Holbrook defeated Tuba City on Friday night, completing an unbeaten Little Colorado region season. Their 50-6 win capped a 7-0 trip through the region. Holbrook finished the season ranked 22nd in power points but by virtue of each region winner getting a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. The Roadrunners bumped 16th-ranked Cortez and took that final spot.
As the 16 seed they now have to travel to Pima on Friday to take on the top-ranked, and defending 2A champion, Roughriders. The two teams are similar in style although Pima has played a tougher schedule, including their final regular season 49-20 win over previously fourth-ranked Santa Cruz. That victory was enough to have them pass the now second-seed Arizona Lutheran in power points. Pima is unbeaten on the season with a 10-0 record.
Both team’s primary offensive weapon is the run game. Holbrook has two strong runners in Matthias Montijo and Darren Nez, who have both racked up impressive stats this year. Pima lost their starting quarterback in their last game to injury, but they possess a big physical line to open holes.
Pima faced two 3A playoff teams and two of the 2A playoff teams during their season. They recorded six straight shut-out wins including a 41-0 win over St. Johns, which is the only common opponent they have with the Roadrunners. Holbrook fell to St. Johns in week three by a final of 25-16. St. Johns is the only playoff team Holbrook faced this season.
Holbrook has a 7-3 record, finished with four shutout wins, and held three other teams to just six points. That record is impressive; however, they will need a lot of things to go right to be able to upset the top-ranked Roughriders on Friday night in Pima. The game will kick-off at 7 p.m. in Pima.
