Matt Johnson’s 2012 state football champion Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks were a physical, run-first force. His 2014 team, which is now 7-1 and plays at 7-1 Salpointe on Friday in what so far qualifies as Tucson’s Game of the Year, is similarly defense-based. His team has only completed 21 passes this season, and rushes for 7.1 yards per carry. Johnson’s stout defense has six players with more than 30 tackles: Deacon Laurita, Harrison Beemiller, Nick Mazzioti, Cole Marmor, Mike Ayers and Dominic Quihuis. The 4,000 or so seats at Salpointe’s Ed Doherty Stadium are likely to be completely full.
I-Ridge to play in Game of the Year
Ironwood Ridge head coach Matt Johnson points to his players and the fans as he holds up the Division II State Championship trophy following his team's 27-3 victory over Centennial at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.
Star sports columnist Greg Hansen offers his opinion on recent sports news.
