Fourth-quarter scores the difference in Miners’ season opening loss

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The Miners handoff the ball at the beginning of a play. Photo courtesy Vince Apuron, Apuron Photography

The Miners handoff the ball at the beginning of a play. Photo courtesy Vince Apuron, Apuron Photography

Visiting San Tan Foothills scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to break a 7 – 7 tie and hand San Manuel a 20 – 7 loss, spoiling the coaching debut of new Miners’ head coach Daniel Williams in last Friday’s season opener for both teams.

  Attrition more than anything accounted for the loss, according to Williams. San Manuel played with 22 players versus San Tan Foothills’ 40-plus.

San Manuel Cheerleaders perform during halftime. Photo courtesy Vince Apuron, Apuron Photography.

San Manuel Cheerleaders perform during halftime. Photo courtesy Vince Apuron, Apuron Photography.

  “Our guys were tired,” the Miner’s first-year head coach told the Miner. “It is what it is. Our guys played hard, they busted their (rears), but San Tan took advantage of a few missed assignments by us and they made it happen for themselves.”

  Junior running back Christian Velasquez scored on a 4-yd touchdown run to give the Miners an early 7 – 0 lead. The Sabercats tied the game with a second-quarter touchdown.

  The score remained that way until the fourth, when San Tan returned a punt for a touchdown. The Cats sealed the game with a final touchdown later in the quarter.

  Despite the loss, Williams saw some things he liked from his team.

  “I liked our fight,” he said.  “I was impressed with how long they were able to stick with it. I thought we had the win, but a couple of mistakes were made. Still, I’m very proud of my team. They played with a lot of intensity.”

  Except for their results, Williams said he’s not overly concerned with the mistakes his team made in the loss and is optimistic they can be remedied.

  “They’re easily fixable,” he said. “I look forward to what we’re going to do this week.”

  What’s an area he wants to see his team improve before its next game?

  “Knowing our assignments and really staying disciplined,” Williams answered.

Upcoming schedule: San Manuel hosts Tanque Verde on Friday, Aug. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Andy Luberda (1149 Posts)

Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.


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