News flash! The Coyotes’ defense is pretty good, too.
Harlan Brown returned an interception 82 yards for a score to break open a close game, and
Noah Chavez picked off a pass to seal Denair’s 28-14 win over Stone Ridge Christian in the
Southern League opener for both squads Friday night.
The Knights (2-2) entered the contest averaging 34 points per game but were held well below
that standard by the Coyotes’ stingy defense.
Stone Ridge was driving for a potential game-tying score when Brown’s interception return –
and his PAT – made it 28-14 in the fourth quarter.
Chavez’s interception came with 1:06 left to play in the game, allowing Denair to take run out
the clock.
“Our defense really stood out,” said DHS head coach Anthony Armas “To hold them to 14
points was a huge deal. Coach (Scott) Taylor, our defensive coordinator, and our defensive staff
did a great job preparing our guys for this game. It was quite fitting that our defense put the
game away with a pick-six and another interception.”
Victor Sarmiento contributed to the effort with three sacks of the Knights’ quarterback.
“This was an exciting game, and both teams really battled,” said Armas. “We were really proud
of the way our young men played. We executed very well on both sides of the ball.
”Stone Ridge Christian, along with Mariposa, finished in a three-way tie with Denair for the
conference title in 2025. The Grizzlies, like the Coyotes, are 3-1 overall this season and 1-0 in
league play after a 50-6 win over Gustine. Currently, the Grizzlies are fourth in the MaxPreps
Sac-Joaquin Section Division 7 ratings, while the Coyotes are No. 5.
Denair will see action again Friday night when it plays host to Gustine in its homecoming game.
Kickoff is slated for 7:15 at Jack Lytton Stadium.
