Michael Lofton runs wild, Desert Pines routes Del Sol in playoff opener

Desert Pines running back Michael Lofton knew he was going to get plenty of opportunities to carry the ball in the Jaguars’ first-round playoff matchup with Del Sol on Friday night.

With starting quarterback Tyler Williamson out for the game, Desert Pines’ normally pass-friendly offense was going to focus more on a running attack. However, few could have predicted that Lofton would rise to the occasion by rushing for six touchdowns and 233 yards in a 54-12 rout over visiting Del Sol.

“I felt more confident,” Lofton said. “Since we weren’t passing so much, I just wanted to run with a positive attitude.”

Lofton’s role as the Jaguars’ go-to running back was established immediately. In fact, the sophomore ran on all but one play during Desert Pines’ first three offensive drives. Each of those drives — all of which were in the first quarter — ended with Lofton rushing for a touchdown.

Near the end of the second quarter, Lofton cut to the outside on a run and picked up 59 yards. He ran it in from 6 yards out two plays later to give his team a 33-12 lead at halftime.

“We have an abundance of talent at certain positions, like running back,” Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez said. “When our guys are given an opportunity, they step up.”

Despite the Jaguars’ strong offensive performance, the Dragons were able to keep the score close through much of the first half. Del Sol running back Taariq Flowers tied the game midway in the first quarter after breaking free for a 57-yard touchdown.

Del Sol also capitalized on an interception in the second quarter. On the subsequent drive, Flowers scored a 5-yard TD to bring the deficit down to 7. But it was the last time the Dragons reached the end zone.

The Desert Pines defense, which only allowed 13 points during league play all season, came out with something to prove in the second half.

“They were a little upset,” Rodriguez said about his defense. “That’s a very proud unit that expects to dominate up front. They came out in the second half and really ran to the ball well and did their assignments.”

While Flowers ran for 105 yards on the day, he was held to only 9 yards from scrimmage in the second half. Meanwhile, Desert Pines would score on three straight possessions in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

Devin McGee, who filled in at starting quarterback for the Jaguars, ran for two touchdowns and 56 yards on the night.

Rodriguez said that the regular starter, Williamson, was recovering from an injury and would be back next week to play in the 3A state semifinals.