Maricopa senior running back Khaleb Johnson dives for the end zone during the Rams’ Homecoming game against Empire on Sept. 5 in Maricopa. Johnson finished with 67 rushing yards and a score in the 35-7 victory. [Victor Moreno]Maricopa senior running back Khaleb Johnson dives for the end zone during the Rams’ Homecoming game against Empire on Sept. 5 in Maricopa. Johnson finished with 67 rushing yards and a score in the 35-7 victory. [Victor Moreno]

After dropping its season opener at Mountain Pointe, Maricopa High School has responded with two straight home victories to improve to 2-1.

The Rams opened with a 34-8 loss Aug. 29 in Ahwatukee, struggling to move the ball while Mountain Pointe controlled the game on both sides.

They returned home Sept. 5 for their annual Homecoming game and defeated Empire of Tucson 35-7. Senior quarterback Jose Cardona Jr. completed 13 of 24 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Matt Barnett caught five passes for 171 yards and two scores, including an 84-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Senior running back Khaleb Johnson added 67 rushing yards, a touchdown and an 81-yard kickoff return. Junior Nate Hearn also scored on a 28-yard reception. Maricopa’s defense held Empire to 21 rushing yards, while senior Clayton Neal led the team with eight tackles.

Maricopa Rams beat Empire Ravens, 35-7

Last night, the Rams followed with a 34-20 win against Casa Grande. Maricopa led 7-0 at halftime before scoring 27 points in the second half. Hearn paced the rushing attack with 64 yards on 10 carries. The Rams’ defense kept Casa Grande off the scoreboard until the third quarter, then closed the game with 17 points in the final period.

Head coach Tevin Rutherford credited his players’ focus and resiliency for the early-season turnaround.

“I kept them focused on what our goals are and the growth we want to see,” Rutherford told InMaricopa this morning. “It’s about communicating where we’re headed and remaining positive and fixing the mistakes when they come up.”

Rutherford also acknowledged the history of the matchup with Casa Grande.

“It goes back longer than I’ve been around down here, for sure. We have coaches from Casa Grande on our staff; they have coaches on their staff who are Maricopa alumni. It’s all love between two programs, but it’s as close to a rivalry as I think we have.”

Historically, the Rams’ biggest wins and losses of all time were against the Cougars. Over the past decade, Casa Grande had come out on top in every matchup — until last night.

Maricopa Rams beat Casa Grande Cougars, 34-20

Now, Rutherford believes his team has the potential to compete with anyone.

“They can go as far as they want to go. That has been the message,” he said. “I continue to tell our guys they can line up against anyone in the state. You’re going to face adversity in any football game but … I think we have the personnel and the players to be a truly great team.”

Through three games, Maricopa has scored 77 points and allowed 61. The Rams will open 5A Southern Region play Sept. 19 with their first division rivalry matchup of the season, a road game at Flowing Wells in Tucson. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.