Winslow Bulldogs defeat Monument Valley Mustangs

KAYENTA, Ariz. - The Winslow Bulldogs broke up a close game in the fourth quarter and routed the Monument Valley Mustangs 37-12 in a 3A North Region football game played at Kayenta on Friday. The win ended Winslow's regular season with an 8-2 record and a perfect 6-0 regional record. Monument Valley fell to 6-3 for the season and 4-2 in the region.

The game was close for the first three periods but a number of turnovers were turned into points for the Bulldogs in the final period to turn the game into a rout. Monument Valley had played well enough to look like the playoff team they probably will be for the first three quarters but offensive mistakes led to quick fourth quarter points by the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs drove 73 yards in 10 plays and scored the first touchdown of the game on a three yard run by Wendell Carter with just over five minutes left in the first period. The kick failed and Winslow led 6-0.

Jevon Estelle intercepted pass moments later and the Bulldogs scored on a 15 yard pass from Kraig Shirley to Bubba Cuellar. The two point conversion try failed and Winslow led 12-0.

Monument Valley got back within six points of the Bulldogs on a 26 yard pass from Natayo Herrera to Alan Todacheenie with just over a minute left in the first quarter. The Mustang conversion attempt failed and Winslow led 12-6 when the first quarter ended.

Shirley connected with Johnny Woods from seven yards out early in the second quarter to increase the lead to 18-6 after the two point conversion attempt failed again. The rest of the first half was scoreless and the Bulldogs took their 18-6 lead to the locker room.

The Bulldogs had a touchdown on a pass from Shirley to Cuellar negated by a penalty midway through the third quarter. Winslow had hit a crucial fourth down pass to keep the drive alive, but lost the ball when another fourth down pass was incomplete.

The Bulldog defense held at the 50 yard line and took the ball on downs but had a punt blocked. Winslow held again on downs and had the ball starting the final period with an 18-6 lead.

Winslow got inside the Mustang 10 yard line but lost the ball on downs. Cuellar intercepted a Mustang pass and returned it to the 15 yard line. Shirley hit Jevon Estelle on a 14 yard pass that increased the lead to 24-6 after the conversion failed with less than seven minutes left to play.

Shirley intercepted a pass and set up Winslow's next score. Carter ran the final 20 yards to score. The conversion failed but the lead was a substantial 30-6.

The rout was on as James Martinez intercepted another Monument Valley pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Aaron Martin booted the first successful conversion for a 37-6 lead.

Monument Valley got the final score of the game on a 41 yard pass from Alan Todacheenie to Pearson Bronston with just six seconds left in the game.

Winslow is expected to host a playoff game on Saturday against an opponent to be named later. Holbrook will likely be a playoff team as the Roadrunners were second in the region. Monument Valley will probably be a playoff team and open on the road. Holbrook might host a playoff game but is more likely to open on the road. 

No other 3A North Region team has any chance to make the playoffs.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read