Alex Russell
ASU Student Journalist

Red Mountain dominates in shutout over Dobson

September 8, 2018 by Alex Russell, Arizona State University


Mountain Lions and Mustangs preparing for kick-off (Photo: Alex Russell/AZPreps365)

With the Red Mountain Mountain Lions defense putting on an impressive show and quarterback Darren Smith throwing for four touchdowns, the Mountain Lions come out of Friday night’s game with a shutout victory over Dobson 60-0.

Red Mountain’s offense was unstoppable with six different players finding the end zone.

Sophomore running back George Ramirez had his first varsity career start and put on a solid performance. Ramirez had three of the Mountain Lions seven TDs and also executed an impressive sack safety.

“My first varsity start as a sophomore is a huge honor to me and I am just super excited right now. Our team got the win, but we have to get better each week,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez had the first TD of the game, after a 24-yard pass reception from Smith to Zach Molina to reach first and goal. Ramirez hurdled the defense and powered his way into the end zone. Their next scoring opportunity came with 3:27 left in the first quarter when Conner Gardner kicked a 27-yard FG to put the Mountain Lions up 10-0. 

Looking to gain some momentum, Dobson started their offensive series deep in Red Mountain territory. But a holding penalty nullified a big play.

“Our problem was penalties. When you have penalties and they take away big plays it kind of defeats morale, so we just have to clean them up,” said Dobson offensive coordinator Jason Redd.

At the start of the second quarter, Smith found Ramirez for an 11-yard TD. The Mustangs couldn’t get a first down, which led to Red Mountain ball and a 43-yard TD received by Ramses Rivera II, making the score 24-0.

The Mountain Lions defense was led by Alexander Randle and Francis Kumi, and dominated to the point of allowing one first down via penalty. 

“The defense should always be proud of a shutout. Shutouts are hard to come by, especially when you start rotating other guys in there,” said Red Mountain head coach Mike Peterson.

With 6:45 remaining in the half, Smith completed a 35-yard TD pass to Ramirez for his third score of the night. On the Mustangs' next possession, Red Mountain’s Evan Omta intercepted a pass attempt.

The interception led to a Red Mountain first and goal at the 3-yard line, and Jared Butler scored his first varsity TD.

Ramirez scored, Red Mountain got a safety for a 40-0 halftime lead, and at 47-0 the game went to running clock. 

Hyrum Boren returned an interception 45 yards into the end zone for another Mountain Lion TD.

The Mountain Lions are back at home next Friday night as they take on Westview at 7 p.m.