Maricopa Takes Control Early in 55-20 Victory Over Nogales

Maricopa put together a strong offensive performance Friday night, defeating Nogales 55-20 in a boys varsity football matchup at Maricopa High School. The Rams scored in each of the first three quarters, using several big plays and a balanced rushing and passing attack to secure the 5A Southern victory.

Running back Nate Hearn led Maricopa's ground game with three rushing touchdowns, including runs of 58 and 57 yards. Quarterback Dathen Ruiz connected on two touchdown passes, while Fabian Marrufo added two rushing scores in the second half.

Maricopa got things started in the first quarter when Hearn scored on a five-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Rams a 6-0 lead. The Rams followed with a successful two-point conversion as Brennan Pearson completed a pass to Luke Jackson, extending the advantage to 8-0.

The early touchdown gave Maricopa momentum, and the Rams carried their eight-point lead into the second quarter.

Maricopa continued its offensive success early in the second when Ruiz connected with Travis Leftwich on a 31-yard touchdown pass. Andrew Jaycox converted the extra point, putting the Rams ahead 15-0.

Nogales answered with one of its biggest plays of the night. Quarterback Philip Quijada Jr. connected with Carlos Alcantara Jr. on a 76-yard touchdown pass, cutting Maricopa's lead to 15-6 after an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt.

The Rams responded through the air when Ruiz found Alexander Nelson for a 44-yard touchdown. Jaycox added the extra point, extending Maricopa's lead to 22-6.

Hearn then delivered another big play for the Rams, breaking free for a 58-yard rushing touchdown. The missed extra point left Maricopa ahead 28-6.

Nogales continued fighting back before halftime. Quijada connected with Alcantara again, this time on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Quijada then completed a two-point conversion pass to Casey Thomas, bringing the Apaches within 28-14.

Maricopa answered before the break with another long touchdown run from Hearn. The running back scored from 57 yards out for his third touchdown of the game, extending the Rams' lead to 34-14 after a missed extra point.

The Rams entered halftime with a 20-point advantage after scoring 26 points in the second quarter.

Maricopa continued to build on its lead in the third quarter, turning to Marrufo for two rushing touchdowns.

Marrufo scored his first touchdown on a seven-yard run, and Jaycox converted the extra point to make it 41-14. The Rams found the end zone again when Marrufo scored from 16 yards out. Another successful extra point increased Maricopa's lead to 48-14.

Nogales managed to add another touchdown in the third quarter when Santiago Damon scored on a one-yard rushing run. The Apaches were unsuccessful on their two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 48-20.

Maricopa closed out its scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown from Jackson Jeske. Jaycox made the extra point, giving the Rams a 55-20 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Neither team scored in the final period, allowing Maricopa to finish with a 35-point victory.

The Rams' offense was especially effective on the ground, with Hearn, Marrufo and Jeske combining for six rushing touchdowns. Hearn accounted for three of those scores, while Ruiz contributed two touchdown passes to Leftwich and Nelson.

Nogales found success through its passing game, with Quijada connecting with Alcantara for two touchdowns, including the 76-yard score in the second quarter. Damon added the Apaches' final touchdown on the ground.

Maricopa finished the game with eight touchdowns, including six rushing and two passing scores. The Rams also converted five extra-point kicks and one two-point conversion.

With the 55-20 win, Maricopa completed a strong night at home, using explosive offensive plays and consistent scoring through the first three quarters to earn the victory over Nogales.