WSSARIZONA

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – 5A Notre Dame Prep traveled to face Sunnyslope in their week 2 matchup that began with both teams starting undefeated. After dominant performances on the ground from both backs, Notre Dame Prep prevailed, scoring 14 in the third quarter winning 30-29.

Though it was a victory for the Saints, their passing offense looked sloppy and inefficient, only posting 74 yards in 22 attempts and a 45 completion percentage. The game was mostly played on the ground, including over 600 yards rushing on the game between both teams.

Stand out rusher and game leader from the Saints, ‘27 RB/SS Decker Haskins-Smith led the way for Notre Dame Prep with 212 rushing yards and a touchdown in just 17 carries. Alongside him was ‘29 WR/DB Brody Powers, who ran it in for 2 touchdowns in just 4 carries on the night.

In a close 1 point loss for Sunnyslope, the rushing offense looked elite and carried the offense down the field all night. The passing offense was slow and not really consistent all game for the Vikings in which ‘27 QB Royce Vanacore passed for less than 100 yards.

On the rushing side for Vanacore, his duality allowed him to break off for plenty of runs throughout the game, leading to him leading his team with 164 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Yet Vanacore was not alone, ‘27 RB Kelton Rogers was another 100+ yard rusher, running for 136 yards and a touchdown of his own in just 20 attempts. Alongside Rogers’ rushing, he caught 3 passes 31 yards receiving and a touchdown, along with 15 yards returning, bringing his all purpose yards to 182.

In a game which had both teams moving the ball relentlessly on the ground, the Saints ultimately took the victory due to their 14 point third quarter, rushing 2 in. As the game came to a close, both teams respectively tried to march down the field to at least get in field goal range. Yet no team was successful and the fourth remained scoreless in a defensive quarter, capped off with a blocked field goal.