The Pima Roughriders delivered a commanding performance in their 44-27 victory over the St. Johns Redskins in the opening round of the 2A playoffs Friday night at home. With a balanced offensive attack and key defensive stands, Pima established themselves as a formidable playoff contender.
Pima set the tone early, with senior running back Jeremiah Martinez leading the charge. Martinez racked up 192 yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns, setting the stage for a dominant ground attack that totaled 282 rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Cedrick Grimes showcased his poise, completing 16 of 23 passes for 222 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown strike to junior Wade Peterson. Peterson emerged as a game-changer, finishing with three receptions for 109 yards and the score.
The Roughriders jumped ahead in the first quarter with Martinez’s 3-yard touchdown run. Grimes extended the lead in the second quarter with a deep connection to Peterson. Rooster Alder added to Pima’s momentum with two rushing touchdowns, amassing 92 yards on eight carries, including a 38-yard burst.
St. Johns fought back behind quarterback Dane Avila, who completed 14 of 27 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted four times by a stifling Pima defense. Avila connected with Sam Winters on a 20-yard touchdown and later found McKray Johnson for a 35-yard score. Winters led St. Johns with five receptions for 94 yards, while Johnson contributed three catches for 90 yards.
Defensively, Pima excelled, recording four interceptions—highlighted by picks from Jaxon McBiles, Keegan Corona, Brock Haws, and Preston Russell, who returned one for 18 yards. The Roughriders also notched 69 total tackles, with Joe Palmer leading the way with 14. Pima’s defensive front, led by senior Brock Haws, applied consistent pressure, adding a sack and contributing to a critical safety in the third quarter.
With this victory, Pima advances to host Bisbee on November 15th in the second round of the playoffs. Bisbee beat Camp Verde 33-20.
Scoring Summary:
- 1Q – 3:25 – Pima: Jeremiah Martinez 3-yard rush (PAT good)
- 2Q – 9:46 – Pima: Cedrick Grimes to Wade Peterson 64-yard pass (PAT good)
- 2Q – 5:57 – Pima: Rooster Alder 26-yard rush (PAT good)
- 2Q – 3:00 – St. Johns: Brek Hall 20-yard interception return (PAT good)
- 3Q – 6:02 – St. Johns: Dane Avila to Sam Winters 20-yard pass (PAT good)
- 3Q – 5:39 – St. Johns: Dane Avila to McKray Johnson 35-yard pass (PAT good)
- 3Q – 2:15 – Pima: Jeremiah Martinez 2-yard rush (PAT good)
- 3Q – 1:47 – Pima: Safety (defense)
- 4Q – 11:45 – Pima: Rooster Alder 38-yard rush (PAT good)
- 4Q – 10:37 – Pima: Jeremiah Martinez 20-yard rush (PAT good)
- 4Q – 4:45 – St. Johns: Dane Avila 6-yard rush (2-point conversion failed)
