Hoping for an easy road win over Valley last Friday night in Sanders, the Roadrunners were pushed to the final minute before finally putting away the pesky Pirate team. Cade Maestas’ third touchdown run of the night inside the final minute of play put the game out of the reach of the Pirates as Holbrook balanced its season mark at 3-3 with the 40-28 win.
Lanny Newton-Pender started things quickly for Holbrook, recovering a fumble and returning it 20 yards for the Roadrunners’ opening score. Alex Haussman’s point after boot put the Birds up 7-0. Maestas had scoring runs of 10, 20 and five yards on the night. Danny Gonzales also found pay dirt on a 59-yard scamper. Maestas hooked up with Gonzales for a 31-yard touchdown pass as well.
Led by their female quarterback, the Pirates remained in the game for much of the night, battling back after falling behind early. A fourth down stop by the Roadrunners late in the fourth quarter helped Holbrook retain its one-score lead.
Maestas completed three of eight passes for 48 yards with one touchdown and one pick. Gonzales, Scottie Gishie and Newton-Pender each had one reception, with Gonzales’ going for six points.
The Birds’ rushing attack was led by Gonzales, who finished with 105 yards on only seven rushes. Maestas picked up 103 yards on 17 carries. Newton-Pender carried 11 times for 74 yards. Zakhari Waits carried twice for 10 yards and Scottie Gishie had one run good for four yards.
Three Holbrook defenders finished with double digit tackles, including Gishie with 15, Oscar Hernandez with 14 and Michael O’Brien with 10.
The Birds will have an excellent chance to move their season mark to a winning record for the first time this season when they host a struggling Falcon team from Alchesay on Friday night, Oct. 10.
