Willow Canyon loses regular-season finale 

by Jason Stone / SurpriseLights.com

NOV. 2, 2007 -- Willow Canyon did its best to earn a first-round home game in the playoffs, but Goldwater had other ideas.

The Wildcats attempted two rallies against Goldwater in the regular season's final game, but Willow Canyon ultimately came up short in a 35-21 loss to the Bulldogs.

Instead of finishing in the top 8 of the state, which would have earned the Wildcats a home game in the playoffs, the Cats will now try their luck on the road. Goldwater (7-3) will also be on the road for the playoffs. Coincidentally, both teams are headed to Tucson -- Willow Canyon to Ironwood Ridge, Goldwater to Sunnyside.

Willow Canyon still finished with its most wins ever, topping last year's four-win total. The Wildcats also ended the season with a winning record in the region for the first time (3-2 Northwest).

Goldwater's running game had a big night against Willow Canyon as two Bulldogs running backs topped the 100-yard mark. C.J. Morgan, who rushed for 164 yards and the game's opening touchdown, and Bobby Tomas (110 rushing yards) were hard to stop.

Morgan's first-quarter touchdown run, followed by Fred Harvey's 1-yard plunge early in the second quarter put Goldwater up 14-0.

But two quick strikes to Chris Robinson changed the game in a hurry. The first TD pass came two minutes after Goldwater's score as Joey Cota hit Robinson on a 38-yard halfback pass play.

Less than three minutes later, Robinson scored on a 29-yarder the conventional way -- a pass thrown by quarterback Trey Clarida. A missed point-after left the score at 14-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Goldwater tried to get some separation again, only to see Willow Canyon hang around. Goldwater scored two third-quarter touchdowns, including a second TD run from Morgan, to go back up 28-13.

But just when it seemed Willow Canyon might be done a touchdown and a 2-point conversion with 6:50 left in the game made it 28-21.

Goldwater was able to ice the game late, however, as Morgan broke off his third touchdown run of the game -- this one a 47-yarder that was the nail in the coffin for the Wildcats.

Willow Canyon was lucky to hang around as long as it did. The Wildcats were outgained in the game 403-207.