SUNNYSIDE 55, CASA GRANDE 0
Sunnyside dominates Casa Grande
Blue Devils' defense yields just 5 yards
ASH FRIEDERICH
Tucson Citizen

The Sunnyside High School football team spent its first seven games trying to find the right combination of players to make a deep run into the playoffs.


With three games left in the regular season, the Blue Devils may have found the right mix - especially on defense - after a 55-0 win over Casa Grande in a Class 5A nonleague game.

Sunnyside tailback Manny Aguilar scored five touchdowns, and the Blue Devils' defense held Casa Grande to only 5 yards of total offense, allowing the Cougars to cross the 50 twice.

"Our defense played well," Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez said. "It's late in the year, but we're still trying to find the guys that we want going into the playoffs on the field."

Sunnyside registered five sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Malik Parra helped set the tone early by intercepting a Jose Perales pass and returning it 20 yards for a touchdown to put Sunnyside (5-2) up 14-0.

"I have to give credit to the (defensive) line. They got pressure to the quarterback and that helped me," Parra said. "I also got linebacker help and read (the pass) right away. Right when I got the (ball), I felt it and thought 'I'm going all the way.' "

While the Sunnyside defense gave Perales fits all night, Aguilar punished Casa Grande (3-4) with 131 yards on 25 carries. His five TDs were a personal best.

"Our line blocked really well and as a team, we came out to play," Aguilar said. "It feels great. I give credit to the receivers and the (offensive) line for helping me. It was the team, not just me."

After a blocked punt, Aguilar scored his second TD of the night to put Sunnyside up 28-0.

"For the first time all season, we gave our offense a short field (to work with)," Sanchez said. "They didn't have to drive 80 yards. We just take one game at time and we are getting better each week."