The Sedona Red Rock High School Scorpions football team was prepared for its first state playoffs debut since 2005, but having to face the toughest team in the division in the first round ended its winning season Friday night, Nov. 2.
No. 16-seed Scorpions lost to No. 1-seeded Northwest Christian Crusaders, 56-7, on Nov. 2 at Northwest Christian ending the 2012 season for the Scorpions.
“Not that numbers always matter, but Friday night we dressed 19 players, seniors through freshmen, and [Northwest Christian] dressed 73, seniors through sophomores,” said Rick Walsworth, head coach of the Scorpions. “Football is a game of attrition, and it is hard on our kids when they are out there for every down and the other team is cycling a large number of guys in and out of the game.”
The Scorpions knew from personal experience how good Northwest Christian was going into the game. After all, it ended the regular season with a 9-1 record, was the No. 1 seed in Division V, and played very focused after losing for the first time at its last game of the season against Tempe Prep. It has players who have started in two state championship games as well as quick weapons.
Senior quarterback Keenan Crans scored Sedona’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter from three yards out after a 72-yard drive. The carries on that drive were mixed between Crans, senior Ryan Ramirez, and freshmen Derrick Johnson and Justice Keane.
“Our kids came out and played hard and never quit,” Walsworth said. “Our seniors’ slogan for this year was ‘Honor With Pride,’ and our kids showed a lot of pride throughout the game, but particularly in the second half.
“I am so proud of the year that the kids had and am very happy that we got to accomplish most of the goals that our seniors laid out back in May. They were able to beat Camp Verde, beat Chino Valley, had a winning record [6-5] for the first time in nine years, and made the playoffs for the first time in seven years. I want to thank our seniors for leading the way and pulling our team and program forward a few more steps this season.” The 2012 Scorpions paved the way for the next class to take it even further.
“Some of these freshmen are the hardest-working freshman I’ve seen,” senior linebacker Jacob Moore said. “Hopefully [now] when we leave, they will be able to recruit more players.”
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Nov. 7, issue of the Red Rock News.
