Address: 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave., Maricopa; Records: Tonopah Valley 1-7, 0-5 2A West Region; Maricopa 3-6, 3-2; Gametime: 7:00 p.m.
Outlook:
The Rams know their playoff fate already, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s game. They will take on the No. 1 seed from the Metro Region in next week’s first round of the 2A state playoffs, most likely Valley Christian. That will be some transition, going from facing a team with no seniors and in its first year of varsity competition to the best team in the state.
“We go from the barnyard to the penthouse in a matter of a week,” Maricopa coach Kelvin Liermann said of his team’s next two opponents.
Maricopa is coming off a twoweek school break and played a lackluster game last week, losing to the Red Mountain Juniors. Liermann will try to get the enthusiasm up this week and hope it carries over into the playoffs.
“The focus is definitely a little bit higher this week,” Liermann said. “They know the opportunity is there.”
Maricopa qualified for the playoffs despite missing some key players for four games. Liermann said the return of those players, which included quarterback/safety Joe Sanchez, running back/linebacker Matt Fierros and lineman Boyd Scofield, has helped morale.
