Ironwood Ridge head coach Matt Johnson points to his players and the fans as he holds up the Division II State Championship trophy following his team's 27-3 victory over Centennial at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.

 Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star

Matt Johnson’s 2012 state football champion Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks were a physical, run-first force. His 2014 team, which is now 7-1 and plays at 7-1 Salpointe on Friday in what so far qualifies as Tucson’s Game of the Year, is similarly defense-based. His team has only completed 21 passes this season, and rushes for 7.1 yards per carry. Johnson’s stout defense has six players with more than 30 tackles: Deacon Laurita, Harrison Beemiller, Nick Mazzioti, Cole Marmor, Mike Ayers and Dominic Quihuis. The 4,000 or so seats at Salpointe’s Ed Doherty Stadium are likely to be completely full.

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.