Flagstaff, Coconino Open Up Their Football Seasons With Big Wins

The Flagsatff Eagles and Coconino Panthers opened up their new seasons with impressive wins Friday night in the Skydome. The Eagles scored first and never looked back as they beat the Glendale Cardinals, 35-14. Joe Weidinger was 10-of-18 for 178 yards and two touchdowns and Ryan Tagle had 101 yards receiving and a touchdown in the win. Jayce Wetzel scored on a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Eagles defense disturbed the Cardinals all night and made life tough for running back Kevin Daniels. The Panthers went down to Phoenix and dominated the Thunderbird Chiefs, 35-13. Running back Zack Bennett led the way for the Panthers. The junior rushed for 177 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns. Bailey McCauslin and Manuel Cardoza also scored touchdowns in the win. Flagstaff is back in the Skydome to take on the Dysart Demons next Friday night. Dysart is 0-2 on the season and has been outscored 97-0 in two games. Coconino will play its home opener Friday against the Carl Hayden Falcons.