Blue Devils wear down Lions with run game
By Michael Luke
Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.25.2008

The Sunnyside Blue Devils moved to 6-2 on the season with a 56-14 win over host Mountain View on Friday night.

The Blue Devils, led by a potent rushing attack, racked up a total of 365 yards in the teams' 5A-II Southern Region opener.

Throughout the first half Sunnyside took advantage of Mountain View's mistakes. Turnovers and dropped passes plagued the Mountain Lions (3-5, 0-1) all night.

Sunnyside used a crushing run game to methodically march down the field on its first possession. A 4-yard touchdown run by Manny Aguilar capped the march.

"We came out and executed and were able to run the ball," Aguilar said.

"The line did a great job and we were working with a short field offensively all night, so you really have to credit the defense."

On their next possession the Lions went for it on fourth down and converted from their own 44. But they later fumbled on the goal line and Sunnyside recovered. It was a recurring pattern for Mountain View all evening.

Offensively Mountain View appeared out of sync. Most of its rushing attempts resulted in negative yardage.

The Lions were outgained on the ground 245 to 41 by Sunnyside.

Mountain View had a little more success through the air than on the ground, accumulating 235 yards.

But the Lions never managed to get the passing game going consistently, racking up most of their yards on a few big plays.

Defensively the Lions couldn't stop the Blue Devils on the ground, which was just fine with Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez.

"The first thing we want to do is run the ball. Then we'll take what the defense gives us," said Sanchez. "We ran well and were able to throw it a little bit.

"Next week we'll be able to tell if we're getting better. We play Ironwood Ridge (7-1) and they're outstanding. They are well coached and have some excellent players."