The Coconino Panthers got back onto the field Saturday after being sidelined from their second brush with COVID. The Panthers started slow and trailed Lee Williams 10-2 at halftime, but rallied to knock off the Volunteers on Homecoming 29-10. In the first quarter, it was clear that both teams were feeling each other out as the game was tied 0-0. Coconino wrestled with penalties early on coming in having only played two games. The Panthers would strike first however, thanks to a forced fumble by junior Griffin Benedict that forced Lee Williams to kick the ball out of the end zone for a safety to lead 2-0. The only time Lee Williams found the end zone was on a reverse trick play where freshman wide receiver Reilly Feil threw to wide-open sophomore receiver Devin White for a 57-yard touchdown as the Vols take the lead 7-2. Lee Williams added a field goal to head to halftime up 10-2. The second half was all Coconino, as they ran the ball to wear down the Volunteers. The Panthers outscored Lee Williams 27-0 in the second half to win 29-10. Junior running back Cooper French had 29 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who improve to 3-0 on the season. Gabriel Callado added 87 yards and a pair of scores in the win. Coconino will be home again next week as they host the Prescott Badgers.
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Brenden Martin/Dave Zorn
