Friday Night Lights: Week 4
Several weather cancellations leaves spotlight on Yuma battles
YUMA, Ariz., (KYMA, KECY) - With Tropical Storm Kay leaving sweeping remnants towards the desert southwest on Friday, several local teams got the week off - steering the spotlight on some premiere games in Yuma.
Those games featured the 62nd meeting between Yuma and Kofa, another blowout win for Yuma Catholic and Brawley still making the trip to Cibola for a cross-state matchup.
YUMA - 47 KOFA - 0
The longest running rivalry in the state of Arizona opened its next chapter at the newly named Curley Culp Memorial Stadium at Yuma High School.
The Criminals entered the night holding four straight wins over the Kings dating back to 2017 - which is the season Kofa last had a win. On top of that, the Crims have stolen eight out of the last 10 meetings since 2011.
And that momentum didn't change on Friday.
Bo Seibel's Criminals dominated on both sides of the ball in this one - pouring on 40+ points for the second straight week, while forcing three interceptions on defense.
Jesus Villapudua once again led the way on the ground, racking up 215 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Giovanni Robinson reeled in two grabs for 76 yards and touchdowns on both catches from Reggie Antone.
Yuma gets back to .500, while Kofa extends their losing streak to 37 games.
BRAWLEY - 36 CIBOLA - 0
In this cross-state meeting, both teams looked to bounce back after losses last week. Brawley entered the night losing two straight at home, while the Raiders lost their opening game to Imperial.
In the end, a major turning point was special teams in Brawley's favor.
The Wildcats were able to score touchdowns on both a bad snap and a blocked punt - opening the door for them to pounce all over the Raiders.
Brawley gets back to .500 and Cibola falls to 0-2.
"We have to be more consistent and focus on our responsibility. Our first drive we did pretty well moving the ball, taking what was available, and executing at a high level. We didn't come away with a score but the things we did well on that drive showed that we have the ability when we focus and execute," from Cibola head coach Kasey Koepplin.
YUMA CATHOLIC - 54 RIVER VALLEY - 19
The Shamrocks continued their winning ways from last week, pouring it on the visiting Dust Devils after getting off to a 20-0 lead through one quarter.
It was the air raid from Yuma Catholic that set the bar early on, along with a suffocating defense that forced River Valley quarterback Gavin Hogencamp to run for his life all night.
Richard Stallworth spread the rock around, hitting nine different receivers throughout the first half - connecting with Logan Rush, Darryl Coleman and Dion Quintana in the endzone as part of their 27-0 halftime lead.
Stallworth did throw a couple interceptions before the half was over trying to force more big plays - but in the end totaled seven touchdowns and over 450 yards, hitting Landen Urquijo, Jace Seal and Darryl Coleman again in the endzone in the second half.
The Rocks travel to Lake Havasu next week.
CALEXICO - 55 O'FARRELL CHARTER - 0 (Thurs.)
The Bulldogs continued their winning ways on Thursday - now outscoring their last three opponents 134-39 after that wild 14-12 overtime win in a two-part week one over Palo Verde.
The defense shined again with their physicality, holding the Falcons to nothing on the scoreboard, including a scoop and score from Andrew Rivera.
That defense turned into offense, as well. Six different players scored in a lethal rushing attack - including standout Zeus Pradis, Sean Torres, Andres Castro, Luis Acela, Leo Canchola (2) and a receiving touchdown from David Esquer to Andrew Rivera.
The Bulldogs (4-0) now await a highly anticipated battle at home with Holtville next week - who could also start 4-0 with a win on Saturday.
They split last season with the Bulldogs running away with the bigger one - a win in the CIF Division Five Quarterfinals.
PALO VERDE - 55 SAN JACINTO VALLEY - 8
Wally Grant's Yellow Jackets continue their success with a powerhouse backfield, tallying a third straight win.
They will be back at home next week in a meeting with the 2-0 Imperial Tigers.
MOUNTAINSIDE - 36 SAN PASQUAL - 0
The Warriors take a beating in their second game after snagging their first win since 2017 last week.
They will get back at it at home next week in a meeting with Arete Prep.
POSTPONED GAMES:
Here's a list of the games that were postponed Friday/already scheduled for Saturday. FNL is waiting to hear if some of them will be made up later on.
Vincent Memorial vs Castle Park - TBD
Calipatria vs Saint Jeanne - TBD
Central at Otay Ranch - TBD
Imperial at Valley Center - Saturday
Antelope at Glendale Prep - Saturday
Holtville vs CETY'S - Saturday
