Badgers Make it 2 of 3 This Week

Photo: Brinkley Larson is all smiles as she runs down the sideline during her pick-six in the third quarter

Brinkley Larson scored two touchdowns to lead the Prescott Badgers in a 21-0 win over the Monument Valley Mustangs. It was the third game in three days for the Badgers as they get ready to open Grand Canyon region play next week. 

The weather was questionable at game time but with dark clouds scattered about the game proceeded as planned. Monument Valley made the 4 hour plus trip down to Prescott and only managed a few yards as the Badger defense pitched their first shutout of the season. 

Photo: 14 Tori Davis bears down on the Mustangs QB

The Mustangs’ opening possession resulted in a punt. The Badgers started their opening drive near midfield and made it count.  Ellie Richards put Prescott on the board with a 2 yard run in the first quarter.

Photo: 17 Danika Phillips looks to get past the Monument Valley defender

Brinkley Larson scored the first of her 2 touchdowns when quarterback Rylee Hart connected with the senior receiver on a 4 yard pass. Larson, also the kicker, added the extra point as Prescott led 14-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, it was Larson again who stepped in front of the Monument Valley receiver on an out pattern, picking off the pass and flying down the near sideline 40 yards for the pick-six touchdown and a 21-0 lead.

The threatening skies finally had their way with 7:38 left in the 4th quarter. The emergency horn sounded the alert for every one that lightning was in the area and everyone needed to take shelter. As the players, coaches, officials and fans left to take cover, a flash or two of lightning and the sound of thunder echoed in the background.

Photo: 24 Mariah Smolnikar and Analise Sullivan get after the Mustangs quarterback

Since the weather radar showed increasing thunderstorm activity headed towards Prescott, the two coaches agreed to call it a game. The Badgers improve to (3-1) with the 21-0 win.

Prescott coach Ryan Hart said, “We felt good on offense and converted some third downs. We ran the ball well and had success in the passing game as well. Good team football, and saw an effort all around. We are trying to get more girls some playing time with the lead and that has led to some challenges. It was definitely not mistake free football on the aspect of the game, but we played well overall. There is a lot to build on going into the stretch of 4A tilts, including the big region games over the next few weeks. I am proud of this young team and hopeful we can continue to improve.”

Grand Canyon region play starts Monday at Mingus. Game time in Cottonwood is at 6pm.

PRESCOTT BADGERS 21, MONUMENT VALLEY MUSTANGS 0

Score by Quarters-      1        2         3        4    –     T

Monument Valley         0        0         0        0    –     0

Prescott                        7        7         7        0    –    21

Scoring Summary

P-Richards 2 yard run (Larson kick)

P-Larson 4 yard pass from Hart (Larson kick)

P-Larson 40 yard pass interception return (Larson kick)

FLAG FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

Prescott 21, Monument Valley 0

La Joya Community 10, Desert Edge 0

Saguaro 42, Tempe 0