Skyhawks make statement against WCHS

by Jason Stone
SurpriseLights.com
Oct. 12, 2007

Willow Canyon was hoping it would be able to make a statement against Deer Valley in the team’s crucial Week 7 Northwest Region matchup. Unfortunately for Wildcats fans, it was Deer Valley making the statement in Surprise.

Much like the way Willow Canyon stunned Boulder Creek with a five-minute scoring spurt in the third quarter last week, Deer Valley turned the trick on the Wildcats, scoring 37 straight points in a 37-7 victory.

Willow Canyon, which lost only its second game of the season, actually held a 7-0 lead in the first quarter after quarterback Trey Clarida connected on a 45-yard scoring pass to KC Simmons.

But it was all Deer Valley (4-3 overall, 2-0 Northwest Region) from that point on. First, the Skyhawks got on the scoreboard when Jim Goad scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Pearce Swerdfeger. The extra point failed to leave the score at 7-6.

A crucial fumble on Willow’s next possession gave Deer Valley the ball at the Wildcats’ 8-yard-line. After a series of penalties moved the ball back and fourth, Bryce Cooper rushed in to the end zone from 1-yard out to put Deer Valley up 12-7 after another missed conversion.

Deer Valley kept a hold on momentum on the ensuing kickoff when a massive hit on Willow Canyon’s kick returner forced the ball to roll 20 yards into the end zone where Clarida was tackled for a safety.

The Skyhawks then added more points when it took the free kick and scored again. This time, Jamaul Armstrong broke free for a 43-yard scoring scamper to put Deer Valley in control 21-7.

Willow Canyon was hoping to repeat its previous game, third-quarter magic, but it was not to be against the Skyhawks.

On the second play of the half, Deer Valley effectively wrapped up the game with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Swerdfeger to Alfred Bowden.

Deer Valley closed out the scoring with another touchdown and safety.

The Skyhawks held the Wildcats to a season-low 84 rushing yards on 40 carries. Daniel Torres had the most luck, rushing for 69 yards on 13 carries.

Willow Canyon only had two plays that gained double-digits in yards – Simmons’ TD catch and a 15-yard rush by Torres. 

Game Links
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