MESA - After a disappointing loss to Mesa last week, Mesa Red Mountain needed to make a statement in the opening round of the 5A-I playoffs. The Mountain Lions did just that, cruising to a 28-0 win over Phoenix North Canyon.

Red Mountain advances to meet Chandler Basha, which defeated Mesa Dobson 40-33, on Friday.

The Mountain Lions have had their share of success over North Canyon this season. In two meetings, the Mountain Lions have outscored the Rattlers 93-0.

However, this matchup was tight in the first half with Red Mountain looking sluggish early. The Mountain Lions also committed numerous penalties early and finished the game with eight, all procedure calls on the offensive line.

"What other teams are doing is slowing the pace of the game on us and we’re an up-tempo team," Red Mountain coach Jim Jones said. "The idea for us is to get out there and get things going."

Shoring up the offense for Red Mountain was standout quarterback Taylor Perkins.

The senior was 12-for-16 for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on an 8-yard run.

With the offense struggling early, Perkins got the Mountain Lions on the board with a perfect pass to tight end Chance Roberts on a wheel route for an 78-yard score.

Red Mountain picked up the momentum and added to its lead three plays later when senior Jimmy Sanchez forced a fumble and recovered it deep in Rattlers’ territory. Seven plays later, Perkins scored on his 8-yard run.

Holding the lead throughout the second half, the Mountain Lions went to their trusted running game, spearheaded by senior Jarison Johnson.

Johnson finished with 94 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter.

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