Jennifer Jimenez
Special to AZPreps365.com

Millennium's defense, weapons deliver big plays

September 7, 2019 by Jennifer Jimenez, AZPreps365


Ironwood Ridge and Millennium High battled it out Friday night in Goodyear.

Millennium Tigers quarterback Jalan Early gave the team a quick lead with a 44-yard rushing touchdown, but it was his veteran defense that stepped up big, creating opportunities for Early and the rest of the offense to shine en route to a 35-20 home win.

“Defense had our backs tonight, especially when we came out hard and then hit a wall, and they bailed us out,” Millennium head coach Lamar Early said. “(Treydan) Stukes had two great plays, and in the 4th quarter when we stalled, defense gave us momentum.”

Stukes had two momentum-changing interceptions, including a fourth quarter pick on a 2nd and 10 play from Millennium’s 41-yard line.

“I saw the ball in the air, and we always practice high points and going up and getting the ball and I did,” he said.

On Stukes’ first interception, the ball was floating, and he got under it and said his blockers did all the work and he just ran.

A play later, Jalan connected with Kyle St. Pierre on the 2-point conversion and the 21-6 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Jalan also added a passing touchdown in the 4th quarter for Millennium’s final score of the game.

Ironwood Ridge had help from its defense as well, with Dylan Cook getting a takeaway after the pass from Early came off the chest of Larry Craft. Running back Brandon Barrios went into the end zone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

He finished the game with two and took most of the carries for Ironwood Ridge.

“Ironwood Ridge has a great back and hats off to him tonight. He is a great athlete and someone you have to game plan for,” Early said.

Barrios gave credit to his offensive line, but says he worked all offseason to get stronger and faster.

“Our run is there, and our offensive coordinator knew what we were going up against,” Barrios said. “The designated holes are not always open, and you must read the field and keep your eyes up because no play always works perfectly.”

As for Millennium’s defense, it’s a solid veteran group, many of which played in the quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame Prep last season. Coach Early said their experience is a difference maker.

Jalan’s ability to run and throw makes him quite the threat while leading the offense. With his scrambling ability and options, a play is never dead.

“At one point (Jalan) was being sacked and threw for the first down,” said coach Early, Jalan’s dad. “Credit to the receivers who kept running.”

Early’s final touchdown in the 4th was on the ground from the one and sealed the 35-20 win over Ironwood Ridge. Millennium improved to 2-0 on the season, while Ironwood Ridge dropped to 1-1.