PIMA, Ariz. – In what is likely the final game played on historic Edd Hubbard Field; the Pima Roughriders defeated the Bisbee Pumas 38-22 in a home playoff showdown Friday night. The victory propelled Pima into the 2A state semifinals, where they will face Tonopah Valley on November 23 at Westwood High School for a 2pm kickoff.
After a scoreless first quarter, Pima’s offense ignited in the second. Quarterback Cedrick Grimes connected with Preston Russell for a 43-yard touchdown strike to open the scoring. Jeremiah Martinez capped off the drive with a successful two-point conversion, putting the Roughriders ahead 8-0. As the first half drew to a close, kicker Rhiley Good extended the lead with a 25-yard field goal, giving Pima an 11-0 advantage at halftime.
The Roughriders maintained their momentum into the third quarter. Grimes showcased his precision again with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Wade Peterson making it 18-0. Bisbee responded with a flash of offensive brilliance as Sebastian Lopez broke free for a 64-yard rushing touchdown. However, a missed point-after attempt left the Pumas trailing 18-6. Pima quickly reasserted control when Martinez powered through for a 4-yard rushing score, stretching the lead to 24-6.
In the fourth quarter, Bisbee’s Lopez found Jaxxon Alvarez for a 20-yard touchdown pass, but a failed two-point conversion left the score at 24-12. Pima answered with a punishing 6-yard rushing touchdown by Martinez widening the gap to 31-12. Grimes struck once more, finding Keegan Corona for a 23-yard touchdown, increasing Pima’s lead to 38-14. Bisbee’s Lopez, determined to keep his team in the fight, tossed another touchdown pass, a 5-yard completion to Tryston Meyer, and ran in a two-point conversion, but it was too little, too late.
Grimes led Pima with a masterful performance through the air, while Martinez delivered critical rushing touchdowns. Good’s accurate kicking proved vital in maintaining momentum throughout the game. For Bisbee, Lopez shined with a combination of rushing and passing scores, providing a valiant effort despite the loss.
As Pima celebrates their victory, the community bids farewell to Edd Hubbard Field, which has witnessed countless memorable moments. The Roughriders are expected to open a new facility next season, ushering in a new era for Pima football.
Scoring Summary:
2nd Quarter:
- Pima: Cedrick Grimes 43-yard pass to Preston Russell (Jeremiah Martinez 2-point rush) – Pima 8, Bisbee 0
- Pima: Rhiley Good 25-yard field goal – Pima 11, Bisbee 0
3rd Quarter:
- Pima: Cedrick Grimes 20-yard pass to Wade Peterson (Rhiley Good PAT) – Pima 18, Bisbee 0
- Bisbee: Sebastian Lopez 64-yard rushing TD (PAT missed) – Pima 18, Bisbee 6
- Pima: Jeremiah Martinez 4-yard rushing TD (2-point conversion failed) – Pima 24, Bisbee 6
4th Quarter:
- Bisbee: Sebastian Lopez 20-yard pass to Jaxxon Alvarez (2-point conversion failed) – Pima 24, Bisbee 12
- Pima: Jeremiah Martinez 6-yard rushing TD (Rhiley Good PAT) – Pima 31, Bisbee 14
- Pima: Cedrick Grimes 23-yard pass to Keegan Corona (Rhiley Good PAT) – Pima 38, Bisbee 14
- Bisbee: Sebastian Lopez 5-yard pass to Tryston Meyer (Sebastian Lopez 2-point rush) – Pima 38, Bisbee 22
Final Score: Pima 38, Bisbee 22
