Snowflake bounced back from last week’s loss to Blue Ridge with an impressive 28-15 win over defending 3A champion Show Low at home on Friday night.
The Lobos fell behind early in the game when the Cougars’ Josh Weeks broke free for a 73-yard run just two minutes into the game. Snowflake answered midway through the second period with a one-yard run for pay dirt by Chase Walden to pull within a point. After Show Low was whistled for offsides on the point after try, Snowflake decided to go for a two-point play, also by Walden. It was successful, putting Snowflake on top, 8-7.
With just under two minutes left in the half, Walden hooked up with Doug Brimhall on a nine-yard scoring strike, increasing the margin to eight points after Hunter Farr’s point after kick. At the end of the half things got rather exciting. The Cougars quickly moved down the field and found themselves one yard short with time running out. Show Low quarterback Zack Winn quickly grounded the ball with one second left, although it appeared to many that he took a knee, which would have run the clock out, but the officials ruled the Cougars would have one play remaining before the half. They took advantage on a bit of a trick play during the confusion, with Winn walking away from the play. Cody Tenney took a direct snap and scored from a yard out, pulling Show Low within two. Daniel Macleod tied the game up with a two-point run and the teams went to the break knotted at 15-15.
While the final moments of the first half didn’t go Snowflake’s way, they may have provided the Lobos with some fuel for the second half in which they shut out the Cougars. Snowflake’s offense did a tremendous job of chewing up time with two long scoring drives. The first ended in another Walden run, this time from five yards out. The second came with just 1:05 left in the fourth on Walden’s fourth score of the night.
Show Low’s Josh Weeks tried to keep the game going when he returned the ensuing kick off 82 yards to the Lobo six, but out of nowhere Farr was able to chase him down, saving the score. Snowflake’s defense then held on three consecutive goal line plays to preserve the 28-15 win and push the Lobos’ record to 3-1 on the season.
Walden had a big night, accounting for 170 yards through the air on 12 of 17 passing with one score. He also ran the ball 31 times, gaining 149 yards and three touchdowns. Dallin Merrell carried 11 times for 38 yards. Brit Smith gained 25 on eight carries. Farr rushed once, picking up nine yards. Brimhall led the team in reception yardage with 88 yards on six catches. Merrell caught three for 38. Braccin Tanner pulled down one for 26 and Jake Shumway made one grab for 12 yards.
Ty Reidhead and Josh Kelley led the defense in tackles with seven a piece. Garett Hunt made six tackles. Smith had one interception, and Josie Dunn recovered a Show Low fumble.
This week the Lobos welcome St. Johns. The Redskins are coming in off a big win over previously unbeaten Chinle, but they will find a Lobo team that is much tougher than the Wildcats were. Snowflake is in the middle of a three-game home stand and despite the loss of Tyler Johnson, they still appear to be a well-rounded team that is in the upper echelon of Division IV. St. Johns will have its hands full, although the Redskins are one of the better teams in Division V this season and they come in on a three-game winning streak after losing the first game of the year to Show Low.
