By Greg Perkins Holbrook’s 52-0 win at Window Rock on Friday night snapped a losing streak which had dated back three years and two days. The last time Holbrook football recorded a win was Aug. 24 of the 2018 season. Holbrook won their first game of the season that year but went winless the remainder of that season, albeit under a different coaching regime. Current head coach Chris Starkey and his staff went the past two seasons in search of that elusive first win. Friday night in Window Rock, they broke through into the win column for the first time as a coaching staff. The win also marked the first for any non-seniors on the team as well. Last season all sports in the state were impacted by constantly changing schedules as schools tried to schedule around COVID 19. This year isn’t starting out much differently. Holbrook was actually slated to open the season at Ganado on Friday night. When Ganado chose to shut down their school for the remainder of last week due to COVID issues, that left Holbrook temporarily without an opening season game. Window Rock was in a similar position and the two schools agreed to face each other in Window Rock. Holbrook scored early and often in the win. Junior quarterback Marcus Oberriter completed six of his eight pass attempts for a total of 132 yards with one touchdown pass completed to classmate Kyle Smith from 49 yards away. Oberriter also was the leading rusher for the Roadrunners, picking up 97 yards and two scores on just nine attempts. Daniel Montijo gained 89 yards on seven rushes with two going for scores. The longest was a 47-yard burst off the right side. Mason Archunde gained 18 yards on three rushes, Izzy Ramos carried five times picking up 12 yards and Smith had two carries for three total yards. Smith finished with three receptions for 93 yards and the one score. Ramos had two catches totaling 30 yards and Chase Sahmie had one nine-yard reception. Holbrook rolled up 351 yards of total offense. Montijo also returned three Window Rock punts for a total of 152 yards. Defensively, Holbrook pitched a shutout for the first time since Sept. 9 of the 2016 season when they defeated Sedona 36-0. Oberriter and Mauricio Baca led the team in tackles with seven apiece; Ramos and Caden Tom each had five; and Teyton Begay, Smith and Noland McCabe all had four. Tom and Slade Allison were each credited with a quarterback sack. Smith had one interception. Izzy Ramos, and Mauricio Baco each recovered a fumble. With Window Rock playing their first game in two years, Scouts fans really didn’t know what to expect and Holbrook coaches had no film to watch. This week will be a better test for the Roadrunners to see how much they have improved since last season. They will host Camp Verde on Friday night. The Cowboys dismantled Holbrook last season 52-36 holding a huge lead in the game before Holbrook picked up some late game scores. Camp Verde piled up 443 rushing yards that night and their quarterback was only a junior. He will bring the Cowboys strong running game into Roadrunner Stadium on Friday. Camp Verde won their opener last week in convincing fashion 40-12 over Valley Lutheran. They still have a tough running attack as they showed last week putting up 424 yards on the ground. Holbrook has the offense to put points on the board, question is do they have the defense to slow down the Cowboy running attack. Holbrook fans will find out Friday night. At this time there are no limitations on fan attendance. Masks are highly recommended but all fans wishing to attend may. The game begins at 7 p.m.
