Sunnyslope makes statement
For the second year in a row Phoenix Sunnyslope entered the Division II playoffs coming off of an undefeated regular season. Last year it ended with a loss to Glendale Deer Valley in the playoffs and this year the task did not get to any easier as defending champion Tucson Salpointe came to town.
The game was tied at 7-7 in the second quarter when a young Salpointe team started to make the mistakes that cannot be afforded when trying to win on the road. Two Lancer turnovers were converted into 14 points for the Vikings as the lead went 28-7 at halftime.
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Salpointe committed three more turnovers in the second half that were also turned into 14 points for Sunnyslope as the Vikings won 42-7 and advance to the second round of the playoffs.
The win was a statement for Sunnyslope who was only a 6 seed despite going 10-0 during the regular season. It was the first playoff win for the Vikings since 2006. The program is now 21-1 over the last two years after having a 8-22 record over the three previous seasons.
Sunnyslope is lead by a strong senior class including standouts like Tim Fryson, Jacob Eshelman, Mason Cheatham and Joey Smith.
The Vikings defense made a statement holding Salpointe (8-3), who averaged 31 points a game this year, to just 7 points.
It will not get any easier for Sunnyslope as they travel to play another perennial power in No. 3 seed Peoria Centennial (9-2) next week.
Game Highlights
Sunnyslope takes a 7-0 over Salpointe on this TD run @ArizonaVarsity 2:54 left in 1st q http://t.co/GIu9rts0RU- Kevin Stewart (@KevinPStewart) November 8, 2014
Sunnyslope back on top 14-7 over Salpointe after this 7 yd run. 8:48 left in the half @ArizonaVarsity http://t.co/qiazqcIZsS- Kevin Stewart (@KevinPStewart) November 8, 2014