Snowflake rallies to beat Blue Ridge for eighth consecutive time in 3A Highway 77 rivalry

The Lobos rallied from a 21-10 fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Yellow Jackets 22-21 — their eighth consecutive victory in the series.

Week 3’s slate of rivalry games extended to the 3A ranks Friday when Snowflake made the 30-mile drive down Highway 77 to Blue Ridge for the 51st meeting between the East Region foes.

The Lobos rallied from a 21-10 fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Yellow Jackets 22-21 — their eighth consecutive victory in the series.

“This was a great win for us,” said Snowflake coach Kay Solomon. “I’ve coached up here for quite a few years and come away on the losing end of a lot of these games in Lakeside. It’s always very competitive against them. We’re extremely happy to come out of there with a win.”

Blue Ridge recovered a muffed punt late in the third quarter and pushed its lead to 21-10 with 10 minutes to go on a 12-yard touchdown run by Damon Mitchell.

On the ensuing possession, three-year starting quarterback Caden Cantrell hit Terren Green on a screen pass, and Green did the rest, scampering 70 yards for a touchdown that swung the momentum back in the Lobos’ favor.

After forcing a punt, the Lobos drove down the field, converting on fourth-and-6 in the red zone before Cantrell, who’s been hobbled by a hip flexor injury, scored from four yards with 2:50 left.

“It’s been a good run,” Solomon said. “I’m just glad we could extend it. They’re a good team. We might just see them again down the road.”

— René Ferrán

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