Sunnyside's offense holds back Mountain Pointe defenders as Jovan Stevenson makes his way toward the end zone in the second quarter.

RENEE BRACAMONTE/Tucson Citizen

Once calmed down, Valdez leads Devils

Wet field forces game to move to Amphi
RAYMOND SUAREZ
Tucson Citizen

A pair of seniors helped Sunnyside win a "home" game against Phoenix Mountain Pointe on Friday night.

The Blue Devils (2-0) had to play at Amphi because of poor field conditions at Sunnyside, but they still won 35-14.

Sunnyside senior quarterback Jamie Valdez rushed for 108 yards, and senior running back Jovan Stevenson added 97.

"I like running the ball, but I can do it all over the field," Stevenson said. "I want to touch to the ball somehow, some way."

Valdez struggled early, throwing two interceptions. But he recovered just before halftime and led his team to a pair of scores to help the Blue Devils take a 21-7 lead at the break.

First, he scored on a 2-yard run. After Mountain Pointe fumbled on its next drive, Valdez connected with Billy Gonzales on the first play for a 15-yard score.

"My coach calmed me down," Valdez said. "He said, 'You know what you got to do. Correct your mistakes and just go out there and lead the team.' "

Valdez finished with 130 passing yards to go with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

"That's one kid (Valdez) that we just have to slow down. We found out last week, he just gets so excited," coach Richard Sanchez said. "His momentum and adrenaline start going, and he's overthrowing."