Sierra Vista gets first win of season after losses to two powerhouses

When you get decked by top-ranked contenders the first two weeks of the season, the last thing you want to see on the schedule is another heavyweight coming your way.

But with their backs against the ropes, Sierra Vista scored a 30-27 knockout of previously unbeaten Coronado. Senior kicker David DeCarlo booted the game-winning 34-yard field goal with 6:24 left in the game.

“We were through the grinder the last two weeks against real tough teams,” said fourth-year Sierra coach Mark Sauve. “These kids busted their tails this week to make sure they were ready to win this game.

After being dominated in their first two outings by two traditional powerhouses, (50-6 to Cheyenne and 35-6 to Palo Verde), the Lions responded with a win over the visiting Cougars. Sierra Vista tailback Akil Sharp scored three first-half touchdowns, including an 82-yard kickoff return in the first quarter.

Some work in the film room during the week led to Sharp’s kickoff return, which answered Coronado’s first-quarter touchdown.

“We saw on film as soon as they (Coronado) were coming down the middle we knew we could bust one right up the middle,” said Sharp, who finished the game with 114 rushing yards on 20 carries. “Clark and Shadow Ridge busted it up there so we knew with our speed we could do it”.

 The Lions withstood an aerial assault by Coronado senior quarterback Dane Cooper, who blistered Sierra Vista’s defense with 247 yards and three touchdowns, including 199 first-half yards. Cooper’s favorite target, senior wideout Darren Smith, was on the receiving end of two of those TD passes.

Sierra Vista’s special teams played a huge role in the win. Junior Ivan Vela blocked a Cougar punt on the visitor’s 10-yard line midway through the third quarter. The Lions (1-2) took just one play to capitalize on the block, when quarterback Jeremy Green found Darian Yahyavi in the end zone to put Sierra ahead 27-19.