Story by HANK ROBICHAUD
Photos by MADYSON HOWARTH
The No. 20 Aztecs (6-4) traveled to Texas Dec. 1 for the C.H.A.M.P.S. to face off with No. 4 Kilgore College Rangers and play the program’s final game.
The game was played in Waco Independent School District Stadium in Waco.
The Aztecs were shut out by the Rangers in a 28-0 loss. The offense could not get momentum going in the game as they had a total of 195 yards (unofficial). The Aztecs only had 41 yards at the half. They also had 5 turnovers on the day, and allowed 13 points off those turnovers.
The one bright spot on the offense for the game was Larry Rembert with 11 catches for 107 yards. He earned Player of the Game for the Aztecs.
The defense played a decent game overall cutting the turnover margin to 2 with 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. Derrick Hall had the 2 interceptions, and freshman Christian Allen was able to get on the ball on a fumble for the recovery.
The Aztecs were close to a fourth turnover when Christian Maddoux forced a fumble, but the Rangers were able to get back on it and continue the drive.
The Aztecs finished the season with a 6-4 overall record and 4-2 in the WSFL conference. They played in their second bowl game in program history and also finished the regular season in the national rankings for just the second time in program history. Their best ranking this season was No. 11.
Tony Fair, a defensive lineman for the Aztecs, was offered opportunities to play by multiple Division 1 schools. He chose to attend University of Nebraska next season.
The Aztecs also were able to produce scholarship offers for some of the athletes, such as Jake Smith, who was offered by Western New Mexico and Adams State.
Brandon Maddox has received offers from Indiana University; Western Kentucky University; Toledo University; and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Supilani Mailei also had had offers from schools Robert Morris University, Midwestern State University, West Texas A&M University and Washburn University.
Hall joined the party with eight scholarship offers.
“For those who chose Pima know it has been worth it,” Maddox said. “Many quit but for the strong, it is a memory for a lifetime.”