Rams throw first punch, secure home win streak

Maricopa High School football coach Cory Nenaber said high school football is sometimes like a heavy-weight boxing match.

“Whoever can land the first big blow, a lot of times, can go on to win the game,” he said.

The Rams (5-4, 3-1) did just that in their last home game of the regular season Friday night against Casa Grande High School. Maricopa sealed its win streak at home with a 35-13 victory.

In their first possession of the game, sophomore quarterback Isaiah Pedro faked a handoff to running back Elijah Alvarado before rolling right and launching a downfield pass that connected with senior wide receiver Tim Byrd for a 72-yard touchdown.

“Isaiah made a great read and a great throw,” Nenaber said.  “And Tim’s a really good athlete. When you get the ball in his hands (and a) little bit of space, he has a tendency to do the rest.”

Byrd would prove that statement true at least two more times – once mid-way through the first quarter with a 10-yard score, and again, in the second quarter, with a 58-yard touchdown reception.

The majority of the game’s end zone action took place in the first half.

The Cougars (2-7, 0-4) had moments of strength but were never able to fully overcome the Rams’ defensive prowess. With the score 14-0 in the first quarter, Casa Grande was able to jump on a punted ball that got away from returner Falaah Shabazz. Seven plays later, Cougars player Taylor Dickerson punched it in for six points.

At 4:31 left in the second quarter, Casa Grande tight end Austin Krause crossed the goal line to put the score at 21-13. The Cougars failed the extra point attempt.

***ADVERTISEMENT***Rams’ junior wide receiver Adam Kochheiser also made the game’s highlight reel.

Kochheiser scored on a 9-yard reception with 30 seconds left in the first half. Almost 4 minutes into the fourth quarter, Pedro connected with Kochheiser in open field for a 41-yard touchdown reception, putting the score at 34-13. Junior kicker Christian Ramirez, who’s been solid all season with extra point attempts, placed the final score at 35-13.

Nenaber said he’s proud of the team’s progression over the season, emphasizing the good work of the defense.

 “We didn’t run block as well tonight,” he said. “Still too many penalties. But gosh, the kids played hard.”

The Rams face a strong opponent next week. Catalina Foothills High School of Tucson is 7-2 overall. The schools will be battling for a second-place finish in their section.  

The contest will be played in Tucson. Game starts at 7 p.m.