Diego Iniguez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

Shadow Mountain lost to San Tan Foothills (5-3) on Friday night, 29-6. 

The Matadors (4-4) offense struggled in the first half and did not score. 

Their running backs Tavares Allen and Alexis Soto were limited to less than 45 rushing yards combined in the first half. Allen had two rushing plays combined for about 25-plus yards called back as a result of holding penalties. 

Soto played a bigger role at running back than previously as Allen was briefly sidelined for an injury. 

Soto ran for 34 yards during the game, while Allen finished with 97. The majority of Allen’s yards came on the Matador’s fourth quarter touchdown drive. 

After the immobile performance of Shadow Mountain’s offense, Soto said, “Just gotta take practice serious.” 

Despite allowing nearly 200 yards and in the first half, the Matadors defense was able to make key stops.  

They forced a turnover on downs and force two turnovers, including a fumble in the final minute to keep the score 8-0 in favor of the Sabercats at halftime. 

However, in the second half the Matadors defends struggled like their offense. Four of the Sabercats' drives in the second half produced three touchdowns with several chunk plays.

The Matadors' lone TD off a rush play by QB Kasen Williams came with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter. 

The only drive San Tan Foothills did not score was their final one which ended when the game did. 

“We’re not playing as a team right now,” said Matadors head coach Ron Fagan after the game. "We just gotta keep coaching and keep playing. That’s all we can do.” 

Shadow Mountain middle linebacker Emmett Schulz discussed his team's defense not playing up to snuff.

“They ran the same play every time," Schulz said. "You know, we were watching that play in film. We knew what to do. …

"I think we like fell asleep or something.” 

The final stats of Shadow Mountain included a pickup of more than 150 offensive yards, while its defense allowed 400-plus from the Sabercats. 

“Anything’s better than last year. We went 0-10. But now you know we gotta step it up. ...

"I don’t wanna end out losing six games in a row at the end of the season.” Schulz said.

Shadow Mountain’s next game will be next Friday away against the 3-5 Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles. 

Whoever wins this game will pick up their first win in the 3A Metro West section.