Southwood JH Football Defeats Maconaquah
The Southwood junior high football team defeated Maconaquah 36-16 Tuesday.
1st Quarter: Southwood’s opening drive showcased their methodical approach as they sustained a slow drive down the field. The drive culminated in a 26-yard touchdown run by #30, Pancho Lopez. Quarterback #15, Blake Henderson, connected with Pancho Lopez for a two-point conversion, giving Southwood an early 8-0 lead. Maconaquah responded swiftly as #37 found an open lane and dashed for a 63-yard touchdown run. The successful two-point conversion tied the score at 8-8. Southwood wasted no time and embarked on another sustained drive, allowing Pancho Lopez to break free for a 31-yard touchdown run, while #35, Camden Wyatt, converted the two-point attempt, giving Southwood a 16-8 lead.
2nd Quarter: Maconaquah once again had a rapid response as #37, once more, exploited an opening, racing for a 64-yard touchdown run and converting the two-point play. The score was now tied at 16-16. Southwood’s defense found an opportunity to shine as #24, Kaden Valdez, forced a fumble and recovered it at the 50-yard line with 3:08 left in the second quarter. Capitalizing on the short field, Southwood surged ahead as Pancho Lopez recorded a 30-yard touchdown run, extending the Knights’ lead to 22-16. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Southwood’s defense continued to impress, forcing another fumble, this time recovered by Pancho Lopez at the 37-yard line. Pancho Lopez once again found the end zone, this time with a 38-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good, and Southwood led 28-16 at halftime.
3rd Quarter: Maconaquah had possession to start the second half and embarked on a marathon drive that consumed the entire third quarter. While Southwood’s defense prevented big plays, Maconaquah continued to move the chains.
4th Quarter: Southwood’s defense came up big during Maconaquah’s extended drive, with Caden Valadez recording a crucial 16-yard sack that halted Maconaquah’s progress and resulted in a turnover on downs. With the ball back in their hands, Southwood’s Kaden Valdez broke free on a 40-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the victory. Maconaquah managed to score on their final drive, but Southwood’s #20, Tyson Chambers, came down with an interception that sealed the Knights’ decisive 36-16 victory.
Southwood showcased both offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, ultimately securing a well-earned win in this combined 7th and 8th-grade battle.
Following the conclusion of the combined 7th and 8th-grade game, a special extra quarter was played, giving the 7th graders a well-deserved opportunity to showcase their skills. Here’s how the extra quarter unfolded:
1st Quarter (Extra Time): This additional quarter provided many 7th graders with a chance to hit the field and display their dedication and hard work. Number 22, Dylan Hurst, made an impact right away, taking the handoff and turning upfield for an impressive 28-yard run. The drive was brought to a satisfying conclusion by #18, Karsten Updike, who sprinted to the outside and cut upfield for an 8-yard touchdown. Bray Bessette connected with #14, Cade Pershing, on the two-point conversion. On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights’ defense stepped up, shutting down their opponent. #58, Zac DeVore, made a crucial contribution with a sack, resulting in a loss of -6 yards. As the defense regained possession, the clock ticked away, and the 7th graders concluded the extra quarter with an 8-0 lead.
