Tempe McClintock crushed visiting Surprise Willow Canyon, 41-20, in a 4A nonregion game Friday. The Chargers decided coming into the game that they’d run — and run they did.
McClintock (2-0) ran for a total of 235 yards in the first half alone. The Chargers added 98 yards in a second half mostly played by reserves.
Mack Martin got things rolling, running for 35 yards on McClintock’s first play from scrimmage. Martin finished the game with 183 rushing yards and three touchdowns before leaving early in the second half.
“We came into this game wanting to run, and it’ll be our plan all year,” coach Steve Campbell said.
“It’s my belief that if you can’t run in high school football, your opponent will eventually catch up to you.” Willow Canyon (0-3) came out playing well, putting together a 65-yard touchdown drive to begin the game. McClintock toughened up from then on, not allowing the Wildcats to score again until the third quarter.
The Wildcats finally added to their first-quarter score when B.J. Scott ran for a 6-yard touchdown. The Wildcats failed on a two-point conversion run attempt.
Scott later added Willow Canyon's final points on a two-yard touchdown run. Scott finished with the two touchdowns and 31 rushing yards.
Charger quarterback Kelly Kurzman rarely threw the ball because of McClintock's plan of pounding the ball down field. Kurzman finished with just 25 passing yards and no touchdown passes.
Josh Thomas also helped out the McClintock running attack, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
McClintock had a scare late in the second quarter when Martin came off the field hanging his right arm. Martin hyperextended his right elbow when extending the ball over the goal line. He was able to return in time for the next series.
