Snowflake came within seconds of advancing to the 3A State Championship game on Saturday night but their hopes were dashed with a late game turnover and a missed field goal opportunity. Facing top seeded Benjamin Franklin at Williams Field High School in the semi-final round, the fourth seeded Lobos came up just short in a 16-14 season ending loss. The Chargers got on the board first when quarterback Danner Bowen capped a 10 play 67-yard drive with a three-yard run. The point after kick put the Chargers on top 7-0 with 3:56 left in the opening quarter. Snowflake battled back tying the game on a Brig Turley seven-yard run, which finished off a 16-play drive. Samuel Crockett’s point after kick tied the game at 7-7 with 8:05 left in the half. Benjamin Franklin’s Josh Case broke the tie with a 25-yard field goal four minutes later sending the teams to the break with Snowflake trailing 10-7. Snowflake put together a sustained drive in the third period, which put them on top when Terren Green scooted around the end from nine yards out making the score 14-10 with Crockett’s point after kick. Benjamin Franklin appeared to be headed for the go ahead touchdown but a fumble inside Snowflake’s 10-yard line was recovered by the Lobos and it appeared Snowflakes four point lead would hold up. However, two plays later Ethan Ramage was picked off trying to connect with Caden Cantrell. The interception was returned to Snowflake’s seven-yard line setting up the Chargers with a first down and goal. The top seed quickly capitalized with a Chancin Loving seven-yard run making the score 16-14. The point after kick was missed leaving Snowflake with ample time to make a long drive. The Lobos did just that. They drove the ball down to Benjamin Franklin’s seven yard line late in the game. After failing on first and second down, Ramage scored what appeared to be the winning touchdown on a third down and goal run from the 10-yard line. However, a holding penalty negated that score and backed Snowflake up to the Charger 18 yard line. Third down was incomplete leaving Snowflake with fourth down and goal from the 18 yard line. They chose to kick a potential game winning 35-yard field goal but Samuel Crockett’s attempt sailed wide with 28 seconds left on the clock. The two point loss sent the Lobos home for the season with a record of 10-3. Benjamin Franklin improved to 12-1 and will face second seeded American Leadership Academy Queen Creek in the championship game on Friday. The Patriots defeated Northwest Christian 39-24 in the other semi-final contest.
