Oree Foster
Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

Football: St. Johns blanks Morenci, 49-0; Coach Mike Morgan earns 335th career win

November 4, 2019 by Oree Foster, AZPreps365


St. Johns blanked region rival Morenci Jr./Sr., 49-0, as head coach Mike Morgan earned his 335th career win and number 6th seed in 2A State Tournament.

The late Paul Moro won 336 games in his illustrious coaching career. Moro is first all-time in Arizona high school wins.

St. Johns enters this Friday's first round of the 2A State Tournament with an 8-2 regular season record. St. Johns completed region play with a 3-1 mark.

St. Johns entertains No. 11 Arizona Lutheran, (2-2 region, 7-3 overall), at 7 p.m.

Alchesay, (7-0 region, 8-2 overall), defeated region foe, Red Mesa, 32-8, to win the 2A Little Colorado Region title outright. Alchesay faces number three Phoenix Christian, (4-0 region, 9-1 overall this Friday at 7 p.m. Red Mesa completed its season 6-1 region, 8-2 overall.

In 3A, Ganado, (5-0 region, 7-2) defeated Window Rock, 68-12, to win the north region outright. Window Rock finished 2-3 region, 5-5 overall. No. 16 Ganado will be on the road at No. 1 Benjamin Franklin, (4-1 region, 9-1 overall), this Friday at 7 p.m.

While blanking Morenci, St. Johns defense recorded its fifth shutout in 10 games this season.

Morgan praised his defense. Morgan said his team allowed six first downs against Morenci.

Morgan said senior quarterback Ramon Sanchez threw three touchdown passes in the game.

Sanchez connected with wide receiver Graham Nielson on a 55 yard scoring strike in the first quarter. The PAT was good.

Later in the first quarter, Mark Ballejos rushed 16 yards for a touchdown. The PAT was successful.

St. Johns running back Ira Tullous scampered 24 yard for six points. The PAT was good.

Sanchez completed a 35 yard touchdown pass to Tullous. The PAT was successful.

Sanchez hit Nielson on a 52 yard touchdown pass, the second six-pointer on the night.

Ballejos scored on a 5 yard run in the second quarter. The PAT was good as St. Johns built up a 42-0 halftime lead.

St. Johns tallied its final touchdown of the game in the third quarter. Dion Perry scored on a 16 yard run. The PAT was successful.