At first, it looked as if the Class 4A-I matchup between Apache Junction and Cave Creek Cactus Shadows was going to be a stalemate.
After a scoreless first quarter, neither offense was having much luck moving the ball.
But then Apache Junction junior running back Shane McCullen got moving. And he never looked back.
McCullen finished with 220 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 carries as the Prospectors beat the visiting Falcons 27-0 Friday night.
The second quarter was all McCullen, as he had touchdown runs of 63 and 24 yards.
But the Prospectors’ defense also shone on this night, pitching a shutout and allowing just 54 yards rushing.
They also forced Cactus Shadows quarterback Brian Colan into throwing two interceptions in the second half. Colan took over for starter Dylan Classan at halftime.
The defensive unit for A.J. also got in on the scoring when senior defensive tackle Louie Crespo tipped and intercepted a Colan pass. He then rumbled 56 yards for a score.
Both teams had 100 or more penalty yards. Apache Junction tallied 110.
Apache Junction improved to 6-4 overall, 2-3 in the 4A-I Desert Sky Region. Cactus Shadows dropped to 3-6 and 1-4.
