Shorthanded Rams lose opener, prepare for homecoming

Maricopa High School lost a hotly contested battle in its home football opener Friday against the Tempe High School Buffaloes 49-41.

The Rams struggled early and came back from a 21-7 first half deficit to tie the game in the third quarter. They had one last chance in the fourth quarter to tie the game down by eight with 22 seconds left and the ball at the 22-yard line when Junior quarterback Aaron Owens scrambled out of the pocket and found wide receiver in the back of the end zone.

The referees waved off the touchdown though, saying Owens passed the line of scrimmage before making the pass, sealing the win for Tempe in the process.

Maricopa was without 37 of its varsity and junior varsity players, including seven varsity starters. The players were declared academically ineligible for the first game of the season for not meeting GPA requirement in the spring semester last year.

“There was a tremendous impact in terms of depth and body count,” said Chris McDonald, head varsity football coach. “Our team started cramping up early in the third quarter and at one point we had three frosh on the field to fill spots. I give credit to those kids whose first high school football game is against the Tempe varsity squad. Our team really played with a ton of heart and desire.”

McDonald was happy with the performance overall.

“In perspective, I really couldn't have been happier,” McDonald said. “Of course it was disappointing to lose because we were right there with them, but we had kids called up and kids who stepped up in the moment. We will be a better team because of this.”

Most of the roster will be back and is raring to go for this week’s homecoming game against Seton Catholic.

“We have approximately 27 of the 37 kids ineligible back,” McDonald said. “The kids coming back have a GPA average of 2.6, which I couldn't be happier about. We're looking forward to the challenge of playing a quality team like Seton and going from there. It's homecoming so the kids are excited.”
 
Friday's homecoming game and the “Take Back the Night” dance at the high school gymnasium will be the culmination of a week of activities including a proclamation at city hall and alumni game at Copper Sky Regional Park. Kickoff Friday against Seton Catholic is 7 p.m.