The No. 3 ranked Show Low Cougars ended their Division IV playoff match-up against the Empire Ravens on top, by a score of 28-14 to advance to the semi-final game. They will take on No. 7 ranked Florence, who upset No. 2 Snowflake in a 42-28 win – on November 19 at North Canyon High School.

Empire kicked off to Show Low to start the game and the Cougars made the most of their first possession as quarterback Josh Weeks handed the ball off to Daniel MacLeod  on the first play, who ran the ball back 61 yards into the endzone, to take the 7-0 lead 19 seconds into the game.

Empire was unsuccessful going for it on 4^th and 9, but their defense proved to be solid in their next attempt at the Cougars. The Ravens tried again, but linebacker Brody Macdonald met ball-carrier Sean Fitzsimmons at the line to deny a gain. Empire running-back Spencer Woody was fixated on the goal-line, but Weeks made a touchdown-saving tackle, stopping him on the 4-yard line. Two plays later, Fitzsimmons ran 5 yards into the endzone, for the Raven’s first score, tying the game at 7-7.

Show Low’s offense answered back with four straight running plays resulting in first downs and Cody Tenney finished the series with a 23-yard run to increase the Cougars first quarter lead 14-7.

With both teams trading scores throughout the first quarter of the game, the Ravens knew they needed to strike again and Loren Henry caught a well-placed 68-yard pass from Grayson Weeks. Zach Winn attempted to bring down Henry, but failed and the Ravens tied the game at 14-14.

Show Low took over with 5:29 left in the first quarter and managed the clock well, as Josh Weeks scrambled to find Brian Johnson on the reception and the score, taking the 21-14 lead.

Empire took over to start the second quarter and despite a 12-play series, the Ravens were unable to produce as Fitzsimmons mishandled the handoff from Grayson Weeks and Justin Jackson made him pay, turning the ball over on downs to the Cougars. The remainder of the second was scoreless and both teams headed into the locker room with Show Low on top of Empire 21-14.

The Cougars had a chance to improve their lead, with 1^st and goal, but Tenney’s run came up short, turning the ball over on downs to the Ravens. On the second play for Empire, Winn intercepted Grayson weeks, but Woody was able to force the fumble and get the ball back for his team. Empire was forced to punt after suffering a false start penalty on 4^th and 2 from their own 44-yard line.

Show Low was still in front, with one quarter remaining for the Ravens to come up with a big play. Empire’s defense held the Cougars, but punted in their next series. Their defense forced another turnover and they had a great opportunity with just a little over 5 minutes left in the game. Fitzsimmons, Ryan Poarch and Luke Stangl were on the move for the Ravens, but with their team sitting at 4^th and 1 on the 50-yard line, they were forced to go for the first down. A slew of Cougar defenders met the Ravens at the line of scrimmage, denying the first and sealing the win 21-14 over Empire.

-Jennifer Jimenez