Snowflake’s bid for a return trip to the Division IV title game came up one game short with a 23-12 loss to Northwest Christian last Saturday night. Playing at Arcadia High School the fifth seeded Lobos took on the eighth seeded Crusaders, who were fresh off their 48-0 rout over top seed Yuma Catholic the previous week.
This game was a defensive battle throughout. The teams traded several punts back and forth through the first period. With 10:39 left on the second quarter clock, Snowflake took the lead on a 10-yard run by Trent Hatch, which capped a seven-play, 34-yard drive. The conversion failed, but the Lobos led 6-0.
After another series of punts by both teams, the Crusaders took the lead with a touchdown pass at the 3:41 mark of the second period. Jacob Lytle’s point after kick gave Northwest Christian the 7-6 lead. Trailing by one, the Lobos were hoping for a long drive to end the first half, but an interception by the Crusaders set up a field goal by Lytle and gave Northwest Christian the 10-6 halftime lead.
The Crusaders increased their lead with 7:31 left in the third on a 32-yard Drew Inness to Tyler Kohner touchdown pass. The point after failed, but Snowflake now trailed 16-6.
The Lobos seemingly gained momentum and were poised to trim the lead with less than three minutes left in the period, but were stopped on fourth down inside the Crusaders’ one yard line. While their offense stalled, the Lobo defense picked them up when Jt Tate recovered a fumble inside the one yard line. Zach Solomon quickly took advantage, scoring from a yard out to make the score 16-12. Unfortunately for Lobo fans, that would be as close as they would get.
The final points of the night came near the five minute mark of the fourth period on a 22-yard run by Northwest Christian, giving the Crusaders insurance points they wouldn’t need. Snowflake’s season came to a close with the 23-12 loss.
The Lobos put together another fantastic season, though, finishing with an 11-2 record overall.
