After logging some serious miles last week to watch their teams, local fans all get to stay home tonight (Sept. 12) and enjoy what could be four quality games. Holbrook, Joseph City, Snowflake and Winslow are all hosting what should be competitive games.
Two teams expected to make deep playoff runs in Division IV meet at Lobo Stadium when Seton Catholic visits Snowflake. The Sentinels were semifinalists last year and Snowflake went out in the round of eight. Both teams are 2-0 this season with one common opponent, Estrella Foothills. Seton defeated the Wolves 35-24 in week one, while Snowflake came out on top 28-21 last week over Estrella. Based on this fact alone the game should be close throughout. Last year the Lobos came from behind to pick up a 28-23 win in Seton. This game may well come down to the wire again.
Coming off their big win over a suddenly struggling Blue Ridge team last week the Bulldogs welcome in a stout Round Valley team. Despite these two teams now playing in different divisions, this could be a good game. Last year Winslow won this game 21-19. The Bulldogs are 2-0 on the season with two lopsided wins. The Elks have just one game under their belts, a 60-6 win over Williams. Both of these programs are steeped in football tradition and both are expected to reach the post-season in their respective leagues. Playing this game outdoors in Winslow could be enough to tilt the scales in favor of the Bulldogs, but like the aforementioned game, this could be close.
The final two matchups are with teams still searching for their first victories of the season.
Joseph City hosts Arete Prep and the Wildcats are in need of a victory. Duncan was a common opponent for both teams with Joseph City playing a much closer game. The Chargers have scored just 12 total points this season in two big losses. The Cats have proven they can score, but their defense has really struggled. This game should be their tipping point. If their defense can hold up, they can score enough points to win their first game.
Finally, tonight in Holbrook the Roadrunners will need to overcome several injuries to take down the Cowboys from Willcox. Neither team has won yet this season, although the Roadrunners have played fairly well in three of the eight quarters in their two losses. Willcox has two big losses, a 55-13 deficit to Bisbee and a 55-7 loss to Lordsburg, N.M. Last year Holbrook made the long trek south only to come away with a 27-13 loss after being ahead early in the game. This year it’s the Cowboys who will be spending at least six hours on the bus en route to Roadrunner Stadium. With two-year block scheduling being repeated this year, Holbrook’s hopes for a state tournament bid could hinge on this game despite it being only week three of the season. Last season the Birds came up one win short of post-season play, which included a victory over Lee Williams. With last week’s loss to the Volunteers Holbrook now needs to be sure to win this week to make up for last week’s power point setback. This game doesn’t involve the caliber of teams that will be in Snowflake or Winslow, but nonetheless this could be a closely played, entertaining contest. If the Birds can fill the gaps in their lineup due to injuries, they have a chance for their first win of the campaign.
