Gallery - '09 State Championship Football, Blue Ridge vs Show Low E-mail
The Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets completed an undefeated 2009 season with a 41-21 win over the Show Low Cougars at the NAU Skydome on November 28th.  The Jackets' offense was led by quarterback Jake Meixler who rushed for four of his team's six touchdowns, including a spectacular 53 yard option keeper where he was able to outrun the speedy Show Low defense.  Blue Ridge senior Keevan Schimmel ran for the two other Yellow Jacket scores and led all rushers with 105 yards on 22 attempts.  Blue Ridge totaled 339 yards of offense.

Show Low's offense managed 283 yards of offense, but after scoring on two of their first three possessions, in the first quarter, they did not score again until the game was out of reach with 55 seconds remaining.  Rathen Ricedorff turned in a solid performance with 248 yards passing and a touchdown to Trevar MacArthur.  T-Mac lead the team with 5 catches for 86 yards.

The play of senior Tyrell Coplan at linebacker was the difference maker for the Jackets' defense.  He played in place of injured Alex Stebbins at inside linebacker and led the way with 7 tackles.  He also batted down a Show Low pass early in the fourth quarter to thwart a fourth down conversion attempt.

The win is the 11th title for Paul Moro since taking over the Blue Ridge program in 1984.  It was the first championship for the team since 2004. 

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