The Roadrunners prevailed in a defensive battle at Chino Valley on Friday night, scoring the only two touchdowns of the game in the first half en route to a hard fought 12-0 win.
After both quarterbacks threw interceptions in the first period, Holbrook put together the first scoring drive of the game. Cade Maestas’ 35-yard touchdown toss to Danny Gonzales with 45 seconds left in the opening quarter capped an 8-yard scoring drive to put the Birds on top 6-0.
Holbrook’s defense intercepted the Cougar quarterback two more times in the second period, with Jeffrey Jones’ pick setting up the Roadrunners in great field position at the Cougar 20 yard line. On first and goal from the eight, Maestas tossed his second scoring pass of the game, making a connection with Scottie Gishie with just under five minutes left in the half to give Holbrook the 12-0 margin.
The squads battled back and forth in the second half with both defenses pitching second half shutouts, leaving Holbrook with the 12-0 win, which improved the Birds’ record to 2-1.
Holbrook’s offensive scheme changed from the Winslow game, with Maestas attempting 22 passes. He completed only seven of those, though several others were nearly caught. Maestas was seven for 22 for 88 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The seven completions went to six different receivers. Gishie caught two for 28 yards with one score. Gonzales’ only catch was the 35-yard scoring pass. Miah Perry had one reception for 19 yards. Julian Garcia and Shane McGraw each had a three-yard catch, and Wazuri Waits had one catch for no gain.
On the ground, Holbrook compiled 154 total yards led by Maestas, who gained 75 of those on 16 attempts. Gonzales picked up 30 yards on six runs. Zakhari Waits gained 18 yards on three rushes. McGraw rushed three times, picking up 16 yards. Wazuri Waits carried three times for a total of 11 yards. Julian Garcia carried twice for four total yards, and Ryan Short had one carry for no gain.
Jedde Bowman led the defensive unit with nine tackles. Wazuri Waits and Gonzales each made eight stops. McGraw, Oscar Hernandez and Alex Haussman each had six tackles. Cole McDaniel, Wazuri Waits and Jeffrey Jones each had one interception.
Holbrook now begins a comfortable stretch in the schedule with home games against Monument Valley and Greyhills, followed by road trips to play Red Mesa and Alchesay.
