When the Arizona Interscholastic Association realigned athletics during the last school year, Maricopa High School officials saw the Rams were going to have a particularly challenging schedule in football.
Often the first team mentioned in conversations about tough opponents was Centennial, winner of back-to-back state championships. The Coyotes’ physicality is formidable.
Friday night, the Rams proved they belonged on the same field.
Despite having injuries and a quarterback quandary, MHS stuck with Centennial through three quarters. The defense allowed just one touchdown to allow the youthful offense opportunities while Centennial struggled with penalties.
Weariness turned to some sloppiness by the end of the game, however. The Coyotes scored three times in the fourth quarter for the 28-0 win.
“We matched them physically,” head coach Chris McDonald said. “They were bigger than us, but we were right there with them in terms of hitting and getting off the ball and playing hard.”
McDonald continued to rest senior quarterback Zach Bachelder. He said with a bye week coming up in two weeks “it only makes sense” to keep him from irritating a previous shoulder injury.
Instead, Jathan Washington got the start behind center. He was one of five sophomores starting on offense. He completed two passes, including a 15-yarder to Alec Smith, for a total of 18 yards and rushed for 22. The Rams continued to try out their wildcat formation, but only three times gained big yardage.
Sophomore Jacob Cowing led the rushing with 37 yards on nine carries. The Rams’ offense totaled 92 yards.
As it has most of the season, the Maricopa defense stopped the opposing offense in crucial moments during the first three quarters.
“The defense has been lights out,” McDonald said.
After four games, senior Kenny Oliver leads all receivers in 5A Metro with 152 yards. Washington is second in rushing yards in the section, and junior Kemo Akins is fifth.
The Rams are now 2-2. Next week, Maricopa plays at North Canyon (3-1).
MHS enters section play Sept. 30 by hosting Ironwood (0-3) for Homecoming.
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