One day after a lighting malfunction at Panther Stadium delayed its game against Bayfield High School by 16 hours, the Montezuma-Cortez High School football team took its home field Saturday, Oct. 19, and suffered a tough 43-8 loss.
Among the contributing factors to the final score was a standout performance by Bayfield’s sophomore quarterback, Isaac Ross, who displayed poise and mobility in the pocket and tossed four touchdown passes.
Of Ross’ four touchdowns, three went to senior wide receiver Crosby Edwards, who faced one-on-one coverage throughout the game after the M-CHS defense packed the box in an effort to stop the run.
In spite of the lopsided final score, however, M-CHS players and coaches were pleased with aspects of their team’s performance against a Bayfield program that has ranked as one of the state’s best in recent seasons and will likely compete for an Intermountain League title this year.
“The best thing about my team is that they don’t give up,” Panthers head coach Jarrett Watkins said. “We’re a young team, and to see these our kids come out and play these (Bayfield) kids tough was awesome. We showed a lot of heart, and I’m so proud of our guys.”
Leading the way offensively for the Panthers throughout much of the day was sophomore quarterback Ty Blackmer, who completed a handful of passes despite pressure from Bayfield’s defensive line.
Blackmer’s most impressive pass came early in the fourth quarter when he lofted a 38-yard touchdown pass to senior Vallentino Rodriguez, who had broken free of two Bayfield defenders 10 yards from the end zone.
“It was a last-second check, and (Rodriguez) ran a post-go route,” Blackmer said. “I was looking in the middle of the field, and (Bayfield’s) safeties opened up, and (Rodriguez) was right there.”
“I knew I was free once I came out of my first break and I saw the defender’s hips turned,” Rodriguez said. “That’s when I flashed my hands, and (Blackmer) put the ball right where it needed to be.”
Although the Panthers’ scoring play provided a reason for fans to cheer and gave rise to optimism on the M-CHS sideline, the moment of brilliance did not erase a pattern of Bayfield dominance.
Bayfield’s first points came with 4:58 left in the first quarter when sophomore Cael Schaefer blocked an M-CHS punt and the ball traveled through the Panthers end zone for a safety.
A 2-yard touchdown run by junior Cade Carlson on Bayfield’s ensuing offensive possession put the Wolverines ahead 8-0, and touchdown receptions of 58-yards, 48-yards and 23 yards by Edwards during the second quarter put Bayfield ahead 31-0 with 7:21 second left before halftime.
Ross subsequently tossed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Vroman just before halftime, and Vroman capped off Bayfield’s scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run that put his team ahead 43-0 with 7:19 left in the third quarter.
Among the difference-makers on Bayfield’s defense was senior Ethan Morris, who overpowered M-CHS’ line throughout the game and sacked Blackmer several times.
“(Bayfield’s) pressure affected our passing game a lot today,” Blackmer said. “They were mixing up blitzes, and our inability to read them and pick them up rushed me in the pocket a few times.”
With its win over M-CHS, Bayfield improved its record to 3-4 overall and 2-0 in the Intermountain League. The Panthers’ record dropped to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the Intermountain League with the loss.
Next up for M-CHs will be a road matchup against Salida High School on Oct. 25.