Holbrook traveled to St. Johns for a rare Thursday night varsity game last week. Due to the Apache County Fair, the game was moved up one day.
Holbrook received the opening kickoff and went a quick three-and-out. Punting from deep in their own end, the snap was bad, leaving the Redskins with only 12 yards of turf for a score. They covered those 12 yards in one play and quickly led 6-0.
Holbrook’s next possession ended with a turnover on downs. St. Johns scored in three plays from 49 yards out, making it 13-0 this time with a good PAT. Holbrook blocked the first point-after attempt.
Damien Ohlson picked up Holbrook’s initial first down of the game on their next drive, but they again turned the ball over to the Redskins. St. Johns scored in one play from 30 yards away, extending the margin to 20-0.
Holbrook fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by St. Johns, and they scored in three plays, making it 27-0 with less than a minute left in the first quarter.
With Holbrook’s offense struggling, the Redskins added to their lead with 6:36 left on a short run, then quickly scored again with a short pass, and it was 42-0 at the end of the first half.
Drayden Baldonado connected with Dustin Tsabetsaye for the longest play of the game for Holbrook in the third quarter, breaking into St. Johns territory for the first time. That drive ended when Holbrook turned the ball over on downs. St. Johns kicked a 30-yard field goal, making it 45-0.
The fourth quarter saw three scores, all on the defensive side of the ball. Tsabetsaye picked off a short pass by St. Johns and sprinted 48 yards for a score, keeping the Roadrunners from getting shut out.
Soon after, quarterback Adain Stump found Tsabetsaye down to the Redskin 6-yard line, but the scoring threat quickly ended when the Redskins returned a Stump interception 95 yards for a score.
Holbrook’s final possession of the game also ended with a pick six. Baldonado’s pass was picked off and returned 28 yards for the final points of the night in St. Johns 59-6 win.
This week, Holbrook may still be without starting quarterback Jonathan Sample, so they will need to find some consistent offense to stay with Monument Valley in what is a winnable game.
The Mustangs were stopped 41-0 by St. Johns in week one, and eked out an 8-6 win over Needles, Calif., last week.
Holbrook defeated Monument Valley last year in Kayenta 24-6, but this is an inexperienced team compared to that one. Playing at home should help, with the Mustangs making the long trip to Roadrunner Stadium.
