Turnovers plague Sand Devils in 40-20 loss to Winslow

Page struggles in loss

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The Sand Devils football team was its own worst enemy Friday night, committing six turnovers in their loss against the Winslow Bulldogs.
The Sand Devils trailed 7-6 at the end of the first quarter, but the Bulldogs wasted no time stretching the lead. Passing on third and seven, the Bulldogs wide receiver broke free of his defenders and ran it 80 yards into the end zone. A successful kick on the PAT made the score 14-6.
The Sand Devils offense looked good on its first possession of the second quarter with runs from quarterback Jacob Doyle and running backs Kele Meredith and Hayden Gracia. but the drive ended after the Bulldogs intercepted a pass.
The Bulldogs found the end zone again on their first play from scrimmage on a 63-yard touchdown reception. They regained possession on their own 25-yard line after recovering a Meredith fumble during the kickoff and added six more points when their quarterback connected with a receiver in the back of the end zone. The Bulldogs led 27-6 at halftime.

The game’s momentum shifted back to the Sand Devils on the opening play of the third quarter when they recovered the ball after a successful onside kick. Starting with good field possession from the Bulldogs 48, Meredith and Doyle steadily advanced the ball down the field. Meredith scored on a one-yard run and Doyle added two points running it in during the PAT.
Things looked to be turning around for the Sand Devils after their defense held the Bulldogs to a three and out, but their momentum was lost after another Meredith fumble was recovered by the Bulldogs, which they converted into another touchdown.
The Sand Devils next two possessions ended in a fumble and an interception. The Bulldogs safety intercepted a Sand Devils pass two yards deep in his own end zone and returned it 102 yards to the other end zone.
The Sand Devils scored one last time in the final minutes of the fourth quarter on a 74-yard drive built on big runs from Doyle and Gracia. The touchdown came on a pass from Doyle to wide receiver Justin Salabiye.
The Bulldogs took a knee and ran out the clock on their next possession. The final score was Bulldogs 40, Sand Devils 20. The Sand Devils now have one win and two losses for the season.
Doyle was four for 11 passing for 42 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Doyle also carried the ball 16 times for 88 yards and a touchdown. Meredith carried the ball 24 times for 128 yards one touchdown, and three fumbles. Gracia carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards. Salabiye had three receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown. Christian Penrod had one reception for five yards. Jeremy Tallsalt had one reception for 10 yards.
The Sand Devils travel to Kingman this Friday to take on the 1-2 Bulldogs. Kick off will be at 7 p.m.