Snowflakes’ first venture into the 4A state football playoffs ended well with the second-seeded Lobos shutting out No. 15 Arcadia on Friday night in Snowflake. The Titans came into the game averaging nearly 19 points per game, during their 6-4 regular season campaign.
Snowflake’s defense rose to the challenge keeping Arcadia out of the endzone and off the scoreboard in a 19-0 Lobo win.
Snowflake punted on their first offensive possession, but the Lobo defense matched Arcadia’s effort, forcing the Titans to punt the first time they had the ball. Snowflake appeared to have something on offense but a fumble quickly brought an end to their second possession.
Finally, with their third possession of the night, the Lobos were able to put together a scoring drive. Matthew Brimhall capped the long drive with a one-yard plunge. Sam Brown’s point after was successful giving Snowflake the lead with three minutes left in the opening frame.
Both teams traded punts early in the second quarter before the Lobos put together their second scoring drive of the game. Jett McCray went in from three yards out pushing the lead to 13-0 with the point-after kick no good.
Inside the final minute of the first half, Bradden Lewis scooted in from 17 yards out, pushing the Lobo lead to 19-0. Snowflake’s two-point conversion attempt failed leaving them with the 19-point half-time edge.
The second half was ugly for both teams. Multiple penalty flags, one player ejection on the Titan side, and numerous turnovers by both teams added up to a scoreless half meaning Snowflake advanced in the bracket with the 19-0 win.
Brennan Bryant completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 182 yards with one interception. Easton Butler was the favored receiver with four catches for 103 total yards. Tyler Clare also grabbed four balls for a total of 41 yards. Lewis caught 2 for 7, Slade Fish had one for 22 yards, and Lance Christensen had one nine-yard catch.
Jett McCray led the ground attack with 78 yards on 14 runs. J J Lerma carried 11 times gaining 53 yards. Lance Christensen gained 37 on six runs. Lewis picked up 22 on three carries.
Matthew Brimhall led the defensive attack with 19 tackles. Jordan Mowers and Braden LaDuke each had seven stops, which included 2.5 sacks.
With the win the Lobos advance in the bracket to face Prescott on Friday night. The Badgers are the 10 seed and upset No. 7 Apache Junction 35-28 in the first round. That win marked their fourth straight and eighth overall against just two losses. The two losses are to ALA Gilbert North and Bradshaw Mountain. Both of those teams still remain in the round of eight, along with the Lobos. Playing as the higher seed Snowflake will host once again on Friday night with kick-off scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lobo Stadium.
Top-seeded ALA Gilbert North will host No. 8 Bradshaw Mountain. No. 5 Yuma Catholic will host No. 13 Lake Havasu, and No. 6 Canyon Del Oro will host No. 14 Thunderbird in the other quarterfinal games.
If the Lobos can advance, they will face the winner of the Canyon Del Oro and Thunderbird contest.
