The Show Low Cougars defeated the Bulldogs 28-14 in a closely fought game played at Winslow on Friday. The win improved the Show Low record to 5-2 for the season and dropped Winslow to a 5-2 record.
Both teams managed a first period touchdown for all of the points in the first half. Show Low converted its extra point for a 7-6 halftime lead. Both teams missed good scoring opportunities in the first half and both had costly turnovers that ended scoring opportunities or set one up for their opponents.
Show Low got a 52-yard punt downed at the Winslow four yard line and recovered a Winslow fumble in scoring position. Josh Weeks ran eight yards for the touchdown and Danny Tarazo booted the conversion for a 7-0 Cougar lead.
Winslow drove 51 yards and Kelly Wood scored on a 10-yard run on a fourth and goal play to put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard. The conversion kick failed and Show Low led 7-6.
The Bulldog defense stopped a Show Low drive and took the ball on downs at their 12 yard line just before the first quarter ended.
The Winslow defense got decent field position by stopping a fourth down gamble and drove into scoring position before losing the ball on a fumble. Show Low should have scored on a long run by Dallan Crandle, but the score was negated due to a penalty.
Caleb Layden intercepted a Show Low pass to end that drive and set up another Winslow threat, but the Show Low squad held on downs at its 12 yard line.
Winslow blocked a punt, but was stopped on downs just seconds before the half ended with Show Low leading 7-6.
Show Low scored on a 26-yard pass from Zack Wynn to Daniel McCloud to complete a 10-play, 65-yard scoring drive to start the second half. The conversion increased the Cougars lead to 14-6.
The Bulldogs scored on a 10-yard pass from James Martinez to Jude Oso on a fourth and one play late in the third quarter. Martinez then found Wood for the two-point conversion that tied the score at 14-all. Winslow then recovered an onside kick at the Show Low 36 yard line. The Cougars came up with an interception and drove into scoring territory. They were at the Winslow two yard line when the third period ended with the game still tied 14-14.
Crandle scored on a two yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter. The conversion was good and Show Low led 21-14.
Both teams still had trouble holding onto the ball as Winslow had a pass intercepted by Bryan Johnson, but was able to stop Show Low on downs on the Bulldogs 21 yard line.
Weeks ran eight yards for a score after Johnson got another interception for the Cougars. The conversion increased the Show Low lead to 28-14.
In the closing seconds of the game the Cougars missed a 25-yard field goal attempt. Johnson got his third interception of the quarter and the Cougars ran out the remaining time.
The Bulldogs will journey to Flagstaff on Friday, Oct. 14, to meet the Coconino Panthers. The Panthers trounced the Tuba City Warriors 53-0 on Friday to improve to 4-3 for the season.
