PIMA, AZ – In a rematch of last year’s 2A State Championship game, the Pima Roughriders defeated Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) 20-17 on Friday night, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 11.5 seconds left on the clock.
Scottsdale Christian opened the scoring in the first quarter when quarterback Sean Helgeson connected with Ethan Davidson for a 36-yard touchdown pass at the 4:19 mark, giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead. SCA extended their advantage in the second quarter with a 20-yard field goal by Max Pflederer, making it 10-0.
Pima responded late in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Martinez, cutting the deficit to 10-7 just before halftime. Martinez carried the ball 20 times for 111 yards and one touchdown on the night.
The Roughriders came out strong in the second half as they opened the third quarter with a 40-yard touchdown run by Rooster Alder on the first drive, giving Pima a 14-10 lead. Alder finished with 80 yards on 9 carries.
Scottsdale Christian answered in the fourth quarter when Helgeson threw his second touchdown pass, a 34-yard strike to Harrison Gurash, putting the Eagles back on top 17-14 with 10:01 remaining. Helgeson completed 15 of 27 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Gurash was his top target, catching 6 passes for 89 yards and one score.
Pima’s defense made key plays throughout the game, including interceptions by Jaxon McBiles and Gilbert Bryce, which helped stall Scottsdale Christian’s offensive momentum.
Pima mounted a final drive in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. With just 11.5 seconds left, quarterback Cedrick Grimes found Preston Russell for a 25-yard touchdown pass, securing the 20-17 win. Grimes finished 12-of-19 for 80 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Caleb Randall led Scottsdale Christian’s ground game with 22 carries for 120 yards. The Eagles finished the night with 220 passing yards and 127 rushing yards. As a team, Pima totaled 298 yards of offense, including 209 rushing yards.
With the victory, Pima improved to 6-1 on the season, while Scottsdale Christian fell to 3-4.
