Two of the top five teams in the 4A ranks met at Poston Butte on Friday night when the fifth ranked Lobos and the third ranked Broncos squared off.
Snowflake’s night didn’t start well when Poston Butte picked off Brennan Bryant’s pass attempt and returned it 23 yards for a pick-six. The point after quickly put the Broncos on top 7-0 just two minutes into the game. While things didn’t look good early, from that point on the game was dominated by the Lobos who upset the No. 3 Broncos 28-7.
The Lobos’ next possession was a long drive capped by a Matthew Brimhall one-yard plunge tying the score at 7-7 with Sam Brown’s point-after kick coming near the three-minute mark of the first quarter.
Snowflake’s defense held on the Bronco’s next possession, forcing a punt early in the second period. However, Snowflake threw another pick setting up Poston Butte with good field position. Snowflake’s defense stepped up and held on downs getting the ball back for their offense. Bryant then connected with Payton Papa for a 56-yard catch and run putting the Lobos on top 14-7 with Brown’s kick.
The Lobos added another score late in the half when Bryant found Bradden Lewis for a short touchdown reception just before the half extending Snowflake’s lead to 21-7.
The Lobo defense forced two key turnovers in the second half and Brimhall capitalized on one of those scoring the final points of the game on a four-yard rushing touchdown with eight minutes left giving Snowflake their sixth win of the season against just three losses.
Bryant completed six of 12 passes for 106 yards with two scores and three picks. Jett McCray rushed for 104 yards. JJ Lerma gained 84; Lance Christensen, 35; Bradden Lewis, 23; and Brimhall gained 18 yards but scored twice.
Papa had one 56-yard touchdown reception. Lewis had a four-yard scoring catch. Tyler Clare had two receptions totaling 31 yards.
Brimhall led a strong defensive effort with 17 tackles. Jordan Mowers finished with 12.
This week they will host a struggling Seton Catholic team that is just 2-7 and coming off four consecutive losses. An expected win should set up Lobos up with momentum as they head into the 4A state playoffs.
