Jordan HammTeams from the White Mountains aren’t strangers to the state championship. Powerhouses like Blue Ridge and Show Low have made deep playoff runs in recent years, but in 2014 there is a new player in the state championship game: Snowflake.
The Lobos find themselves in the state finals against River Valley after knocking off top-seeded Seton Catholic in Division IV. They feature a two-headed monster in the running game with Trevor McCray and Drew Schneider. Both running backs have rushed for over 1,300 yards and have combined for 38 rushing touchdowns.
“It makes us feel like we’re getting stuff done. Showing that Snowflake is a team to watch out for, you know?” Schneider said.
The 12-1 Lobos have had success in recent years, but have hit road-blocks in the playoffs. Over the last three years, they are a combined 29-8, but lost to Blue Ridge in the state playoffs in 2012 and knocked out by River Valley last year, which is the team they face in the finals in 2014.
“We’re final getting some attention. We’ve always been the third (team) on the mountain. It feels good to finally be a part of the talk and it’s exciting,” Snowflake defensive back Porter Black said.
The Lobos have had success knocking off teams the second time around who had their number in previous matchups. Their only loss this year was against Seton Catholic, who beat them 23-14. In the semifinals, Snowflake delivered Seton Catholic their only loss of the year, 33-20. They look to do the same against River Valley and avenge their 2013 playoff loss to the Dust Devils.
“They’re a tough, physical team. They have the same type of approach: Strong run game, it’s going to be a battle of just basically who wants it more, who’s going to try harder at it,” Schneider said.
