Coconino Loses Season Opener to Snowflake, 28-23

Coconino Panthers Fall Short Against Snowflake Krovo

In a thrilling finish at Cromer Stadium on August 29, Snowflake Krovo edged out the Coconino Panthers 28-23 after a back-and-forth fourth quarter.

Coconino wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Senior Dailan Carad electrified the crowd by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. It was quite the way to start a game.

However, the Snowflake offense struggled early on. Coconino’s defense put considerable pressure on Snowflake’s quarterback, Jacob Radoak, effectively stalling their early drive.

Sophomore quarterback Hendrix Atley commanded the field for Coconino, guiding the offense skillfully. Together with senior Dylan Buckley, they exposed some weaknesses in the Lobos defense, making substantial gains. Atley also showed his agility, extending plays and finding gaps.

Just moments into the first quarter, Buckley took a handoff at the goal line and powered through for a second touchdown, putting Coconino ahead 14-0.

Snowflake, however, began to find its rhythm in the second quarter. LaDuke and running back Brenner Green executed several long runs. In the Red Zone, with some pressure on Radoak, Green dashed in from 9 yards out and made a two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 14-8.

Coconino responded quickly, but the Lobos’ defense held firm, forcing the Panthers to settle for a field goal by Easton Kiros, ending the half at 17-8.

The third quarter saw Snowflake emphasize its ground game, yet it was a pivotal pass that turned the tide. On a third down, LaDuke threw a high pass over a defender, connecting with senior receiver Christian, just short of the end zone. Moments later, Radoak kept the ball and crossed into the end zone, closing the gap to 17-15.

The momentum shifted back and forth from there. After a costly fumble by Coconino’s tight end Ethan Jeffs during a punt, Snowflake gained favorable field position. Yet, kicker McCoy Norton was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, missing a key field goal attempt.

In a rare misstep for Atley, Snowflake defensive back Gion Jones intercepted a pass. Shortly after that, Greene found the end zone yet again, putting Snowflake ahead 22-17.

Throughout the fourth quarter, both teams exchanged drives. After Snowflake’s punt pushed Coconino deep into its own territory, Atley orchestrated another long drive. As the clock dwindled, he took a snap under pressure and connected with receiver Habib Asebal, who managed to slip into the end zone for another touchdown.

Initially, the play was called back for an illegal forward pass. However, after deliberation, officials reversed the decision, allowing Coconino to seize a 23-22 lead with just under three minutes left.

In the closing minutes, with Coconino needing a stop to secure the win, LaDuke linked up with Smith several times, moving Snowflake back into contention. Greene then made another dash into the end zone, pushing the score to 28-23, and it proved to be decisive.