Hoping to end the football season on a high note, the Roadrunners instead closed it out with their fourth consecutive loss on Halloween night at Roadrunner Stadium. Miami’s Vandals, like Holbrook, came into this match-up with just three wins on the season, but after their first offensive play they never trailed.
The Vandals forced Holbrook to a three and out to start the game, then Cedric Johnson broke free for a 74-yard touchdown run to go up 6-0. The Birds’ next possession ended with a failed fake punt attempt in their own territory, setting up the Vandals for their second quick score with 5:14 left in the quarter on a 38-yard scoring run by Johnson. His two-point run made the score 14-0.
Miami scored again early in the second period, pushing the lead to 22-0, then scored yet again on the final play of the second period to lead 34-0 at the half.
Holbrook opened the second half with a successful onside kick, but later ended the drive with a Cade Maestas interception. Miami eventually pushed the lead to 41-0 before Holbrook avoided the shutout with 2:18 left in the game. Maestas hooked up with Scottie Gishie for a scoring strike to get off the goose egg. On the final official play of the game Maestas connected with Christian Pierce, making the score 41-13 with Alex Haussman’s point after kick.
Holbrook totaled 322 yards of offense, but turned the ball over four times. Maestas completed seven of 17 passes for 114 yards with two touchdowns and one pick. Pierce had three receptions for 55 yards and a score. Gishie caught three for 46 yards with one score. Miah Perry had one grab for 13 yards.
On the ground Maestas carried 14 times for 117 yards. Danny Gonzales rushed eight times for 39 yards. Zakhari Waits ran five times for 27 yards. Michael O’Brien carried six times for 16 yards, Gishie carried once for eight yards and Ryan Short gained one yard on his only carry.
O’Brien led the defense with eight solo tackles.
Holbrook finished the season with an overall record of 3-7.
