San Tan Charter gave up 52 points in its final game of the 2023 season, a loss to Pima in a 2A semifinal classic in which the teams combined for 101 points.

Week one of the 2024 season was a different story. The Roadrunners defense didn't even allow 52 net rushing yards against defending state champion Scottsdale Christian and appeared ironclad from start to finish.

San Tan Charter's stout defensive effort, along with a stellar performance from quarterback Uriah Neloms was too much for the Eagles. The result was a 23-6 thumping by the Roadrunners in a 2A non-region contest at Scottsdale Christian's brand new Craig Chambers field.

It was the second straight season the two teams met for a week one clash, and the second straight year the game was delayed from Thursday to Friday night because of lightning.

The result was in complete contrast from last season, when Scottsdale Christian rolled to a 42-13 victory.

Both teams are replacing big-time quarterbacks with new starters this season, but it was San Tan Charter's defense and physicality that controlled the game in the trenches. Neloms shined in his starting debut, using his speed and quickness to convert big plays which opened up San Tan Charter's offense.

"This is what we planned on doing," Neloms said after the game. "This was a business trip. It was great to come out here with a victory and a good way to start the season."

Neloms is already commited to play receiver at Arizona State next fall. He committed to stepping in at quarterback this season after the Roadrunners lost four-year starter Zayne Neill. Neloms was Neill's favorite target last year with over 1,100 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. But Neloms was also the backup quarterback, and he demonstrated his familiarity Friday night. He finished with 138 rushing yards which included a 56-yard scoring dash early in the game. 

Neloms also became more comfortable throwing the ball as the game progressed. The numbers weren't spectacular but efficient, completing 5-7 passes for 74 yards and one touchdown. "It was the plan for me to help my team however I could, and (quarterback) was the best position for me to play. I'm still deveopling as a quarterback and as a young man, and it's a great experience."

Linebacker DJ Jones set the tone for the Roadrunners on the first two plays from scrimmage, blowing up the Eagles backfield for two tackles resulting in negative yardage. 

After a quick three and out, Scottsdale Christian was forced to punt, but a high snap sailed into the endzone for a safety and 2-0 lead for San Tan Charter. The Roadrunners got the ball right back and scored in two plays. A 33-yard run by Neloms set up a 12-yard touchdown run from sophomore Benny Sharpe, and it was 9-0 before three minutes had gone by.

Junior Sean Helgeson was making his first start at quarterback for the Eagles, and he started to settle in on his second drive, completing two passes to reach San Tan Charter territory. But the drive was derailed by a fumble, and the Roadrunners capitalized with Neloms 56-yard touchdown run, and it was 16-0 with 1:55 left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Scottsdale Christian was able to find the endzone on its third drive. A 33 yard completion from Helgeson to Ethan Davidson got the Eagles to the 17 yard line. San Tan Charter's defense appeared to stop Scottsdale Christian before a late hit sent the Eagles inside the 10 yard line. Aiden Giannopoulos punched it in two plays later, and after a failed two point attempt, the Roadrunners held a 16-6 lead.

The Eagles never made another serious threat offensively. San Tan's defense continued to stifle Scottsdale Christian's running game, making things painful for the Eagles backfield.

"We got a lot of contributions from everybody tonight," San Tan Charter coach Chase Cartwright said.

"DJ really made some big plays defensively, but I think we're going to look at the tape and see 11 players flying to the ball, so I was really pleased."

The Roadrunners were able to chew up plenty of rushing yardage and clock in the second half, with running backs Christian Munoz and Benny Sharpe doing most of the damage. 

The run game set up San Tan Charter's third touchdown through the air, as DJ Jones hauled in a 26-yard pass from Neloms for a 23-6 lead early in the fourth quarter.

San Tan Charter hosts Shadow Mountain (0-1) next week while Scottsdale Christian visits Scottsdale Prep (1-0).