The last time the Lobos dropped their season opener they went on to win the state title. Of course, that was in the 3A ranks. Now they are coming off a state runner-up at the 4A level, but they will be hoping for a repeat type of season following their season-opening loss this week to Bradshaw Mountain by a final of 24-14.
The Bears shut down the Lobos on their first offensive possession, then marched down the field converting a pair of fourth-down plays along the way eventually scoring late in the first period on a two-yard run. The PAT put the hometown Bears on top 7-0.
Snowflake was moving the ball well on their second possession but a fumble recovered by Bradshaw Mountain ended what may have been a scoring opportunity. The Lobos defense held up getting their offense the ball back midway through the second quarter. The offense scored quickly, with Merrick Ulberg punching in a short run. Sam Brown’s PAT tied the game at 7-7 with a few minutes left in the first half.
Inside the final minute of the half, Snowflake had a bad snap on a punt play, giving the Bears two additional points on a safety, making the score 9-7 in favor of the home team.
Bradshaw took the third-quarter kickoff and marched down the field, eventually finding the endzone on a short rushing play, extending their lead to 16-7.
Snowflake answered back on their first second-half possession finding the endzone on a Brennan Bryant to Colton Tidwell connection from eight yards out, Brown’s PAT pulled the Lobos within two points at 14-16.
Bradshaw Mountain was able to put together one more scoring drive in the fourth quarter to seal the 24-14 win.
Bryant completed 19 of 33 passes for 196 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Ulberg hauled in seven receptions for 61 yards. Payton Papa had six grabs for 73 yards. Tidwell caught two for 24 yards with one score. Ezra Baum had one 21-yard catch. Karter Raban caught two for 15 yards. Jett McCray had one two-yard reception.
Aaden Coor led the defense with 13 tackles. Gunner Greer finished with 11 takedowns and Ethan Christensen had 10 tackles.
This week the Lobos will take on Cactus in Glendale. Last year Cactus defeated Snowflake in a 7-0 defensive battle. The Cobras are 1-0 this year having defeated Sunnyslope 41-32 last week. The Lobos will have their hands full trying to avoid a 0-2 start to this season.
