Snowflake came away from Coconino with a hard-fought 28-23 win in a game that was closer than most expected it would be. The Panthers scored twice in the first quarter and led 14-0 going into the second quarter before the Lobos finally found the endzone with a Brenner Green 9-yard run and subsequent 2-point conversion run. Coconino booted a short field goal and led 17-8 at the half and was looking for an early season upset.
Snowflake doused those hopes in the third, where they scored twice. Jacob LaDuke scored on a 1-yard plunge and following a Gionn Jones interception, Green scored on a 15-yard run, putting the Lobos on top 22-17 late in the third quarter.
Coconino retook the lead with three minutes left in the game on a 45-yard connection, but the kick failed, leaving the Lobos trailing by a single point late in the game.
Green completed the come-from-behind win with an 11-yard scoring run inside the final minute of the game. The 2-point conversion run failed, but the Lobos escaped with a 5-point win.
LaDuke completed 8 of his 11 pass attempts for 136 yards. Christian Smith had 3 receptions for 90 yards. Gionn Jones caught 3 for 25 yards, and Colter Willis had 2 catches for 21 total yards.
Green did the bulk of the work on the ground, picking up 164 yards on 21 attempts with 3 touchdowns. LaDuke scored the other rushing touchdown. McCoy Norton was good on both of his extra point attempts.
This week, the Lobos play host to ALA-West Foothills. The Guardians are also 1-0 after putting a thumping on Westview 59-0 last week. Last season, ALA went 13-1, with their only loss coming in the 3A state championship game to Pusch Ridge.
Snowflake will have its hands full for its home opener.
