The Washington Rams took on the Combs Coyotes in a back-and-forth battle at Friday night’s homecoming game. The battle was well-fought on both sides, but ultimately, the Rams couldn’t secure the win, falling 31-21.

The Rams have a 3-6 overall record and are 1-3 in region, putting them out of a playoff spot.

“We knew that they had a good running game, so that’s what we were really trying to lock down. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to lock down on defense,” strong safety Michael Gruppo said.

The Coyotes’ strong running game was made evident when running back Joey Jensen ran for an 85-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 14-7 in the first half.

However, throughout the game, the Rams were able to put pressure on the Coyotes’ quarterback, Tre Buck, leading to multiple sacks and off-balance throws resulting in incomplete passes.

Despite the Coyotes' running game, the Rams held their own. When the Coyotes scored first, taking the lead 7-0 in the first quarter, the Rams responded with a 40-yard rushing touchdown from Gruppo, tying the game.

Gruppo ended the night with 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

“My lead blocker was able to set that block on the linebacker and let me get the edge, and I just took off from there on both runs,” Gruppo said.

In a critical fourth down play, the Rams chose to run a fake punt, which worked to their benefit. Quarterback Gabriel Segovia threw a complete pass to wide receiver Booker Sanders, resulting in a first down.

A key player for the Rams was running back Dominick Sanders, who had a strong outing in his first game back after being out multiple weeks with an elbow injury.

“It felt good. The touchdown was nice. I didn’t want to dive and have a problem with my elbow again, but I was like I have to,” Sanders said.

He finished the game with 100 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Amidst the competition, the homecoming festivities were in full force.

At the start of halftime, the cheer squad performed a dance number filled with stunts, which was followed by a performance from the marching band. After the performances concluded, homecoming king and queen were announced.

The final halftime event was a “human-powered parade” in which members from various clubs at Washington High School carried banners or displays that represented their club.

Members of the dance club carry their display through the "human-powered parade." (Alina Nelson/AZPreps365)The second half of the game got off to a rough start for the Rams when the Coyotes intercepted the ball and on the next play scored a touchdown.

However, the Rams weren’t ready to give up. Three minutes into the fourth quarter, Dominick Sanders scored a touchdown bringing the score to 24-21 in favor of the Coyotes. With the score gap closing, the Rams’ energy heightened at the prospect of a comeback.

However, with just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Coyotes scored their final touchdown, bringing the final score to 31-21.

“The toughest part was keeping our heads up and staying in it, because it was a battle until the last minute,” Booker Sanders said.

*Stats provided by the Washington Rams’ statistician.