No. 17 Sahuarita battled turnovers and wet weather in a 47-26 loss at No. 16 Coconino on Friday night, ending the Mustangs’ first football playoff run in a decade.
Sahuarita trailed 7-0 after the first quarter before Coconino senior linebacker Tate Jones intercepted a pass on the first play of the second quarter. The takeaway was the first of three interceptions — and six total turnovers forced — by the Panthers. Jones returned the ball to the Sahuarita 25-yard line, setting up a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Bryce Passalacqua to put Coconino up 14-0. The Mustangs answered when junior quarterback Dane Hartnett connected with Roman Tellez II on a long pass, but the Panthers forced a fumble on the next snap. Ten seconds later, wide receiver Caleb Briggs broke free for a 70-yard touchdown reception to stretch the lead to 21-0.