Rams away for season opener Friday night

The Maricopa High School football Rams kick off their season this Friday against Estrella Foothills.

The Rams finished up last season, their first in Division 3A, with a six and four record and are looking toward this season with high hopes.

Departing from last year’s squad were several superstars, including: quarterback Will Clemans, running back Matt Fierros and wide receiver Tony Jones. Even without the departing talent, head coach Tyler Brandt believes his team will not have a comedown from last season.

“While we have lost a lot of talent in certain areas, I think overall we are a more complete team this season,” Brandt said.

Some of the players who will be filling the shoes of last season’s players are quarterback Brian Nechamkin, lineman/defensive tackle Eric Chavez and linebacker/tight end Vince Davis.

“Eric has really stepped up this year and took over the leadership position on this team,” Brandt said.

Players believe this season will be even more successful than the last. one. “We are looking good, and I believe things will be better,” Davis said.

Nechamkin, who has been on the team for two years, participated in the team’s summer passing games and looked very sharp, according to Chavez. “He is ready to lead us,” Chavez said.

This season will be the team’s last in 3A; next season they will make the leap to Division 4A.

“We have some great young talent we are developing, and, as the years go by, we are going to continue to grow stronger as a team,” Brandt said.

If you go:

What: Maricopa Rams Varsity Football game
Where: Estrella Foothills, 13033 South Estrella Parkway, Goodyear AZ 85338
When: 7 p.m.

Photos by Michael K. Rich