With just four weeks left in their regular season, the only way Holbrook can ensure themselves a spot in the 2A state playoffs will be to win the 2A North region. In order for that to happen they will need to sweep their remaining four games. Holbrook started the season 0-3, but with last week’s easy 49-0 win over Greyhills on Thursday they have now leveled their record at 3-3. Their overall power rankings remain low due to the overall strength of the schedule, which isn’t strong in the 2A North. Holbrook entered Thursday’s game ranked 34th.
Facing winless Greyhills on Thursday night in Tuba City, Holbrook ran just 18 offensive plays, scoring on seven of the 18. Darren Justman threw just five passes, with two of his three completions going for scores. Simeon Shaw hauled in a 40-yard catch and run for one score and Daniel John caught a shorter 12-yard touchdown pass. Mason Archunde had one 35-yard reception.
Holbrook gained 293 yards on the ground led by Darnell Nez, with 55 yards on just four rushes with two touchdowns. Matthias Montijo carried it three times for a total of 48 yards, with two scores. Mason Archunde’s only carry resulted in a 40-yard run. Izack Wilson rushed once for 39 yards. George Gorman carried once for 45 yards. Micheal Archunde had one 17-yard run. Andre Bitahey had one 22-yard carry and Justman carried once for 27 yards.
Larin Nez and Montijo each led the defense with eight tackles. Mason Archunde, Christian Lerma, Chance Sahmie and Darnell Nez, were all credited for five tackles apiece.
Nehemiah Williams was 5 for 5 on extra point attempts, giving Holbrook a kicking weapon they haven’t yet had this season which may come into play in a closer contest.
This week is homecoming week for the Roadrunners. Along with all the usual festivities at the school, the Birds will host Hopi on Friday night. The Bruins enter this week with a 3-3 record like Holbrook, however, much like the Roadrunners their three wins have come against weak competition. Last week they took care of Valley Sanders by a final of 42-14. Their other wins are over Greyhills 60-0, and Tuba City 54-28. Unless Holbrook overlooks Hopi on Homecoming night, they should easily move their record to 4-3 and begin to climb a little in the rankings. With each 2A region winner getting a spot in the 16-team playoff field, that may be Holbrook’s only path to the postseason. In order to get that they need to win their remaining four games against Hopi, Red Mesa, Pinon and Tuba City.
