Maryvale Blanks ALAWF for First Playoff Win since 2005

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Maryvale dominated ALA-West Foothills on Friday night, earning a 35-0 victory in the opening round of the 4A state playoffs.

Both defenses made an impact early, but Maryvale’s was much stronger.

The biggest play of the beginning of the first quarter was when Maryvale freshman quarterback Marcus Escobedo Jr. connected with Idaho commit Miles Woods on a bubble screen that he took for about 45 yards.

Ultimately, the Panthers struck first after junior running back Isaac Buchanan had a strong carry where his offensive line pushed him to great field position.

The play set up the receiving touchdown by Woods on a similar bubble screen from about 10 yards out.

Following the score, both defenses continued to make things difficult for the opposing offenses, keeping the score at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

ALA-West Foothills looked to respond by calling more pass plays, but the Panthers limited the Guardians’ ability to move the ball consistently.

With just under nine minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Guardians were trying to set up a passing play when Maryvale sophomore middle linebacker Jayden Galindo caught a deflected ball for an interception.

Shortly after, the Panthers capitalized on Galindo’s turnover.

Freshman running back Dionte Brandon took a carry down the sideline for a 23-yard rushing touchdown.

Maryvale’s defense continued to prevail, stopping the ALA-West Foothills offense multiple times.

Maryvale then took a lengthy drive attempting to add some more points before halftime.

Buchanan took off for a long run, moving the Panthers inside the red zone.

After some more rushes and bubble screens, Escobedo Jr. rolled out quickly and found a rushing lane for a touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the half.

Maryvale’s offense continued to find ways to make their way down the field, electing for a fake punt early in the second half that was successful.

However, their first drive was cut short after ALA-West Foothills sophomore linebacker Rayce Kamakeeaina punched the ball out of the receiver's hands.

The ball was then recovered by senior athlete Cole Nuanez.

The Guardians could not figure out the Panthers' defense, continuing to punt the ball.

Maryvale took over once again, continuing to utilize their running game between Buchanan and Brandon.

Escobedo Jr. connected with Maryvale senior athlete Anttwon Talton on a post route, moving Maryvale into the red zone once again.

After another long carry by Brandon took the Panthers inside the 5-yard line, they went back to Brandon for his second rushing touchdown of the night.

ALA-West Foothills continued to search for an offensive answer, even turning to sophomore quarterback Jarron King for a drive, but Maryvale’s defense remained difficult to break through.

The Guardians struggled to sustain drives, and the Panthers continued forcing punts to regain possession.

Maryvale capitalized on another opportunity in the fourth quarter.

Junior athlete Messan Alokpovi came up with an interception with 8:38 remaining.

Maryvale ended up adding another rushing touchdown to extend its lead to 35-0 with just under 2:30 remaining in the game.

Buchanan pushed his way into the end zone from about one yard out.

Maryvale secured the 35-0 victory, advancing to the next round of the 4A playoffs against #4 Bradshaw Mountain, while ALA-West Foothills' season came to an end.

“These boys, coaches, the community, the school, everybody has been hyped all week, and so just being able to come out and show out like this in front of the fans just means everything,” head coach Mark Carter said following the victory.

When asked about Bradshaw Mountain, Escobedo Jr. mentioned, “They’re a good team, but we're gonna come out and show them who's better.”