Maryvale Holds Off Eastmark for 30-24 Road Victory

Maryvale earned a 30-24 road victory over Eastmark on Friday night in a 4A Copper Sky varsity football matchup at Eastmark High School.

The Panthers entered the matchup ranked No. 22 in 4A, while Eastmark entered ranked No. 3 in 4A. Maryvale improved to 3-1 on the season with the victory, while Eastmark moved to 2-2.

Maryvale struck first in the opening quarter when senior wide receiver and cornerback Miles Woods, No. 4, scooped up a loose ball and returned it for a touchdown. The score gave the Panthers a 6-0 advantage after the first quarter.

Woods continued to make an impact in the second quarter, adding two receiving touchdowns. Maryvale extended its lead to 20-0 by halftime behind three total touchdowns from Woods.

Eastmark began its comeback in the third quarter. No. 10 connected on a field goal to put the Firebirds on the scoreboard before No. 88 added a receiving touchdown, cutting Maryvale's advantage to 20-10.

Woods' night ended during the third quarter when he was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, but his three touchdowns had already helped establish Maryvale's early lead.

The fourth quarter turned into a battle.

Maryvale added a short receiving touchdown by No. 22 and later received a field goal from No. 90, bringing the Panthers to 30 points.

Eastmark continued to fight back. The Firebirds scored on a 55-yard fumble recovery touchdown before No. 21 added a receiving touchdown, bringing Eastmark within six.

Maryvale held on from there to secure the 30-24 victory.

After the game, Woods reflected on beating an Eastmark team that defeated Maryvale last season.

“They came out here, beat us last year, so we had to come out here and beat them this year,” Woods said.

Woods finished the night responsible for three touchdowns, including his first-quarter scoop-and-score and two receiving touchdowns.

Freshman quarterback Marcus “MJ” Escobedo Jr. also spoke about what the victory meant for a young Maryvale team.

“It was amazing,” Escobedo said. “It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to come here.”

Escobedo said Maryvale's young roster has spent the summer working together, studying the playbook and preparing under the Carter twins, Maryvale's head coaches.

“We’re a very young team,” Escobedo said. “We have been working all summer.”

The freshman quarterback said he threw three touchdowns in the victory and closed his interview by saying, “All glory to God.”

With the win, Maryvale moved to 3-1 overall, while Eastmark fell to 2-2.