FRANCISCO MEDINA/Tucson Citizen

Sunnyside's David Morales (28) moves the ball in the first half against Mingus Friday night.

Sunnyside defense dominates, runs over Mingus

Greg Salvatore
Special for The Republic
Nov. 22, 2003 12:00 AM

TUCSON - The Tucson Sunnyside Blue Devils had been playing well lately, winning nine games in a row, but they hadn't played as complete a game as they did in defeating Cottonwood Mingus 55-7 Friday night.

Sunnyside will take on top-seeded Scottsdale Chaparral next Friday. Chaparral beat Sunnyside 41-14 on Sept. 5.

The No. 5 Blue Devils' defense was dominant, as No. 13 Mingus made it into the red zone only three times: the opening drive, which ended on a missed field goal; a touchdown drive at the end of the first half; and another missed field goal in the fourth.

On offense, Sunnyside attacked with several running backs, keeping the clock - and the scoreboard - moving all night. Tailback Xavier Smith carried the ball 13 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns, including a 51-yard score on Sunnyside's first possession of the second half.

"We knew it would be a tough game, but we didn't know (we would score 55)," Smith said. "Our (offensive) line came out and dominated. I did my job, and they did their job."

The rest of the Blue Devils' rushing attack came from tailback David Morales, who carried the ball five times for 48 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Mike Villalobos (58 yards and a touchdown on two reverse plays).

On defense, Sunnyside was in the Mingus backfield throughout the game, sacking John Wixom four times.

The biggest player for the Sunnyside defense was one of the smallest. Outside linebacker Marco Aranda (5 feet 10, 155 pounds) had three sacks.

"Marco came in free, and they weren't picking him up," Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez said. "If they are not picking him up, we're going to keep bringing him through that hole."