Snowflake’s matchup with Combs was expected to be a battle for the Lobos. The Coyotes came into the game with just one loss and five straight wins to start the season. Snowflake entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 record.
The game was a defensive battle through the first half, with Snowflake scoring single touchdowns in each of the first two quarters. Their defense held Combs out of the endzone and helped the hometown team lead 12-0 at the break.
Both teams found their stride in the second half. Combs put up 14 points, but the Lobos tacked an additional 19 to their total, winning the region game 31-14.
Combs’ defense limited the Lobo ground game to just 23 total yards, with Brenner Green getting 46 positive yards. Jacob LaDuke was sacked or tackled for a loss for a minus 20 yards on the night but did find the endzone once.
With their rushing game held in check, the Lobos were forced to throw the ball. LaDuke completed 8 of his 24 attempts for 219 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Gionn Jones had just 1 catch, but it went for 96 yards and a touchdown. Colter Willis had 2 receptions for a total of 64 yards. Mason Raban had 2 for 49 yards with a score. Nash Reidhead caught one short 5-yard pass for 6 points. Brenner Green found the endzone on one of his 2 catches for 5 yards.
Snowflake’s defense had a big night with 3 interceptions, 1 each from Colter Willis, Seth Farnsworth and Connor Reed. Irvin King and Jaxon Merrill each recovered a Coyote’s fumble as well.
This week, Snowflake will travel to face Eastmark. The Firebirds are 5-2 on the season and coming off a 34-7 win over Poston Butte. The Lobos defeated Poston Butte 41-0 two weeks ago, so at least on paper, Snowflake should be favored to extend its season record to 8-0, although playing on the road is always tougher than playing at home.
This should be Snowflake’s final road game for at least a month. They finish the final two weeks of the regular season at home, then would potentially host at least 1 or 2 games in the 4A playoffs.
