Marcus Brantley made an impression in his return to Gilbert on Friday. The Red Mountain senior running back transferred from Gilbert earlier in the year and was making his first appearance at his old school, against his old teammates.

Brantley reminded Tiger fans what they have missed, running for 137 yards and catching two passes for 29 yards, scoring on a run and a pass in the Lions’ 35-0 rout of Gilbert. Brantley set the tone early, running 65 yards for a score on his second rush from scrimmage.

Lions quarterback Mason Thorman threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns in leading Red Mountain to a 3-2 record.

Gilbert had trouble all night – fumbling the first two times it touched the ball and finishing the night with five turnovers.

Chris Sepulveda had both interceptions for Red Mountain, which now faces a tough Mesa Desert Ridge squad next week at home.

Mitch Trail had 162 yards passing, getting a couple of big pass plays, but was sacked five times and never got his offense into gear.

Gilbert visits third-ranked Chandler Basha next week.

-Al Bravo