Junior running back Ira Tullous scored three touchdowns and senior defensive back Graham Nielson intercepted five passes to help lift St. Johns to a 35-7 first round victory over Arizona Lutheran Academy in the 2A football state tournament.

St. Johns, 9-2, travels to Phoenix to face Phoenix Christian, 10-1, this Friday at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the football state tournament. With the loss, Arizona Lutheran completed its season 7-4. Phoenix Christian, 10-1, posted a 62-6 victory over Alchesay, 8-3, in a first round game.

St. Johns head coach Mike Morgan, who was nine victories behind the late Paul Moro when the 2019 football season began this year, tied the legendary coach with 336 career victories.

Morgan said he was proud of his team's defensive and offensive performance.

"Our offense had over 300 yards total offense, passing and rushing," Morgan said. "Ira Tullous scored three touchdowns."

Morgan added, "Our defense was led by Graham Nielson with five pass interceptions."

The St. Johns - Arizona Lutheran contest was tied at the end of the first quarter, 7-7.

St. Johns senior running back Mark Ballejos entered the end zone from one yard for a touchdown. Junior Gage Trickey tacked on the PAT.

Arizona Lutheran scored its lone touchdown of the game on a six yard pass from Aaron Bode to Maurice Chapman. The PAT was successful.

St. Johns' Tullous scored two of his touchdowns in the second quarter. Tullous picked off a pass and returned the interception 61 yards for a score. Trickey's kick was good. Tullous added a touchdown, scampering seven yards into pay dirt. Tickeys tacked on the PAT.

Later in the second quarter, St. Johns senior quarterback Ramon Sanchez threw a 46 yard touchdown pass to junior Joe Bushman. Sanchez found senior Graham Nielson for the two-point PAT for a 28-7 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, St. Johns added an insurance score. Tullous bolted for a 57 yard touchdown run. Tickey's PAT was successful.