Rams shut out in season football opener

Estrella Foothills shut out the Maricopa High School varsity football team Friday night, 21-0.

The visiting Rams defense was able to hold Estrella’s Wolves in check for the majority of the night. The score was tied 0-0 at halftime, but coming out of the break the Estrella team was able to return a kickoff to the Rams’ five-yard line.

That breakdown of the Rams special teams would lead to Estrella’s first score of the game. Only one of the other two touchdowns scored by Estella would come against the Rams defense. The other, a Rams quarterback interception, was returned for a touchdown.

“Our defense held them in check all night. If we can continue to play this well on the defensive side of the ball, we are going to be able to compete in a lot of games,” said Rams head coach Tyler Brandt.

The Rams offense moved the ball well the majority of the night, racking up more than 200 yards in total offense; however, the team failed to convert on several third down attempts.

“We had a lot of costly drop passes that put a stop to scoring drives,” Brandt said.

“Overall,” Brandt said, “it was a good first outing, and the team took away several positives from the performance.” Brandt added that he believes if the team can limit the mental breakdowns, they could have a very good season.

Photo by Michael K. Rich