Mackenzie Woods is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Carl Hayden Community High School for AZPreps365.com.

GILBERT— The top-ranked Yuma Catholic Shamrocks are returning to the 3A state championship game after a 31-26 win over the number-four ALA-Gilbert North on Saturday night.  The Shamrocks, who avenged their only loss this season with the victory, will face Snowflake, the only school that beat Yuma Catholic last season—in the state championship game.

In the fourth quarter Yuma Catholic quarterback Richard Stallworth became the AIA single-season passing yards leader on a throw to senior wide receiver Mario Martinez. The completion put Stallworth's 2021 total at 4,689 yards—breaking former Desert Edge quarterback Anthony Hernandez’ record of 4,662 yards set in 2013.

Even after the record, the quarterback still has more to prove. “I gotta win state,” said Stallworth, whose father, Rhett Stallworth, is Yuma Catholic's coach. “We’re gonna give it our all.”

Yuma Catholic team photo after the game (Mackenzie Woods / AZPreps365.com)

The first quarter was eventful, with the Shamrocks scoring the first touchdown less than five minutes into the game. Stallworth threw for six yards to Martinez, who leaped over two ALA-Gilbert North defenders for a spectacular reception and score.

On the Eagles' ensuing drive, they were stopped on a fourth-and-goal try inside the five-yard line. But the Shamrocks’ possession was short-lived as a Stallworth pass landed in the hands of a  Gilbert defensive back Boston Morris.

The Eagles answered back on this drive with quarterback Adam Damante connecting with wide receiver Johnny Bellino for a 21-yard touchdown. But, the game was not tied as Martinez blocked the extra point attempt. The quarter wrapped up with Stallworth throwing an 18-yard s scoring pass to wide receiver Austin Rush to put Yuma Catholic ahead, 14-6.

In the second quarter Rush, a senior, blocked an ALA-Gilbert North field goal try. An interception by Eagler senior Dawson Morris near the end of the quarter gave ALA the ball and led the way to a touchdown on a reception by Brandon Phelps. The Shamrocks took a 14-12 lead into the half after the Eagles’ failed two point conversion.

Stallworth would add to his stellar night by getting a short rushing touchdown with just over three minutes left in what was a previously uneventful third quarter. In a drive that was less than two minutes long, ALA would reply with a touchdown, closing the gap to 21-19 , making the score 21-19 via Bellino’s second touchdown reception of the game. 

Yuma Catholic running back Devon Black, who had an extremely productive night with 186 rushing yards, added to the lead with 9:31 left in the game to make it 28-19, Shamrocks. After a Yuma Catholic field goal, the lead was increased yet again to 31-19. There looked to be a chance of a comeback with another touchdown from Bellino with just over three minutes left, but the Shamrocks would hold on.

Yuma Catholic (12-1) moves on to face Snowflake in the 3A State Championship next Saturday at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert.