By Oree Foster

Azpreps365 Sports Writer

Red Mesa head football coach Pita Olomua and his son, assistant coach Bristol Olomua, have worked hard to build their team into a statewide Class 2A contender.

Red Mesa completed its first half of the gridiron campaign undefeated at 5-0. Red Mesa posted a 58-0 shutout over nearby rival Rock Point Cougars last Friday.

"The guys did a good job against Rock Point," Pita Olomua said. "The guys were focused and ready to play. The guys are improving on both sides of the ball."

Red Mesa entertains 2A Little Colorado (North) foe Hopi Bruins this Friday at 7 p.m.

"I told the guys not to look past anyone," Pita Olomua said. "I told the guys to stay focused on our opponent each week. We can't afford to look past anyone. it's one game at a time."

En route to earning its fifth straight victory this season, Red Mesa began the year with a 50-0 pasting of the Tuba City Warriors. Red Mesa defeated the Chinle Wildcats, 44-22. Red Mesa followed with a 22-14 win over the Kayenta Monument Valley Mustangd. Red Mesa knocked off the Greyhills Academy Knight, 60-8.

"I am the offensive coordinator and my son, Bristol, is the defensive coordinator," Pita Olomua said. "I have other coaches helping as well. We all communicate and we all work together. The guys have bought into the program. The guys listen. The guys play hard. We finished our non-region games and now we begin our region games. We prepare the guys. The guys have to be ready to play."

Pita Olomua said the team is taking care of its defensive and offensive glitches. He said the team is working on containing the opponent's offense, including rushing and passing.

"Against Rock Point, the guys did a good job containing them," he said. "Most teams like to pass against us. The guys do a good job defending the receivers and rushing the quarterback. The guys applied pressure on their quarterback."

Alchesay 59, Many Farms 6

Alchesay improved its season record to 4-1, after the Falcons defeated the Many Farms Lobos, 59-6. Many Farms dropped to 0-5.

Alchesay head coach Brandon Newcomb said the key to the Falcons' victory was 'size and experience.

"Our size an experience were determining factors in the outcome of Friday game," Newcomb said.

Newcomb said the Falcons will continue to correct its mistakes during practice sessions.

"We will continue to practice and keep doing our everyday drill work that we believe makes us better ball players," he said.

Newcomb cited the play of defensive ends Nick Kitcheyan and Jeremiah Kessay for their contribution.

"Nick and Jeremiah have been playing well for us as defensive ends all season long," Newcomb said. "They are both undersized as a defensive ends, but they are both quick and they enjoy making contact. They are both standouts on special teams as well."

Newcomb praised senior running back Tyreck Cosay work in the backfield. The speedy Cosay rushed for four touchdowns, without the aid of the Falcons' offensive line, whose timely blocks allowed him to score.

Blue Ridge 49, Ganado 12

First-year Ganado head football coach Connor Simmons said the Hornets had the ability and talent to play with the Blue Ridge Yellowjackets. He said the Yellowjackets came ready to play.

Simmons said Blue Ridge was more physical in all phases of the football game, as the Yellowjackets posted a 49-12 win.

"As a coach, you want your players to play all four quarters with 100 percent effort and leaving it all out on the field for each other," Simmons said. "The positives were our first starting drives to each half, scoring on both, which is huge. We need to do a better job on offense, moving the football....and not making drive-killing mistakes as well as on defense, making tackles and takeaways."

Simmons said costly mental mistakes effected the Hornets.

"We will go to practice this week, review the film and make corrections as a coaching staff," he said.

Simmons said middle linebacker Tony Shirley stood out on defense.

"Tony was always around the ball and making tackles for us," he said. "Tony is a two-way player for us and does a great job at middle linebacker for us."

Simmons praised the work of wide receiver Adriano Woody. Woody hauled in six passes for 77 yards and one touchdown. Simmons was one of the Hornets' lone playmakers against Blue Ridge.

Winslow 47, Tuba City 0

Tuba City's inexperienced showed, as the Winslow Bulldogs took advantage, chalking up a 47-0 shutout over the Warriors.

"We are a young team, with not a lot of experience," said first-year Tuba City head coach Floyd Haven said. "We are improving, week-by-week in all aspects of the game. We rushed the ball somewhat respectable. Our offensive line improving week-by-week and that is important."

Haven said the Warriors' defense played well at times. He said the Warriors' defense made some great plays in the second half and made big hits.

"We need to carry that over to the next game," he said. "Our linebackers are the key to our defense and they are getting better."

Haven said he plans to have the Warriors work on defensive, offensive fundamentals and the kicking game.

"We need to take care of the football, eliminate mental mistakes and create turnovers on defense," he said. "Because of ineligibility and injuries, our starting lineup seems to change week-by-week. We have no consistency in some defensive and offensive key positions. We are still trying to develop team chemistry and team leadership. Our team is resilient. We are trying to bring bak the Warrior Football Pride and Tradition. It will take some time."

Haven said sophomore middle linebacker Seth Brown has been a key player for the Warriors. Haven said senior linebackers Dylan Johnson, Seth Dugi and Brandon Bia are quick and good hitters.

"Seth Brown, Dylan Johnson, Seth Dugi and Brandon Bia are the strength of our defense," he said. "If they play well, our defense will play well."

Haven said three players who stepped up against Winslow were Seth Dugi, Seth Brown and Brent Joshevama. Dugi filled in at quarterback. Haven said for not taking any snaps until game time, Dugi played well. Haven said Brown rushed for yaradage, whenever the Warrior offensive line blocked Winslow's defensive line. Haven said wide receiver Joshevama caught some key passes that gave the Warriors momentum and key first downs.