No. 7 Marana won a defensive battle against No. 25 Tucson 17-9 on Friday night, remaining undefeated in 5A Sonoran play and clinching the region title for the fourth year in a row.
“I’m proud of them. They played their butts off tonight in front of the crowd. I’m happy senior night’s over because emotions ran high early, and once they settled down in the second half, they went out and played Tiger football,” Marana coach Phillip Steward said.
Marana (7-1, 5-0 5A Sonoran) had offensive production that started like it has all season, looking to go down the field and score on its first drive. Huge runs by sophomore running back Jeffrey Smith III and junior wide receiver Sean Roebuck set up Marana nicely in Tucson territory. Tucson senior cornerback Kenzy Couch had other plans, coming up with an interception in the end zone, giving his offense a chance to get on the board first.
The Tucson (4-4, 3-2) offense took advantage of the turnover. Using an even combination of runs and short passes to drive down the field, the Badgers ultimately ending their drive with a 7-yard run from senior running back Noah Chanez for the score.
On the kickoff, Roebuck returned the ball to midfield, giving his offense good field position. A play later, Marana fumbled, and senior cornerback Oliver Simmers recovered the ball for Tucson.
Sophomore wide receiver Ezra Spivey made a one-handed grab off a deep pass from senior quarterback Derek Mesa to set up Tucson at the Marana 30. Tucson got within the 10, where it went after Marana senior cornerback Donnell Bridges three straight plays to try to add on to their lead. Bridges broke up the pass on all three plays, one of them being a fourth-down stop.
Tucson’s defense forced a three-and-out, hoping to capitalize on another defensive stop, only for its offense to fumble the ball at midfield. That gave Marana a short field to work with.
Marana got all the way to the Tucson 6, where its defense was strong again, forcing Marana to settle for a field goal. That gave Tucson enough time to score before halftime.
Tucson methodically pushed the ball downfield with short runs and passes, along with hitting a few deep passes to get deep in Marana territory. Due to the remaining time and penalties, they settled for a field goal, which ended up being short, keeping the score at the half 7-3.
To start the second half, Marana tried catching Tucson off guard by kicking an onside kick, but Tucson was ready for it and recovered. A 35-yard run from Chanez set up Tucson at the Marana 10, hoping to finally punch the ball in and extend their lead. Marana’s defense wouldn’t let up, stopping Tucson on fourth-and-goal at the 3.
The offensive woes for Marana continued. The next play, a bad snap rolled out of the end zone for a safety. Even with good field position to start with, the Marana defense held strong, keeping it a one-score game. To end the third quarter, senior linebacker Greg Webb and senior defensive end Justin Elder combined for a sack, ending the drive for Tucson.
“We started off rough, first half obviously. But we stayed strong, we knew at the end we’re a strong team, we’re brothers, and we can get through anything,” Jeffrey Smith III said.
Tucson’s defense continued to hold strong. Senior defensive end Miles Jose came up with a sack, pushing Marana back to the 20-yard line, setting up a big fourth-and-goal. The next play, senior quarterback Colten Meyer did what he has done all year — shine when the lights are bright, finding junior wide receiver Jaxsun Sharp for the touchdown. Marana led 10-9 with nine minutes remaining.
Tucson looked to respond with points of its own, but Marana’s defense came up big again. Senior cornerback Wyatt Berry flew in for an interception, setting up his offense at the Tucson 40..
The drive belonged to Smith III, breaking tackles and carrying the pile all the way down to the 5, where he ran it in from to give Marana the 17-9 lead late in the fourth quarter.
“Punish everybody — that’s my mentality. When I get on that field, I’m going to punish you,” Smith III said.
Roebuck capped off the dominant fourth quarter for the Marana defense. He came up with an interception to put the game away and securing the 5A Sonoran region for Marana.
“We’re going to keep pushing and fighting. I can’t wait till the playoffs so we can play here (Tiger Pride Stadium) one more time,” Steward said.
Marana looks to finish the season strong, heading to rival Mountain View in the annual Battle of the Boot
Tucson will continue to fight for a spot in the 5A playoffs, hosting Ironwood Ridge in its final region game.
Both games take place Friday at 7 p.m.
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