Entering the Division IV state football playoffs as the fourth overall seed, it didn’t take the Lobos long to show why they are considered one of the favorites for the state title.
Hosting Combs last Saturday, Snowflake scored less than two minutes into the game on a one-yard rush from Trevor McCray. Brenton Ballard’s point after kick gave the Lobos a lead they would never relinquish.
With two minutes left in the opening period Tyler Claridge connected with Porter Black on an 11-yard scoring toss, pushing the margin to 14-0. Zach Solomon capped an impressive opening period just moments later on a four-yard scoring rush, closing the first stanza with the Lobos comfortably on top 20-0.
Early in the second Black scored on a one-yard run, making the lead 27-0. Midway through the quarter a 28-yard touchdown run by Claridge advanced the score to 34-0. The final score of the half came on the legs of McCray who rushed in from 18 yards out to make the halftime tally 41-0 with Ballard’s point after kick.
With half the third period gone Solomon scored on a nine-yard run, making the margin 47-0 and sending the game into the running clock mode.
The Coyotes avoided the shut out with a 46-yard touchdown pass halfway through the final period. With five minutes left in the game Claridge scooted in from 14 yards out to score the final points of the night for the Lobos. Combs added a touchdown in the final three minutes of the game, bringing the score to 54-12.
With the win Snowflake moves on in the bracket to host fifth seeded Coolidge at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Bears got past rival Florence in a shootout, winning the first round game 41-35.
Elsewhere in the top half of the bracket, No. 1 seeded Seton Catholic demolished Page 70-0 and will face the No. 8 Winslow Bulldogs, who won a 20-13 decision over ninth seeded Parker.
In the lower portion of the bracket, No. 6 Estrella Foothills downed Show Low and will now face No. 3 River Valley. Second seeded Sahuarita shut out Blue Ridge in round one and will now host No. 7 Safford. The four winners from Saturday night’s action will play in the semifinal round on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Phoenix.
If the Lobos can get past Coolidge they will most likely face top seeded Seton Catholic in the next round. The Sentinels are the only team to defeat Snowflake this season, with that 23-14 win coming in week three. Coolidge matches the Lobos with a 10-1 record with the only loss also coming against unbeaten Seton Catholic. The Bears were shut out 44-0 by the Sentinels.
