by 
Superior Sun
The Superior football team extended its winning streak to six games after defeating Chandler Prep last Friday at home, 60 – 6. The game marked the fifth time this season that the sixth-ranked Panthers scored at least 54 points while holding their opponents to only one touchdown.
The Panthers scored early and often, scoring 30 unanswered points before Chandler Prep put up its first and only points of the game. The Panthers led at halftime, 30 – 6.
Superior’s domination continued in the second half as it outscored Chandler Prep 30 – 0 to notch its sixth-straight lopsided win this season.
Quarterback Nicolaus Cruz threw for three touchdowns and backup Steven Ybarra, a freshman, threw for another. The duo combined to go 19-of-24 for 274 yards and four touchdown passes.
Junior running back Edgar Galindo rushed for 72 yards on only seven carries and scored two touchdowns.
Elias Olmos (2), Marcos Bueno, and Austin Navarrette each had at least one touchdown reception in the victory. Olmos finished with seven receptions for 137 yards, both game highs.
Galindo led the Panthers’ defensive attack with 11 tackles, a sack, a blocked punt, and an interception. Jalon Murray had a season-high three sacks against the Titans. And senior Michael Salazar picked off two passes. The Panthers forced six turnovers in the game, including fumble recoveries by Cruz and Dominic Perea that were returned for touchdowns. Austin Navarrette also recorded a fumble recovery.
The Panthers face their biggest test of the season this Friday when they travel to fifth-ranked Gilbert Christian to battle the Knights’ on their homecoming.
The Knights are 5 – 1 on the season with their only loss coming against top-ranked and undefeated Pima, 22 – 19.
With a win against the Knights, the Panthers almost assuredly will lock up a first-round playoff bye and host a second-round playoff game on Oct. 31.
Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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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