Hoping to end Winslow’s long run of dominance in the annual I-40 clash, the Roadrunners had a promising start, forcing the Bulldogs to go three and out on their first offensive possession last Friday night, but in the end, the Bulldogs continued their reign with a 44-8 victory.
A high snap on the punt play set the Birds up with great field position to start their season. Unfortunately, just two plays later a Holbrook fumble in the backfield was scooped up and returned 75 yards by Winslow’s Austin Mattox. CJ Chacon’s point after kick gave the visitors a quick 7-0 lead.
Holbrook’s second offensive series ended when the Birds turned the ball over on downs at Winslow’s 49 yard line. The Bulldogs’ speed showed on the ensuing play when Nick Marquez scooted around left end and outran all Holbrook defenders for a 51-yard, one-play touchdown drive. The extra point attempt failed, leaving Winslow with a 13-0 edge.
Another three and out series for Holbrook gave the ball back to the Bulldogs, who put together an 11-play drive which concluded on Holbrook’s one foot line, where the Birds held on fourth down, getting the ball back for their offense. Backed up inside their own one, the Birds ran one play resulting in a safety for Winslow.
Late in the second period the Roadrunners finally put together a pair of first downs before kicking the ball back to the Dawgs. Winslow scored just before the half on an eight-yard run by Chacon pushing the lead to 23-0 with a two-point conversion.
The second half went much like the first with Winslow moving the ball well and Holbrook struggling on offense. Wazuri Wait intercepted a Winslow pass on Holbrook’s 19 yard line to thwart one drive, but once again a Holbrook miscue led to a Winslow safety pushing the lead to 25-0.
Chacon added a second eight-yard touchdown run late in the third and a three-yard scoring run by Darrien Brown with 7:40 left in the fourth moved the Bulldogs’ lead to 37-0. Winslow’s final score of the night came on a 39-yard fumble recovery and return by Akeem Foster, making the score 44-0.
Holbrook avoided the shutout late in the game when Cade Maestas connected with Wazuri Waits on a 46-yard toss and catch for a touchdown. Zakhari Waits ran in the two-point conversion, making the final score 44-8.
Holbrook finished the night with just 162 yards of total offense. Maestas completed six of nine passes for 68 yards with one TD. He also led the rushing attack with 44 yards on 10 carries. Danny Gonzales and Oscar Hernandez each rushed for 16 yards, Julian Garcia had 12 yards on nine carries and Wazuri Waits rushed twice for six total yards. Wazuri Waits was the leading receiver with his 46-yard touchdown reception. Garcia caught two for six yards, Scottie Gishie had one for five, Gonzales was one for four and Zakhari Waits caught one for seven yards.
Kyshawn Davis led Holbrook’s defense with 16 tackles. Jedde Bowman added 14 stops.
Winslow finished with only 26 yards through the air but racked up 261 yards on the ground, led by Chacon with 90 yards on 12 attempts. Brown added 61 yards on seven rushes, Julian Avelar carried eight times for 53 and Marquez rushed one time for a 51-yard score.
“We still have a lot to work on. Our lack of varsity experience showed,” said Holbrook Coach John Bokker. “With the talent we have and players coming off injuries, we will be tough once we hit our conference schedule.”
Tonight (Sept. 5) the Roadrunners travel to Kingman to face Lee Williams. Winslow will travel to Lakeside for a matchup with a hungry, but winless Blue Ridge Yellowjacket team.
