Rams lose 29-21, finish season with 1-9 record

It was not a happy Homecoming for the Maricopa Rams, which lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Globe Tigers 29-21 Friday. The loss ends the Rams season with a final record of 1-9 (0-7 in region play), while the win improves the Tigers season to 4-6 (2-5).

The Rams took possession on the opening drive at their own 21 yard line. They quickly proceeded to fumble away the ball, giving the Tigers terrific field position early in the game. However, Globe was unable to capitalize as the Rams defense shut them down, ultimately leading to a missed field goal attempt.

The Rams took possession at their own 20 yard line and again turned the ball over on a fumble. But this time the Tigers were able to punch the ball in for a score in the closing seconds of the first quarter and led 7-0 after the extra point.

Early in the second the quarter, the Rams were able to push the ball over the end line as Kendal Morris ran the ball five yards over center. The play was followed by a missed extra point, leading to a score of 7-6.

After the Rams kicked off to the Tigers, they were able to hold them to only short gains as they punted the ball back. However, quarterback Albert Bandin threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. The extra point was missed and Globe led 13-6 with less than two minutes to play in the half.

The Rams took the ensuing kickoff back to the Globe 32 yard line and had two quick strikes for gains. With 43.2 seconds left in the half, Vince Bailey took the ball from Bandin and sprinted 54 yards for a score. The long play was followed by a successful two-point conversion giving the Rams a 14-13 lead at the half.

The second half opened on a positive note for the Rams as well. After a stifling defense was able to hold the Tigers to three plays, the long snapper sailed the snap over the head of the punter. This allowed the Rams to take possession at the Globe 15 yard line. Morris was again able to carry the Rams into the end zone for another Maricopa touchdown.

The Rams Defense again held the Tigers to three plays and Bailey returned the punt to the Globe 17 yard line. However, the play was negated because of a penalty.

The Tigers capitalized on the Rams penalty pieced together a drive that ended in an eventual touchdown. This was followed by a two-point conversion knotting the score at 21.

On their next possession, the Rams, too, were able to piece together a drive of their own. At one point, they had the ball down to the Tigers 41 yard line. At this point, Davon Snell, who had been the workhouse for the team all night, was able to take a reception into the end zone. Unfortunately, this, too, was called back due to a holding call against the offense.

After being pushed back on the penalty, the Rams were not able to gain anymore ground and were forced to punt. On the ensuing possession, the Tigers broke open a 64-yard touchdown run and converted a two-point conversion for a 29-lead.

Despite one final attempt to score, the Rams were not able to mount any additional sustained drives and turned the ball over on downs on its final possession with 3:19 remaining.

Photo by David Vargas