Winslow entered last Friday’s home game with Snowflake ranked third in the 3A power rankings with an unbeaten record at 5-0. The Lobos came in ranked 12th with a 3-2 mark. Snowflake had played the tougher schedule and by the time the game ended, that tougher schedule proved to be a benefit as the Lobos handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season, 54-28.
Winslow led at the half by four, but Snowflake dominated the second half, outscoring the home team 42-12 over the final two quarters.
Both teams put up solid offensive numbers, with the Lobos outgaining the Bulldogs 432 to 400 in total yards. Winslow’s Junior Villanueva had a good night, throwing for 292 yards with three scores. Lobo Traegon Standerfer completed just two of eight passes for 14 yards, but his offense got the job done on the ground.
Snowflake rolled up 418 rushing yards with three backs climbing over the century mark. David Brimhall gained 146 yards on 17 rushes with two scores. Jace Merrell gained 114 yards on 13 rushes, scoring once. Cody Fox picked up 100 yards and scored once on just 12 runs. Standerfer gained 33 yards on 12 runs, and Jake Christensen gained 25 yards on three attempts.
David Kay had one 11-yard catch and Cody Fox had one for three yards.
The Lobos also got two scores from their defense as David Brimhall and Davis Kay each returned a Bulldog fumble for a score.
With the win the Lobos move to 4-2 on the season. They will play at Payson on Friday night, Oct. 6. The Longhorns are just 1-5 on the season, but like Snowflake they have played a tough schedule. Payson fell to Show Low last week by a final of 41-22.
Last season’s match ups with Payson were memorable. Snowflake won the first meeting 26-21, but the Longhorns avenged that loss in the first round of the state playoffs, knocking off the second ranked Lobos 7-6.
