CHINO VALLEY - The Cougars took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove down the field for a touchdown to take a 17-13 lead.
But visiting Snowflake came right back, reclaimed the lead and never looked back on its way to a 43-17 win over Chino Valley on Saturday night in the first round of the Class 3A state football tournament.
Chino (5-5) had found a way to stick around to that point with the help of numerous Snowflake turnovers. But the Lobos (9-2) eventually wore them down.
Though Cougar coach Bob David said that it was more about what he did that led to the game getting away from his team.
"We were right there with them until I got stupid," David said. "I got too aggressive with the pass plays. I had a good game plan going in and I should have just stuck with it. I got too aggressive and gave them a short field too many times. They're too explosive of a team."
The explosive Lobo spread attack went right down the field at the start of the game and had a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line. But quarterback Shawn Walker fumbled and Chino sophomore Angel Astorga picked it up and narrowly took it 99 yards for the touchdown before he was caught from behind.
Astorga had to receive oxygen from paramedics and did not return until the second half. While he sat and watched, Snowflake staked itself to a 13-10 halftime lead. But it could have been much worse for the Cougars, if not for two more fumble recoveries and an interception.
The Lobos had 266 yards at the half with four turnovers. Chino had 79 yards with a pair of giveaways.
With the exception of the scoring drive out of the break, the Cougar offense never got going. And while defense has been the team's calling card all year, its final night of the season was its roughest.
"I really honestly don't know what happened to our defense," senior Ryan Middleton said. "We started out real strong and we just kind of fell apart."
Snowflake had 311 rushing yards to 32 for Chino and 177 yards passing to 127.
Chino has been able to keep things close against everyone - not allowing more than 22 points - until Saturday.
"They're going to move the ball," David said. "They're going to move the ball against anybody that plays them.
"They're beatable but you've got to stay disciplined and you've got to stay within yourself and that's where I messed up big time today. I got outside of ourselves."
David was in tears, as were many of his players. It was a tough way to end an otherwise successful season.
"This year we did something no one expected us to do," senior Dwight Goodman said. "I think we shocked the 3A. I think a lot of these young guys stepped up and a lot of them are going to be great players. Coach Bob did a great job this year. All the coaches did a great job and we're going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future."
An emotional Goodman said it is tough knowing he won't be able to come back and play with this team. Middleton also said it was tough to leave the field for the final time like that.
"This is the best team in the four years I've been on varsity, the tightest team..." he said. "It was a good season. The best season I've had."
David commended his young team all year for battling through a rough start and getting to host a playoff game.
"These kids just kept battling and they stayed positive and they kept good effort on the field," David said. "...We showed here for three quarters how much better we've gotten. I'm extremely proud of this group of boys. They played their hearts out. I love them to death."
GAME BALL
Ammon McKinlay. The Snowflake junior running back put the ball on the ground twice, losing one fumble, but made up for it. He ran for 231 yards on 31 carries and reached the end zone three times.
Class 1A state tournament
Semifinals
West Region No. 1 seed Bagdad and region No. 2 seed Orme School were eliminated from the bracket at Apache Junction High School on Saturday.
Bagdad lost 60-14 to North Region No. 2 seed Heber Mogollon, while Orme fell to North Region champ Joseph City, 64-20.
In Bagdad's loss, Zach Loveall threw for 242 yards on 17-of-32 passing with two touchdowns.
Dillon Jauregui was on the receiving end of both TD passes.
Justin Loveall led the defense with 12 tackles. Jon Irwin chipped in nine tackles and an interception.
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Article comment by:
no name
how many kids made the all-league team from Chino Valley
Posted: Sunday, November 08, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
The Bagdad Sultans did great all year, we are very proud of all of them.For a small school they are very talented and good sports.
Posted: Sunday, November 08, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Sorry to hear about your loss Dwight! You're one heck of a player. Hope to see you on the big screen some day soon. Keep your chin up and your hopes high! Your mom keeps us all up dated with your college activites.
Posted: Sunday, November 08, 2009
Article comment by:
Tom Neely
GOOD SEASON BOYS STARTED 1-4 FINISH MAKING PLAYOFFS THAT'S A team.
