MORENCI, Ariz. — Morenci opened the 2025 season by sticking to its ground game, rushing for more than 300 yards and holding off Safford 20–14 Friday night at Lawson Stadium.
The Wildcats (1–0) struck first with 1:21 left in the opening quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run from Julien Aragon, who finished with 127 yards on 21 carries. Safford (0–1) answered early in the second when Dane Jacobson threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Lamarr Ellis on a wide receiver trick play to cut the deficit to 8–6.
Morenci regained control midway through the second quarter on a 14-yard run by Jeremya Cruz and extended the lead in the third when Derick Lytle scored from nine yards out to make it 20–6. Lytle finished with 106 yards on 17 carries.
Safford rallied late, as quarterback Jevyn Elliott connected with Jacobson on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 34 seconds remaining. The two-point conversion pulled the Bulldogs within 20–14, and Safford attempted an onside kick to get the ball back. The try was unsuccessful, and Morenci took a knee to run out the clock.
Morenci attempted just one pass on the night, with Jaymz Guzzo completing an 11-yard throw to Lytle. The Wildcats totaled 314 yards of offense, 303 on the ground, but were flagged 16 times for 120 yards.
Elliott went 6-of-19 passing for 88 yards and a touchdown for Safford. Jacobson had three catches for 36 yards and a score, while Ellis caught two passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs managed 106 yards passing and 53 rushing.
The win was Morenci’s first over Safford since 2018 and cut Safford’s all-time series lead to 40–17–2.
Safford will host Blue Ridge next Friday, while Morenci stays home to face Tanque Verde.
