Tempe McClintock put the ball in the capable hands of Mack Martin and he delivered as the Chargers beat host Phoenix Pinnacle 24-21 in a 4A Division I Desert Sky Region game.
Martin had 25 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns, the bulk of which came in the second half (115 yards) as the Chargers (6-2, 1-1) ran out the clock with a three-point lead.
The loss spoiled homecoming for the Pioneers (3-6, 1-2), who were hampered by five fourth-quarter penalties totaling 40 yards.That spelled doom in a game that was tied at 14 entering the fourth quarter.
"McClintock is a very good team, they run very well, and they really know how to keep running and wear you down'. Pinnacle coach Dana Zupke said. Coming off a huge loss last week to Scottsdale Saguaro, this game was important for the Chargers season as the win all but solidifies a playoff spot, and it all but knocks Pinnacle out of a chance.
"We treated this game like a playoff game, and we knew it was just as important". McClintock head coach Steve Campbell said.
McClintock will play at Phoenix Thunderbird next week as it hopes to finish the season strong. Pinnacle will be at home against Anthem Boulder Creek.
