). The program finished 11-2 last year, making it to the semi-final round of the AIA Division III playoffs. 

The Rams’ offensive failed to find a rhythm all evening. The team erased an impending goose egg with a 22-yard pass completion to senior wide receiver Kendric Garcia late in the fourth quarter. Kicker Christian Ramirez missed the extra point attempt when he turned the ball wide right. 

Despite the lopsided numbers blaring on the scoreboard, Maricopa’s defense improved throughout and protected the end zone in the second half. 

***ADVERTISEMENT***The Rams made a goal line stand midway through the third quarter with Williams Field on the 1-yard line. However, the Black Hawks defense snagged 6 points when they recovered a fumble in the end zone one play later. 

“There’s definitely positives,” Nenaber said. “We’re going to seek out the positives tonight. Obviously, there’s plenty of things we need to work on.” 

Nenaber said a team like Williams Field will exploit any weaknesses. With an extra day to recover before their first home game next week, the Rams will have an opportunity to mend those weaknesses. 

“We’re going to get back to fundamentals,” Nenaber said. “We’re going to get back to fundamentals and try to focus on really what we’ve got.” 

Maricopa faces Arcadia High School (3-0) next week. Game starts at 7 p.m.