Citizen Staff Writer
SALPOINTE CATHOLIC 50 TUCSON HIGH 3
STEPHEN SHARPTON
sports@tucsoncitizen.com
It was a battle for Class 5A Southern Division I supremacy between teams that took different paths during the season.
Salpointe rolled most of the season, taking one misstep against Ironwood Ridge. Tucson High was battling for its first region title in years.
It was no surprise that experience triumphed over youth as the host Lancers topped the Badgers 50-3, winning the region title and securing a chance for at least two home games in the 5A-I playoffs.
Everything seemed to move with precision for the Lancers (9-1, 3-0).
“Well, we’re clicking,” Salpointe coach Dennis Bene said. “We had a really good week of practice. . . . We’re just gonna take it a game at a time.
“There are so many good teams and so much parity. Momentum is huge, and when you see your players . . . celebrating with their buddies, it’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Salpointe jumped on the board quickly against Tucson High (5-5, 2-1), when Jacob Llamas caught a 7-yard strike from Tyler Eggleston on the first drive. Eggleston had few troubles with the Badgers’ pass rush in the first half, passing for 241 yards and two touchdowns as the Lancers exploded for a 42-3 lead. Mike Desciciolo caught seven passes for 145 yards and a score, and ran for a 27-yard TD.
Salpointe’s defense also was up to the task, holding Peter Borquez to 63 yards passing.
Tucson High had clinched its first playoff berth in 20 years before the game. “Our kids came out and fought hard, but I think they got a little overwhelmed by the situation,” Tucson High coach Vincent Smith said.