Snowflake’s state title dreams and their 2018 campaign came to a close in the quarterfinal round of the 3A state football playoffs. Hosting sixth seeded Sabino the No. 3 seeded Lobos came up short in a 30-14 final outcome.
Things looked good early with the Lobos scoring first late in the opening quarter taking a 7-0 lead. A David Brimhall run set up Jesse Sparks one-yard plunge. Samuel Crockett’s point after kick gave the higher seeded home team the early lead.
The Sabercats tied the score in the second period on a five yard scoring toss from AJ Skaggs to Jayson Petty. John Atnip knotted the score with his point after kick.
In the final moments of the second period Atnip put the Sabercats on top with a 24-yard field goal giving Sabino the 10-7 halftime edge.
Snowflake regained the lead in the third period on a five-yard run from Brigden Turley. Crockett again converted putting the Lobos on top 14-10 heading into the final period.
Unfortunately for the Lobos that lead didn’t hold up. Sabino scored early in the fourth on a 56-yard punt return retaking the lead for the final time. Snowflake threatened to score midway through the fourth but a fumble and Sabercat recovery thwarted that drive.
With under five minutes left in the game Sabino padded their lead with another short touchdown pass and catch. The final points of the game came a short time later on a long run by the Sabercats who move on to the semi-final round where they are the only non-private school left and will meet up with second seeded Yuma Catholic on Saturday. Fifth seeded Valley Christian and top ranked Northwest Christian will match up in the other semi-final.
Sabino outgained Snowflake 461 yards compared to 202 total yards. The Sabercat defense kept the Lobo ground gain in check with Snowflake netting just 114 yards on the ground, far from their season average. Brimhall led the way gaining 63 yards on 12 attempts. Turley had 21 on eight rushes with a score. Luke Patterson carried twice for 14; Jake Christensen had four for 11 yards; Mayson Mckinlay, one for four yards; and Jesse Sparks only carry was for a one-yard touchdown.
Ethan Ramage completed 11 of 24 passes for 88 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Patterson was the leading receiver with 49 yards on four catches. Brimhall also had four receptions for 24 total yards. Turley caught two for 11, and Traegon Standerfer had one four-yard catch.
With the loss the Lobos close out their season with an overall record of 9-2.
