Opening season game…
home game… and win to boot… that’s a trifecta … The Grants High School Pirates hit that this past Friday as they hosted the Miyamura Patriots and soundly defeated them by a score of 34-20.
“Offensively, we were pretty sound and were able to move the ball exactly how we thought— defensively we came out and started very physical,” said GHS Head Football Coach Steve Brown. “Quick scores and our ability to shut them down was a very positive thing.”
The Pirates certainly struck lightning with two touchdowns to start the first quarter.
In the first touchdown, with 11:28 on the clock, first year junior quarterback, Tristin Fernandez sailed a 40-yard pass to fellow junior Coudy Melonas—the extra point attempt was blocked.
That was followed by a 30-yard pass from Fernandez to Isaiah Ortega with 7:28 for a touchdown. The Pirates went for two and were stopped. For their part Miyamura scored a touchdown and was stopped in the extra point attempt for a 12-6 Pirate lead—the tone was set.
In the second quarter, Miyamura scored on a quarterback keeper but did not score the extra point. Not to be outdone, Fernandez, on his one QB keeper, scored a touchdown and the Pirates went for two and hit paydirt to make the score 20-12 at the half.
During the half time talk, Brown emphasized “staying focused” and to “bring back” the physicality they had in the first half.
Brown also added that he made a few minor adjustments in the second half to the defense which essentially “shut them down.” The Pirates and Patriots went scoreless in the third quarter.
In the fourth, with 11:30 on the clock, Fernandez threw a 30+ yard pass to teammate Cardeno Chavez for a touchdown and kicker, Noah Lunstrum, booted in the extra point. The Pirates increased their lead to 27--12. The Pirates scored a running touchdown off of Joe Clawson with a 30+ yard run and the subsequent extra point took the Pirates to a 34-12 lead.
Miyamura in the waning moments of the fourth scored a touchdown for 10-yards and followed up with a run for two point to make the final score 3420.
“Both our lines did what they were supposed to do–Fernandez stayed upright and was virtually untouched and the defensive line limited their offense,” said Brown of the team.
Fernandez had three pass touchdowns and ran one in. He threw for 134 yards.
Notable players were Andrez Lazow who ran for 100 yards; Joe Clawson who had a touchdown and strong defense; Boudy Melonas for strong tackling, interception, which was ruled out of bounds, however, he was right there and a fumble recovery that he caused.
Brown also had much praise for his offensive and defensive lines on this game.
Next up, St. Pius (0-1) on the road this Thursday at Milne Stadium in Albuquerque. “St. Pius is going to be much tougher opponent for us not doubt,” said Brown. “Hershel Olloway is easily one of the fastest and dynamic running backs we will face–we will have to slow him down to have a chance to win.” St. Pius is coming off a 49-29 loss to West Mesa last week.