Freelance
TC Varsity
RODNEY HAAS
sports@tucsoncitizen.com
Clinging to a three-point lead and with opposing Sahuaro driving, Flowing Wells faced the possibility of its playoffs hopes disappearing.
That’s when Artie Carrera stepped up in the Class 4A Kino game Friday night.
Carrera’s interception with just over a minute left lifted the Caballeros to a 20-17 win over Sahuaro, improving Flowing Wells’ record to 5-4 and keeping its playoff dream alive.
“It really did save our playoffs at the end,” Carrera said about the interception. “It was pretty scary. I’m not going to lie, I was kind of scared but I knew that our D-line was going to get through and put pressure on the quarterback.”
Flowing Wells picked up its fifth win of the year for the first time since 2002. The Caballeros are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2001.
“We had a tough loss against them last year and this is one of the games that we needed to win to qualify for the state playoffs,” said quarterback Alex Zavala, who threw two touchdowns.
If Flowing Wells is to make the playoffs, it will have to beat 4A Kino leader Cienega next week.
Zavala ended the night completing seven of 12 passes for 128 yards, while Carrera caught two passes for 54 yards.
“He’s had a great season,” said Flowing Wells coach Mario Pina of Carrera. “He had the game-winning touchdown against Catalina in the first week of the season and he had a huge interception against Nogales and ran it back for a touchdown (last week).”
Sahuaro (2-7) was led by Craig Samoy’s two rushing touchdowns.
Carrera’s interception preserves Cabs’ playoff hopes