Andrew Montana is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Apollo High School for AZPreps365

GOODYEAR - Defensive lapses continued to plague the Apollo Hawks football team as it succumbed to the Millennium Tigers, 63-28, Friday night.

The Hawks’ loss followed a 51-21 defeat against the Sunnyslope Vikings, making it the third consecutive game in which Apollo allowed 50 or more points.

“We had a certain gameplan to try and stop them,” Apollo defensive coordinator Quenton Maag said. “The offense had a tough time moving the ball past the line of scrimmage. We just didn’t do that enough.”

The key to Millennium’s offense was junior running back Dmari Bryant, who rushed for 325 yards and three TDs. His scores included a 45-yard run in the first quarter, a 64-yard breakaway in the second frame, and a 47-yarder in the third.

Despite great individual statistics, Bryant credited his performance to his fellow Tigers. 

“The offensive line, I couldn't do anything without them,” Bryant said. “Our running back coach, all the drills he has us doing in practice, and our offensive coordinator calling good plays to set us up.”

Apollo’s secondary struggled bringing Bryant to the ground, allowing him to run for over 27 yards per carry. According to Maag, the Hawks’ defense lacked, “execution, tackling, and consistency.”

Millennium running backs coach Brian Jackson agreed that Bryant's dominance against Apollo was a culmination of individuality and chemistry. 

“We’re just working together with the offense and the offensive line in practice,” Jackson said. “They’re great and Dmari is hitting the holes, and they’re going downfield blocking. I can’t leave out the receivers, they’re also going downfield and throwing blocks.”

The Tigers’ offensive line coach, Ricky Higuera, mirrored Bryant's and Jackson’s praise for their frontline. 

“The biggest point for us is physicality,” Higuera said. “The guys have been in the weight room consistently since last November and they take this personally.”

Millennium also took advantage of the Hawks’ miscues. The Apollo offense gave up three turnovers, including one interception and two fumbles. Of those giveaways, the interception and one of the fumbles took place within five yards of the end zone. 

Additionally, Apollo junior running back Tuinisautu Carter suffered an apparent lower body injury during the game with his last target being late in the third quarter. Having walked off the field in crutches, Carter tallied nine runs and one reception for 58 all-purpose yards. 

Apollo’s top offensive performer was junior wide receiver Damonie Daniels, who had six catches and 175 all-purpose yards. 

Daniels said he tries to succeed individually by playing a team-oriented brand of football.

 “I run my routes to make my defender go my way so my teammates can get open,” Daniels said. “Whenever I get myself open, I just get the ball and I make a move.”

Apollo (1-3) will host Chaparral next Friday at 7 p.m.

Millennium (3-1) will play at Shadow Ridge (3-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.