Photo: Delainey Courtney with the game winning kick
In their toughest battle yet, the Prescott Badgers needed a late fourth quarter field goal by Delainey Courtney to get by the Coconino Panthers 17-14, in a tight region battle on Bill Shepard Field.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Badgers took the lead in exciting fashion when it looked like the Panthers were about to take the lead. Maggie Maneely had other plans and stepped in front of the receiver, taking the ball 100 yards in the opposite direction in the ultimate pick-six. Courtney added the extra point for a 7-0 Badger lead two minutes into the second quarter.
The Panthers tied the score when Lucy Stiegler caught a short one yard pass from Blanca Gomez. Wylan Smith added the extra point to tie the game at seven with just under two minutes left in the first half.
Coconino took the lead when Blanca Gomez scrambled and scored on a 10 yard run to take a 14-7 with 2:45 left in the third quarter.
The Badgers scored to pull within one at 14-13 with six minutes remaining when Mallory Walsh caught the shovel pass from Rianna Aguilar scoring from nine yards out. Prescott elected to kick the extra point from the 10 yard line instead of the traditional 5 yard line, thinking they would get two points if successful. Delainey Courtney made it easily and the Badgers took a 15-14 lead with six minutes remaining. But not so fast. The officials discussed the play and determined the kick was not for two points, but just one. So the scoreboard changed to 14-14.
Prescott was not swayed by the change in score and held the Panthers and got the ball back with determination to take the lead. After the drive stalling with :36 left, Courtney calmly split the uprights from 37 yards out for what would be the game winning kick. Coconino got the ball for three plays, but ran out of time.
Photo: Mallory Walsh about to score the fourth quarter touchdown as she would get past 2 Mia Pozar
Rianna Aguilar was 10-18 for just 57 yards with the touchdown pass and two interceptions. Aguilar also led the team in rushing with 53. Courtney led the team in tackles with 12, Daria Young had 11. Courtney and Olivia Raber also had a sack each.
The Badgers picked off the Panther QB three times, one each by Alaina Gilray, Daria Young, and Maggie Maneely with the big 100 yard pick-six.
Delainey Courtney said, “I was so nervous. I went up on fourth down and asked the coach if we were going to kick it and he said yes. So I went out and took a couple of deep breaths and made it. I was so happy that I was able to come through for our team. It was a really tough game, but fun too since they were a good passing team.”
Coach Ryan Hart said, “We didn’t get into a groove on offense, but were able to get what we needed. The girls showed a lot of grit tonight. Our defense was able to get some pressure on them and that made a big difference stopping them on key possessions and getting that pick-six. We were really proud to close it out against a very good Coconino team.” About the extra point kick confusion, Hart added, “We are all learning out here this year, including the officials. They explained the interpretation of the rule and we all moved on.”
The Badgers (7-0) will travel to Mayer to face the Wildcats on Tuesday at 6pm.
Coconino drops to (5-2).
PRESCOTT BADGERS 17, COCONINO PANTHERS 14
Score by Quarters- 1 2 3 4 – T
Coconino 0 7 7 0 – 14
Prescott 0 7 0 10 – 17
Scoring Summary
P-Maneely 100 yard pass interception (Courtney kick)
C-Stiegler 1 yard pass from Gomez (Smith kick)
C-Gomez 10 yard run (Smith kick)
P-Walsh 10 yard pass from Aguilar (Courtney kick)
P-Courtney 37 yard Field Goal
SCOREBOARD
Prescott 17, Coconino 14
Bradshaw Mountain 37, Mayer 0
Arete Prep 3, Valley Christian 0
Benjamin Franklin 36, Palo Verde Magnet 12
Campo Verde 31, AZ College Prep 7
Casteel 24, Boulder Creek 3
Crismon 20, Eastmark 17
Deer Valley 38, Tempe 7
Hamilton 42, Higley 0
Heritage Academy Laveen 16, Paradise Honors 0
Highland 35, Mesa 0
Lake Havasu 49, Copper Canyon 8
Mingus 7, Flagstaff 5
Monument Valley 28, Page 6
Mountain View Marana 31, Vista Grande 0
Scottsdale Christian 28, Saguaro 3
St. John Paul II 17, Agua Fria 0
Thunderbird 40, Barry Goldwater 20
Tolleson 30, Westview 27
MOUNTAIN SKY REGION STANDINGS
School- W-L W-L
Prescott 2-0 7-0
Mingus 2-0 4-1
Coconino 1-1 5-2
Bradshaw Mountain 1-1 2-6
Flagstaff 0-2 2-5
Mayer 0-2 0-7
Note: AIA rankings will be released on October 22
