I-Ridge coach proud of close-knit seniors

Quarterback Tyler Williams led the Nighthawks to 23 victories and a state title in two seasons as a starter. He produced a total of 57 TDs.

High school football Greg Hansen: Like mentor Friedli, Johnson earns title

Ironwood Ridge's John Klass, left, celebrates Division II state title after a 27-3 victory over Centennial at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012. (Ralph Freso/For the Daily Star)

High school football Greg Hansen: Like mentor Friedli, Johnson earns title

Matt Johnson

I-Ridge coach proud of close-knit seniors

Matt Johnson stood at the 50-yard line at Sun Devil Stadium, holding the Division II state championship trophy like he would a newborn child - cradled in between his left arm and stomach.

Greg Hansen: Like mentor Friedli, Johnson earns title

Somewhere between Saturday's on-field trophy presentation, a celebratory dinner at a Phoenix In-N-Out Burger and a midnight ride to Tucson, Matt Johnson thought back to all the bills he had paid.

Notebook: Nighthawks force key turnovers

Ironwood Ridge defensive back John Klass stops Centennial running back Jalen Ortiz during the first quarter of the Division II state championship football game at Sun Devil Stadium.

Notebook: Nighthawks force key turnovers

TEMPE - Peoria Centennial had six turnovers in its first game against Ironwood Ridge this season, a 28-24 loss.

Berk's Beat: Braunreiters' bond benefits Nighthawks

Running back Anthony Braunreiter says having his dad on the Ironwood Ridge coaching staff is "awesome" and "always helpful."

Berk's Beat: Braunreiters' bond benefits Nighthawks

Ironwood Ridge's Anthony Braunreiter had a low key Thanksgiving.

I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

GILBERT - When Ironwood Ridge quarterback Tyler Williams dropped to a knee on his team's final play to seal a 35-21 victory over Tempe Marcos de Niza at Gilbert Campo Verde in the Division II semifinals, no wild celebration followed.

Division II semifinals: Ironwood Ridge 35, Tempe Marcos de Niza 21: I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

Ironwood Ridge's Tyler Williams is stopped by two Tempe Marcos de Niza defenders during the first half. Williams rushed for 143 yards on 23 carries.

Division II semifinals: Ironwood Ridge 35, Tempe Marcos de Niza 21: I-Ridge heads to title game for first time

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HS football: Ironwood Ridge: RB brings smarts, brawn

Ironwood Ridge running back Anthony Braunreiter doesn't pass the eye test.

HS football: Ironwood Ridge: RB brings smarts, brawn

Ironwood Ridge running back Anthony Braunreiter isn't especially tall or big, but he scores high marks in smarts, effort and strength.

HS football: Bruising Braunreiter breaks the mold for Ironwood Ridge

Ironwood Ridge running back Anthony Braunreiter doesn’t pass the eye test.

Pick of the Preps: State title game berths hang in balance for 3 So. AZ teams this week

Win and play for a state championship. Lose and go home.

D-II Quarterfinals: Ironwood Ridge 42, Glendale Apollo 30: Nighthawks score 28 straight, take control

Ironwood Ridge quarterback Tyler Williams runs through the Glendale Apollo defense for a 10-yard touchdown with nine seconds left in the first half.

D-II Quarterfinals: Ironwood Ridge 42, Glendale Apollo 30: Nighthawks score 28 straight, take control

Kylen Green (5) of Ironwood Ridge plans his route around Apollo's John Klass on a first-half run at Ironwood Ridge High School.

I-Ridge overcomes two-TD first-quarter deficit in quarterfinal

It would have been nearly impossible for Ironwood Ridge coach Matt Johnson to imagine a worse start to Friday's Division II quarterfinal game.

High school girls volleyball: Nighthawks return to semifinals

Jordan Weatherless, left, and Laurel Kremer of Ironwood Ridge go up for a block during the first set against Deer Valley in the quarterfinals of the Division II state tournament at Ironwood Ridge High School.