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Holbrook and Sahuarita met for the second time in two years on the campus of American Leadership Academy-Ironwood on Saturday evening. Last year’s meeting didn’t go well for Holbrook with the Birds suffering a 46-0 loss.
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This season Holbrook has a new coach, a young team and a different mindset, at least thus far into the season, however the result through the first half was the same with the Mustangs opening up a 42-0 halftime lead.
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The difference between last year and this year was the performance from the Roadrunners on the field in the second half. Despite being out manned in several positions, having their starting quarterback out with an injury and having to play their third string quarterback for a few plays, Holbrook kept fighting and kept playing hard. In the end they lost the game 48-6 but those six points Holbrook scored were with 2:25 left in the game were notable due to the effort they showed throughout the second half despite the game being out of hand.
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Sahuarita took the opening kick-off and marched right down the field before Holbrook freshman Daniel Montijo intercepted a Mustang pass inside the Holbrook 20 yard line. That pick thwarted Sahuarita’s first drive, but throughout the remainder of the half the Mustangs scored on each possession they had.
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Halfback Noah Vu posted the first points at the 7:07 mark of the first quarter on a seven-yard run. Senior quarterback Orlando Williams plunged in from a yard out on their next possession, then a 75 yard punt return for a score by Bryce Williams put the Mustangs on top 20-0. Sahuarita went on to score three more times with the final score of the half coming with 17 seconds left in the half.
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Holbrook failed to pick up a first down in the first half, and starting quarterback Marcus Oberriter had to leave the game with a sprained ankle. Senior back-up Tyson Begay came in and after overcoming some nausea he began to get the team moving and picked up the initial first downs late in the third.
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In the fourth with Holbrook backed up to their own five-yard line, Tyson Begay lead the team on a long drive. Eventually Oberriter showed his heart by returning to the field in the final moments. He then scored Holbrook’s only touchdown on a five yard run late in the game to avoid the shut out.
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Tyson Begay and the whole team deserves credit for their performance in a tough situation. Oberriter returning late in the game just shows what the positive characteristics that this year’s team has under coach Chris Starkey. Myron Begay also played well for the Birds with several nice kickoff returns and he had a good connection with Tyson Begay on pass plays.
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With the loss, Holbrook fell to 0-4, but if they keep up with the right attitude they could possibly pick up their first win of the season this week when they host Window Rock on homecoming night. Although, even if they don’t win, they are still headed in the right direction.
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