TUCSON - Team captain Jeremy Hazen scored three tries to lead the host Tucson Magpies to an 86-3 season-opening victory over Flagstaff's Northern Arizona Landsharks at Estevan Park on Saturday.
"We executed set pieces well and even stole a few of their set pieces," Magpies (1-0) coach Adolfo Sanchez said.
Hazen was Tucson's Man of the Match for its' backs. Rookie Tim Sadler was named MOTM for the forwards.
Veteran flyhalf Mark Cox provided the only scoring for the Landsharks (0-1) with a first-half 30-meter penalty kick.
Cox, whose team relies heavily on Northern Arizona University students, credited Tucson's depth and experience in its win.
He said Northern Arizona will have to work on its cohesiveness and fitness in order to bounce back from the Week 1 disappointment.
"Our players school break schedules and winter snow (made it tough to practice)," Cox said. "It showed that the players need more training time together."
NAU freshman halfback Tyler Evans was named the Landsharks' MOTM for the backs. Rookie lock Michael Franchi, who played his first 80-minute match Saturday, was MOTM for the forwards.
Cox also pointed to the standout play of lock Jack Shea and loosehead prop Brandon Ross.
Tucson will play Tucson Old Pueblo (0-1) at Estevan Park on Saturday. Kickoff, TBA. The Landsharks will travel to play the host Scottsdale Blues (1-0) on Saturday. Kickoff is 5 p.m.
- Keith Jiron