Maryvale Pulls Away From Combs for 35-7 Victory

Maryvale used a strong defensive effort and a productive rushing attack to pull away from Combs for a 35-7 victory Friday night in a 4A Copper Sky boys varsity football matchup at Maryvale High School.

Neither team reached the end zone in the opening quarter, but both defenses created opportunities. Maryvale's No. 10 recovered a fumble, while Combs' No. 2 recorded an interception. Combs also connected on a 55-yard pass from the 1-yard line to No. 4, but the first quarter ended scoreless.

Maryvale broke through in the second quarter behind its ground game. No. 6 scored on a rushing touchdown to give Maryvale its first points of the night.

No. 8 later added another rushing touchdown and converted the two-point attempt, pushing Maryvale's total to 14.

Combs answered with its only touchdown of the game when No. 2 scored on a receiving touchdown, cutting the Maryvale advantage to 14-7.

Maryvale extended its lead in the third quarter when No. 6 found the end zone on another rushing touchdown, his second of the game. The score increased Maryvale's advantage to 21-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Maryvale defense kept Combs off the scoreboard the rest of the way, while the offense added to the lead in the final period.

No. 14 recorded a receiving touchdown to extend Maryvale's advantage. Maryvale's No. 99 then added a defensive score with a scoop-and-score, helping put the game out of reach.

Combs recorded another interception during the fourth quarter, but Maryvale maintained control and closed out the 35-7 victory.

Maryvale finished the night with five touchdowns, including three rushing scores, one receiving touchdown and one defensive touchdown, while its defense held Combs scoreless in three of four quarters.