Snowflake returned from their bye week in fine form, with a 30-17 home field win over 5A Gilbert on Friday night. The Tigers came into the game looking for just their second win of the season and they left Lobo Stadium still searching for that win.
Gilbert led the game 17-14 at the half, but over the course of the final two quarters, the Lobos defense shut the Tigers out while the offense found their stride. Snowflake took the lead midway through the third with a long scoring run and they never looked back.
Snowflake’s defense forced a safety, then held the Tigers on multiple occasions in the second half. The Tigers finished the game with just 73 yards rushing and only 119 yards passing.
The Lobos rushing attack piled up the yards collectively, gaining 301 yards led by Jacob LaDuke’s 122-yard effort on 16 runs with two scores. Karter Raban carried 11 times gaining 94 yards. Kanton Turley ran it 16 times gaining 84 yards and scored once. Merrick Ulberg carried just three times but found the endzone once.
In the air, LaDuke went 8 for 15 for 74 yards. Christian Smith had two receptions totaling 37 yards. Colter Willis caught one for 12 yards. Graham Silverhorn had two catches for 19 yards and Ulberg caught three for six yards.
Andrew Bentley led the defensive unit with 13 tackles. Aaden Coor did his part with 12 tackles. Hayydn Nichols added 8. Bentley had three quarterback sacks and Cody Flake sacked the quarterback once. JoJo Lerma picked off the Tiger quarterback one time.
Sam Brown was successful on all four of his extra-point attempts.
With the win, the Lobos improved to 4-0 on the season. This week they play their first of three consecutive road games with a trip to Seton Catholic. The Sentinels are 4-1 on the season, having won their past four after losing in week one. They have won each of those four games by at least two touchdowns. The Lobos will have a tough test on their hands to try and stay unbeaten.
