Rams notch first win, run over Youngker

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What a difference a week makes. Maricopa High School Rams, hoping to redeem themselves after being blanked in their home opener last week, did just that.

Boasting a strong running game, led by seniors Davon Snell, Kendall Morris and junior Brian Nechamkin, the Rams were able to top Buckeye’s Youngker High Rough Riders by a score of 34-0.

“We felt confident that we could win this one tonight,” said Head Coach Gary Mattes. “The kids were all business-like this week. They had a great week of practice and it really showed out there on the field.”

From the first series, the Rams defense dictated the action, forcing Youngker to go three out. Taking possession at their opponent’s 47-yard line, the Rams tried to capitalize on the shorter field. Even though the Rams were able to move the ball 19 yards up the field, they were stifled by the Rough Rider defense.

Faced with fourth down and 10 yards to go at the Youngker 33-yard line, place kicker Armando Cano was called upon to attempt a 50-yard field goal. Although the kick had plenty of distance, it missed the uprights wide left.

The Rough Riders took over possession on their own 20-yard line, and were again held to only three plays by the Rams defense. This time, the Rams took possession at the Youngker 40-yard line and moved the ball downfield, primarily on the strength of Morris, who ran for 27 yards on the drive. But with the ball on the 8-yard line, Morris fumbled and Youngker took over. A 54-yard pass play allowed the Rough Riders to escape the shadow of their own end zone for the first time in the game.

Once again, the Maricopa’s defense stiffened, taking over on downs after sacking the quarterback. The Rams quickly moved the ball across midfield on consecutive runs by Snell. But it was a 24-yard reception on third down from junior quarterback Patrick Davis to senior Demitri Esparza that would keep the drive going. Two plays later, Nechamkin scurried off right tackle for a 31-yard touchdown run. The extra point would bring the Ram lead to 7-0 early in the second quarter.

After the resulting kickoff, the Rough Riders were able to string together their longest drive of the game, assisted by a roughing penalty called against the Rams on a punt play. But the Rams were able to again hold the line, taking back possession at the Youngker 41-yard line after a fumble. Combining a 9-yard carry by junior Ryan Sarver and a 17-yard carry by Morris, the Rams again found themselves moving the ball easily.

The Rough Riders were called for pass interference on a halfback option play from junior Travis Brown, and the Rams received a fresh set of downs at the Youngker 16-yard line. Nechamkin was able to add his second touchdown score, running over defenders along the way. The extra point made the score 14-0 as the game entered halftime.

Maricopa started the second half with a turnover, giving Youngker a chance deep in Rams territory. On the seventh play of their drive, Maricopa freshman safety Lorenzo Melvin was able to intercept a pass and return it for an apparent touchdown. But a block-in-the-back penalty negated the return, though the interception would stand. Taking over on their own 41-yard line, the Rams strung together an eight-play drive that would lead them to the Youngker 18-yard line. But a fumble ended the drive.

Maricopa quickly regained possession, as Rams safety Morris intercepted another Youngker pass. A block in the back again negated his resulting touchdown return. But the Rams took advantage with a 6-play drive, capped by 3-yard touchdown pass to Sarver. The extra point made the score 21-0.

With the third quarter winding down, the Rams defense rose up again. But a muffed punt return allowed the Rough Riders a second chance. Driving the ball down to the Maricopa 18-yard line, Youngker looked poised to score for the first time. The first play of the fourth quarter ended the drive; however, as senior cornerback DeAunte Leath intercepted the ball in the end zone for the Rams.

Taking over at their own 5-yard line, the Rams were able to put together the longest drive of the night. Burning nearly 8 minutes off the clock, a 17-play drive resulted in a touchdown by junior fullback Patrick Duffy. The extra point brought the score to 28-0.

Youngker again took possession late in the game, but were unable to mount any sort of a drive, punting the ball away after only 4 plays.

Taking possession with under three minutes left in the game, the Rams appeared content to simply run out the clock, calling on junior fullback Luis Ochoa to finish off the running duties. With runs of 14, 6, and 7 yards, the Rams were facing one last play with only 43 seconds to go in the game. Ochoa broke free for a 41-yard touchdown run as time expired. The Rams did not attempt the extra point, leaving the score at 34-0.

“Our defense was super tonight,” Mattes said. “They really are the mainstay of our team. And our offense is coming along. If we can continue to improve there, then we can continue to succeed as a team.”

The win improves the Rams to 1-1 on the season, while the Rough Riders fall to 0-2.
The Rams next host Page High School, which is 3-0 on the season.

Photo by David Vargas