Snowflake picked up an impressive 31-14 home-field win over 5A Cactus on Friday night. The Cobras were one of the premier 5A teams last season plus they handed the Lobos a 20-17 loss in the second week of the season a year ago.
Friday night Snowflake avenged that loss. The Lobos scored the only points in the first quarter. In the second, both teams found the endzone on two occasions, leaving the Lobos with a 21-14 halftime lead. Snowflake’s defense stepped up and shut out the visitors in the second half. Offensively the Lobos posted another 10 points in the final frame, securing their second win of the season through two weeks of play.
Jacob LaDuke completed 4 of 10 passes for 47 yards, with one touchdown strike to Merrick Ulberg. The senior receiver was the only Lobo receiver to catch a ball in the game, with the four receptions totaling 47 yards.
The Lobos did most of their damage on the ground. They piled up 229 yards rushing, with three backs doing most of the damage. Kanton Turley carried 18 times picking up 82 yards with a score. LaDuke gained 81 yards on 16 rushes, finding the endzone twice. Karter Raban picked up 70 yards on 10 totes.
Cactus narrowly outgained Snowflake in total yards with 285 compared to 276, but the Lobo defense forced a couple of Cobra turnovers which the offense turned into points.
Aaden Coor led the team in tackles with 8. Hayydn Nichols had 7, including two quarterback sacks. Andrew Bentley and Brent White each recovered a fumble.
Sam Brown made good on two of his three extra-point attempts. He also connected on one of his two field goal attempts.
This week the Lobos will put their 2-0 record on the line when they travel to face rival Show Low in Cougar country. The Lobos are 1-1, but will be coming in off a 21-7 win over a solid Willcox team. Snowflake dominated this game a year ago, and based on early results from both teams they are the favorite to once again come away with a win and extend their season to 3-0. However, in rivalry games, anything can happen.
