Rams scored highlights during ’07 campaign

Although their season ended with a 38-13 first-round loss in the state playoffs to Winslow last week, the Maricopa High football team will look back on the 2007 season with some satisfaction.

The Rams finished above .500 (6-5) and defended their home turf, posting a 5-1 record. It was on the road where the Rams struggled at 1-4.

It seemed as if the Rams would trade wins and losses for much of the season. Maricopa split its first six games, winning one and then losing one. After dropping its fourth game of the season in a 24-13 loss at Safford, Maricopa ran off three straight victories before losing in its opening round playoff game.

The Rams were in the majority of games they played in this season, except for a 61-12 thumping at the hands of Coolidge. Since beating Maricopa in September, Coolidge has recorded eight straight victories.

A 10-7 win over Florence highlighted Homecoming festivities for Maricopa as it closed out its home slate of games last month.

Maricopa High head football coach Tyler Brandt said he will remember his seniors for being a steadying force this season.

“The seniors provided some vision to our underclassmen for the off-season,” Brandt said. “It is sad to see them leave.”

Among those leaving will be running back Matt Fierros and quarterback Will Clemans. Fierros finished his final campaign with 1,319 yards rushing and 13 TDs on the ground. Clemans threw for 1,235 yards and 11 TDs on the season.

Other highlights came from Cody Seymore (290 yards receiving, five TDs), Fierros (161 total tackles), Tony Jones (71 total tackles), and sophomore Vince Bailey and junior Blake Schwanbeck (two interceptions each).

While Brandt loses some key players, the cupboard is not empty for next season.

“We’ve got some unbelievable talent for next year,” Brandt added.

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