Rams have tough test ahead in visit to Winslow

When the Maricopa High Rams travel to Winslow Friday evening for the opening round of the state playoffs at 7 p.m., they face a team on a streak — a winning streak that is.

North Region champion Winslow opened the season 0-3, but the Bulldogs have run off seven straight wins to enter the game at 7-3. In five of those wins, Winslow has held its opponent to six points or less.

Winslow is paced by QB Stacey Berg, who has nine TD passes and only one interception. Berg has thrown for 681 yards to date. Running back John Gonzalez has rushed for 818 yards and scored 10 TDs.

While Maricopa High head football coach Tyler Brandt and his squad will face a tough test, the Rams are not just planning to show up. Maricopa comes into the contest having finished the latter part of the season on a high note to enter at 6-4.

“One of our team goals was to make the playoffs; it is always a confidence builder to achieve the goals that you set,” Brandt remarked. “We had a successful season; having a winning record (6-4) is good, but doing that in our first year in 3A is a great accomplishment.”

According to Brandt, offensively, the Rams were able to transform their offense from a focused running game into a balanced attack, featureing multiple weapons.

“That was only possible because of the unselfish attitude of the players that have stayed dedicated to the program,” Brandt said. “Defensively, we have come together to become a great help to our offense. In the last three games our defense has found out how tough they can be when they play together.”

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