Rams fall to Wickenburg 62-6 on new home turf

The Maricopa High School Rams dropped their season home opener against the Wranglers of Wickenburg High School 62-6 on Friday evening at the newly renovated MHS field. The Rams fall to an overall record of 0-2, while Wickenburg has opened the season 2-0.

Most of the pre-game talk was less about the teams about to compete and more about the renovations to the facilities since the end of last school year. The recently completed football field, constructed of artificial turf, was truly the centerpiece as the Rams began the defense of their home field for the 2008 season.

The Warriors began the game by receiving the opening kickoff with a solid return up the middle. They then began a steady offensive assault that ate up chunks of Rams territory and resulted in a touchdown scored with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter. Wickenburg never looked back from there, scoring again only two minutes later, after recovering a Rams fumble, and again with 2:50 remaining in the first quarter on a long screen pass over center from their own 29-yard line.

Each time the Rams came into possession of the ball, they were stonewalled by the Warrior defense. Several times in the first quarter starting quarterback Bryan Nechamkin and running back Davon Snell were able to get the ball moving through the use of a ground attack consisting mainly of runs up the middle of the line. However, each time they were able to string together plays, they were negated due to penalties.

Meanwhile, the Warriors continued to march the ball up the field, mainly through the use of a steady ground game, turning to their passing attack late in the first half. They were finally able to score on a pass play, disputed by Head Coach Tyler Brandt, with 6.4 seconds left in the half. After the first half the Warriors led the game 48-0, with their only real problem being a missed extra point attempt.

The opening drive of the third quarter found the Rams fumbling away the football to the visiting Warriors, who were able to capitalize quickly with another touchdown score. It would, however, be one of only two scores they would make in the second half, as the Maricopa defense began to hold more firmly against the Warrior offense.

With 4:29 seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Rams were able to string together a defensive stand that resulted in a fumble recovery inside of Warrior territory. While the Rams were not able to capitalize immediately on the turnover, the resulting punt was downed inside the one-yard line on a fabulous play by the special teams unit. The ensuing Warrior drive, stopped by the Rams defense, caused another fumble at the Warrior 16-yard line with 11:32 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Rams would not come away empty handed this time. Spurred on by the ground attack led by Nechamkin, Snell and key receptions by wide receiver Vince Bailey, the Rams were finally rewarded for their persistence against a Warrior defense determined to maintain a shutout. With 8:21 remaining in the game, Nechamkin was able to carry the ball into the end zone on a two-yard run up the middle. It was the one highlight of the game for the Rams, but a major victory for a team that could have been demoralized and easily have given up.

According to Head Coach Tyler Brandt, “We have a young team out there. We had a lot of key players out due to sickness and ineligibility. We made a lot of good plays but followed those up with a lot of penalties.” He added, “We have a really young starting quarterback, but I’m confident that he’s going to get us through the year. He played a really good game, and I know that he’s our guy.”

The Maricopa Rams return to action on Friday, Sept. 12, against Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix. Kick-off is set for 7 P.M.

Photos by David Vargas