Slow-starting Sunnyside readies for Salpointe, routs Phoenix foe
Reserve back, defense lead way for Blue Devils
By Brett Booen
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.20.2008

The first 25 plays definitely did not look like Sunnyside's third game of the season with a region game against Salpointe Catholic looming next week.

That was until the host Blue Devils (2-1) got back into form with an 18-yard touchdown run by Alfred Leon on the 26th play from scrimmage after a Phoenix Central turnover.

Sunnyside eventually coasted to an easy 42-0 victory over Central (0-3) in the last tuneup before the Blue Devils open the 5A Southern Region II at home against the Lancers.

The Blue Devils first two possessions were highlighted by three dropped passes, a nearly fumbled punt and an injury to starting running back Manny Aguilar that sent him to a hospital.

Aguilar went out for a pass and had the ball bounce off of a finger, which forced the senior to the sideline.

"He had to go get his finger stitched up," said Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez.

Sanchez said the starter would be back in the lineup next week.

Leon, a junior, stepped up in Aguilar's absence and led all rushers with 8 carries for 77 yards and two scores.

"You just have to trust your guys," said Leon. "I just hit the hole and I saw my receivers had some good blocks so I just followed them," he said.

Sunnyside held the Bobcats to three first downs and 18 total yards of offense.

Probably the most interesting play of the night came in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter with the crowd chanting, "Bring on Salpointe." Sunnyside led 42-0.

Sanchez ran his field goal team onto the field with 15 seconds remaining to mimic what would be a last-second attempt. Hector Solis lined it up and kicked it as time expired.

It missed wide right.