Badgers Blank Mingus 19-0

Photo:1 Rianna Aguilar gets the pass away as 8 Kambra Hahn closes in

The Prescott Badgers came up with some big plays in beating the Mingus Marauders 19-0 at Prescott High School.

Mingus moved the ball early but their drive came to an end just inside Badger territory. Prescott’s first possession actually went backwards on their opening drive forcing a punt and a key play in the game.

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The Badgers picked up a big momentum swing early when Rianna Aguilar put her foot into a punt that the Mingus returner could not get back to before it hit the ground and rolled. The returner picked up the rolling ball and retreated further back in hopes to get around the coverage but Addy Brandon was in hot pursuit and pulled the flags in the end zone for a 2-0 lead. It gave Prescott a boost early. Brandon said, “I was not sure at first when the ball dropped if they play was still going, so I just kept going at her. I was surprised she kept drifting further back and into the end zone. I just went at her and grabbed the flag. I really didn’t know if it was going to be a safety when I pulled it, but I was happy it was. I was pretty excited and it made me feel like I started off the game really strong.”

Aguilar got the offense going late in the second quarter and scored on an 8 yard run and the kick by Mallory Walsh made it 9-0 with just under three minutes left in the first half.

Mingus tried to get on the board at the end of the quarter but a field goal attempt went wide and short to end the half.

Photo: 8 Aubrey Kitahata was focused as the pass came to her. Once caught she spun and went the distance for a touchdown.

Prescott took the ball to start the third quarter and for a moment were in deep trouble. The ball was at their own 18 when Aguilar rolled out to her right and threw a pass over the outstretched hands by the Marauder defender to Aubrey Kitahata who bolted down the near sidelines for an 82 yard scoring strike. Kitahata said about the catch, “I saw the ball and the girl coming and once it got to me I caught it and turned. At first I could hear her breathing right behind me but I was able to get some distance from her as I kept running till I reached the end zone.” About the win Kitahata added, “This was a big win. We needed to play a team that really wants to fight against us and they did that. We stayed really determined and I think that it was we needed.”

Photo: 2 Sofia Pagniano comes after Mingus quarterback Rory Murphy

The Marauders once again felt the pressure of the Badgers defense especially from Olivia Raber, who spent a lot of her night on the heels of the Mingus QB. “It was a lot of reading of where their quarterback was wanting to go and getting around those blocks. It feels really good to get this win because this is the first game that we felt a little nervous and having to put out more effort against a good opponent.”

Mallory Walsh added a little frosting on the cake with a fourth quarter field goal to make it 19-0.

Photo: The Badgers celebrate the Aguilar touchdown

Rianna Aguilar closed the game out with an interception at the goal line, but returned the ball out to past the twenty. Prescott ran a couple plays then took a knee to end the game. Aguilar was 5-13-0 128 yards and a TD and also led the team in rushing with 32 yards and a touchdown. The Badger QB said, “It was a very big win. We had a couple of hiccups early but we made some big plays and that was the difference.”

Aubrey Kitahata had 3 receptions with 98 yards and one TD Maggie Maneely caught 2 for 68 yards and also one interception.

Defensively, Prescott was led by Lucy Zembik with 8 tackles, 2 sacks. Olivia Raber had 6 and a sack. Sofia Pagniano had 3 and a sack.

It was another shutout that has defensive coordinator Lamont Dupree proud of the team. The Badgers have yet to give up a point through five games this season, including a season opening goose egg for last years 4A champion St. Mary’s. Dupree said, “We like to bring pressure and we run almost a college defense. It is a really fun defense. The girls play hard and challenge themselves to be better every game.”

Head Coach Ryan Hart said, “This was a big win. This one had me nervous coming in because we know they are a good team and were going to challenge us throughout. They have been playing good football, shutting people out, and we worked extremely hard and were able to get the win. I am proud of the girls and their effort and toughness tonight.”

Prescott (5-0) will host Dysart (1-4) tonight at 6pm.

PRESCOTT BADGERS 19, MINGUS MARAUDERS 0

Score by Quarters- 1 2 3 4 – T

Pinnacle 0 0 0 0 – 0

Prescott 2 7 7 3 – 19

Scoring Summary

P-Brandon tackle in end zone (Walsh kick)

P-Aguilar 8 yard run (Walsh kick)

P-Kitahata 82 yard pass from Aguilar (Walsh kick)

P-Walsh 26 yard Field Goal

GRAND CANYON REGION STANDINGS

School- W-L W-L