Citizen Staff Writer
SUNNYSIDE 49 RINCON/UNIVERSITY 0
ASH FRIEDERICH
sports@tucsoncitizen.com
When the Sunnyside High School football team lost to Salpointe six weeks ago, the playoffs were the last thing the Blue Devils were pondering.
But after six straight wins, Sunnyside is ready to focus on the postseason.
The Blue Devils wrapped up the regular season with a 49-0 win at Rincon/University on Friday.
Sunnyside (8-2, 3-0) will host a game next week in the first round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs.
The playoff pairings will be announced Saturday.
“We’re just trying to take one game at a time,” Sunnyside defensive lineman Mark Leal said.
“We went all out (against Rincon) and treat every game like it’s a playoff game. We’ve come together more as a team.”
Sunnyside didn’t let Rincon/University gain momentum and never let the Rangers cross midfield.
“(Rincon) came out hard and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” said Sunnyside running back Manny Aguilar, who had touchdown runs of 8, 11 and 9 yards.
“Our defense did a heck of a job and gave us a short field. We’ve been challenging ourselves and coming together off the field.”
Aguilar scored his final touchdown early in the second quarter before being removed from the game.
Aguilar rushed for 124 yards on 14 carries.
The Rangers finished with a 2-8 mark after winning their first two games.
Rincon/University went 0-3 in league play.
“It’s been a long season and (this) isn’t how you want to see it end,” said Rincon/University quarterback Devin Stewart, who finished with 27 rushing yards.
“Execution has killed us this year,” Stewart said.
“We have bursts of potential, but sometimes we just couldn’t get it together.”
Trailing 42-0, Rincon/University appeared to end the shutout when Aaron Ravenell broke free a 75-yard run for a touchdown.
But a block in the back canceled the score and three plays later, the Rangers had to punt.
Sunnyside outgained Rincon/University 428-76.
Blue Devils quarterback Jesus Vega completed 6 of 7 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.