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2004_news 2004_rosters 2004_scores 2004_stats
2004_merchandise

JEFF STANTON/Tucson Citizen
Sunnyside wide receiver Nathan Vega just misses a reception on this play as the ball managed to fly through his grasp in the end zone against Rincon. Behind him on the play is teammate Wally Altamirano (6).

Sunnyside's challenge: 'stay hungry' rest of way themselves


'We were pretty sloppy tonight,' says the winning QB after Rincon falls 42-6.

CASEY CROWE
Tucson Citizen

It's hard to imagine disappointment after a 36-point victory, but the unbeaten Sunnyside Blue Devils were in no mood to celebrate after a 42-6 romp over Rincon/University.

"We were pretty sloppy tonight," Sunnyside quarterback Jaime Cota said. "We can't be doing that at this time of year."

Cota, a senior, threw for 187 yards and four touchdowns, including an 82-yard strike to George Garza on the second play of the Class 4A Sonoran game.

But Rincon (7-2, 4-2) moved the ball at will on the ground, pounding out 236 rushing yards against the Blue Devils (9-0, 6-0).

If not for four first-half turnovers, the Rangers might have remained within striking distance of the state's No. 1 4A squad.

"We should know that we always have to stay hungry," Cota added. "There should be a thought in the back of everyone's mind that we can be beaten if we don't play our game."

The Blue Devils came out of the locker room on fire as Cota found Garza.

Rincon fumbled away the ensuing possession on its own 34, setting up Cota's second aerial TD, this time to wideout Aaron Garcia from 36 yards out.

The Rangers self-destructed again on their next series, resulting in another Cota TD pass, 30 yards to Anthony Duarte.

David Morales ran 79 yards as Sunnyside tacked on another touchdown to take a 28-0 first-quarter lead.

After that, the Blue Devils struggled to stop the Rangers' ground game as Rincon attacked the middle of the Blue Devils' defense.

Rincon's running back unit of Abelardo Llamas, David Malboeuf and Francis Ravenell combined for 184 yards on 43 carries, an average of better than 4 yards per touch.

But it wasn't enough to climb out of the Rangers' huge hole.

Sunnyside standout running back Xavier Smith did not play a down last night despite dressing in full pads.

It was a precaution as the Blue Devils prepare for the postseason.

"We're trying to make sure he's completely rested up for the playoffs," Cota said. "He's fine. We just don't need to get him all worked up for these last games."