Marana looked unstoppable in all facets in its 52-25 win over visiting Buena on Friday, improving to 2-0 in 5A Sonoran play.
“Tonight, we were able to put it together offensively, defensively and special teams. When we’re playing Tiger football, it’s really hard to beat us,” Marana coach Phillip Steward said.
The game looked like it was going to be a defensive battle after Buena senior defensive end Trenton Williams and senior linebacker Cooper Kraus combined for a sack on the first play of the game. However, that would be one of the only plays to go Buena’s way in the first half. After the sack, Marana (4-1) ran the ball effectively down the field with junior wide receiver Sean Roebuck and sophomore running back Jeffrey Smith III, ending the drive with a Smith touchdown, starting the dominant first half for Marana.
Jeffrey Smith III runs it in from 5 yards to start the scoring for Marana.
The Marana defense forced a three-and-out on Buena’s first drive, and the Marana offense went to work. Senior quarterback Colten Meyer quickly connected with Roebuck on a 39-yard pass for a walk-in touchdown.
Big plays from Colten Meyer against Buena.
Marana’s defense would continue to have its way with the Buena (3-2, 1-1), getting to senior quarterback Kaleb Layton for two sacks in a row.
Before the end of the first quarter, Buena’s offense started with great field position after a shanked punt by Marana. However, senior defensive end Hayden Utley had other plans, getting to Layton for another Marana sack, forcing Buena to settle for a field goal. The field goal attempt was missed, giving Marana a 14-0 lead after the end of the first quarter.
To start the second quarter, the Buena defense dropped two potential interceptions in a row. They weren’t going to let the third one get away. Junior cornerback Tariq Howard would get in front of a pass and return it 41 yards for a touchdown; the extra point was missed, making the score 14-6 with more than 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
Tariq Howard gets the interception and the touchdown to put Buena on the board 14-6.
Marana got those points back quickly, driving the ball downfield with Meyer hitting quick passes to his receivers and Smith breaking off some big runs. The drive ended on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Meyer to junior wide receiver Jesse Howell.
“It’s just one play. You’ve got to put that play in the past and keep your head on the next play,” Meyer said.
Only a minute later, after recovering an onside kick, Marana scored again, this time Meyer connecting with junior wide receiver Jaxsun Sharp, his third different receiver target in the game, for a 20-yard touchdown.
Buena’s offense continued to have no answers for Marana’s defense. Senior linebacker Greg Webb got get to Layton for Marana’s fourth sack of the night, forcing another punt.
“For us to be a really good defense, we have to be consistent week in and week out. I challenged them and they stepped right up to the challenge and played very well tonight,” Steward said.
The next series, Buena’s defense forced a fumble and turned it into points with a 9-yard touchdown run by Layton to cut the deficit.
Like the previous turnover, Marana got those points right back, starting with Meyer connecting on a deep pass to Sharp, putting the Tigers in Buena territory. To end the drive before halftime, junior running back Jeremiah Harris got in on the fun, running the ball in from five yards, making the score at halftime 35-13.
Jeremiah Harris scores at the end of the first half, extending Marana’s lead.
To start the second half, the Marana defense picked up right where it left off. This time, Webb and senior defensive end Justin Elder got to Layton for another sack. Senior running back for Buena, Michael Lujan, got the yardage back on a big run the next play.
The sack on Layton sidelined him for the rest of the drive, bringing in junior quarterback Colton Garrett. The Buena offense went down the field using a solid rushing attack, only for Roebuck to get an interception in the end zone, giving the ball back to Meyer and the offense.
Sean Roebuck gets his first of two interceptions on the night.
Before the end of the third quarter, Meyer ran in for another Marana touchdown, extending the lead to 42-13.
“Having him (Meyer) back there at the helm, it plays a big part on why our offense is the way it is. He’s been in our offense for three years, so giving him the keys to it and letting him do what he needs to do with it, he’s been doing a really good job,” Steward said.
Layton’s solid rushing night continued with him running in for another Buena touchdown. Marana responded with a rushing touchdown of its own with Smith Ior his second touchdown of the night.
Kaleb Layton runs around and finds the endzone for his second touchdown run of the night.
The teams exchanged scores throughout the fourth quarter. Buena scored on a 5-yard pass from Layton to senior wide receiver Jayden Thomas. Marana responded by kicking the only field goal of the night.
Jayden Thomas adjusts to make the touchdown grab.
Roebuck ended the night by getting his second interception, giving Marana the ball back to run out the clock.
Marana will look to go 3-0 in region play next week, traveling to Ironwood Ridge, a team Steward hasn’t won against. In Steward’s only previous matchup with Nighthawks, Ironwood Ridge beat Marana 69-27 to conclude the 2021 season, Steward’s first with the Tigers.
“The one team I haven’t beat since I’ve been here is Ironwood Ridge; we’re looking forward to that game next week and do this all over again,” Steward said.
Buena will host powerhouse Mesa Mountain View, which is coached by former Marana coach Andy Litten.
Both games take place Friday at 7 p.m.
Recommended for you
