Rams drop third straight, lose to Arcadia

Maricopa battled, but could not keep up with a speedy Arcadia High team, falling 42-10 on their home turf Friday night in prep football action. The loss dropped the Rams to 2-4 on the season.

The Titans (4-2) scored early and often as they opened the game with an 8-play, 70-yard drive that resulted in an early touchdown.

With the Rams turning the ball over on downs in their first possession, Arcadia was able to march the ball 64 yards on four plays for a touchdown and extra point.

“We were surprised that they ran so easily and came out so fast,” said head coach Eric Reed. “We fell behind early and couldn’t really catch up the rest of the game.”

Maricopa’s woes appeared to be continuing on their next drive, as first-time starting quarterback Travis Brown fumbled the snap from center. But the defense stepped up as K.J. Diehl intercepted a pass and returned it 13 yards. Taking over from their own 24-yard line, the Maricopa offense had some success moving the ball.

Behind solid running from Brown, Kendall Morris and Davon Snell, the Rams drove deep in Titan territory. But the Titans were able force a key turnover in their own end zone, and would immediately make the Rams pay. Arcadia notched their third touchdown on an 80-yard run from scrimmage.

After a 23-yard kickoff return by Diehl, Maricopa was unable generate much offensively. On fourth down, Arcadia blocked a Rams’ punt, which they would turn into another quick TD. The Titans would score two more times before half

The Rams started the second half down by 42 points. Arizona Interscholastic Association rules took effect and play resumed without clock stoppages for the remainder of the game. After quick 5-play possessions by each team, Maricopa took possession at their own 20-yard line. On the strength of runs by Morris and Brian Nechamkin, the Rams were able to move the ball 45 yards to the Arcadia 25-yard line before the drive stalled out. A 42-yard field goal by Armando Cano ended Maricopa’s scoring drought.

The two teams would again exchange possessions until Arcadia fumbled the ball at the Maricopa 29-yard line. The fumble was scooped up by Vince Bailey, who returned it 71 yards for Rams touchdown. It was the last scoring of the contest.

“Not making excuses, but this team has had everything against them this season: late starts, coaching changes, AD changes,” Reed said. “But the kids have played (hard) all season long.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Rams as they host undefeated Williams Field High School for homecoming. Williams Field is coming off a 32-30 win against Notre Dame Prep on Friday night.

Photo by Dan Miller