The Snowflake Lobos opened their 2018 season in fine form with a 22-7 home field win over Safford on Friday night.

Both teams took some time to feel each other out with a scoreless first quarter. Safford did thwart on a potential scoring drive by the Lobos late in the first period with an interception.

Following that pick, Snowflake’s defense pinned the Bulldogs deep in their own end and came out after the Safford punt with great field position. Unfortunately they weren’t able to turn that position into points.

Both teams then traded fumbles late in the first half. Finally with less than three minutes to play, the Lobos got on the board with a six-yard run by Brigden Turley. Quarterback Ethan Ramage connected with Sam for the two-point conversion giving the Lobos an 8-0 half-time lead.

That lead held until late in the third when David Brimhall scored on an 18 yard run pushing the lead to 14-0.

Brimhall scored again in the fourth period on a one-yard plunge. Ramage hooked up with Ruehle for their second two-point conversion giving the Lobos a 22-0 lead.

In the final minutes of the game the Bulldogs avoided the shut out with a short touchdown pass. They booted the point after kick for the final score of 22-7.

Statistically the Lobos didn’t pile up a lot of yards. Ramage completed 15 of 20 passes for 115 yards and threw a pair of picks. Luke Patterson was his favorite target catching 6 for 42 yards. Brimhall hauled in 3 for 34 yards, Ruehle caught 4 for 19 yards, Traegon Standerfer had one 13-yard reception and Brigden Turley caught a seven-yard pass.

The ground game was led by Brimhall with 84 yards on 10 attempts. Turley gained 49 yards on 11 rushes, and Cody Fox picked up 15 yards on four totes.

Snowflake’s defense forced three turnovers with Ruehle and Mayson Mckinlay each had an interception and Brydon Hatch recovered a Safford fumble.

This week the Lobos will host Benjamin Franklin. The Chargers, who play in the 3A Central division, dismantled Ganado last week 63-6 in a game played in the Round Valley Dome. Having to make a long trip on back-to-back weeks may benefit the Lobos who get to play at home for the second week in a row.