The Sand Devils football team finished the season 5-5 after losing to the Show Low Cougars 38-6 in their final game of the season on Oct. 27. The Sand Devils did not qualify for the playoffs.

On a chilly night in Page, the Cougars wasted little time getting to the endzone. The Cougars started their second possession from their own 44-yard line after hauling in an interception. The Cougars first pass was complete for 18 yards and a new set of downs. On third and 10, the Cougars took it to the house for the game’s first score with five minutes off the clock.

The Sand Devils defense rallied for the next 10 minutes of play. They forced the Cougars to punt on their next possession and followed that with an interception from Ashton Penrod, who had two interceptions on the night.

But the Cougars offense gathered itself for a very productive last half of the second quarter, finding paydirt three more times, off two runs and a 6-yard pass. The Cougars took a 28-0 lead into halftime.

The Cougars added nine more points in the third quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass and a 22-yard field goal.

The Sand Devils got on the board in the third quarter after a 15-yard pass from Collin Joe to Tyree Stingley, making the score 38-6, which would prove the final score of the game. 

This was Page’s first year in the 3A Northeast conference, which pitted them against some big, hard-hitting teams. 

Despite a season that included five losses, head football coach Bubba Billie said his team has several things to celebrate. One of the biggest positives of the season was an increased interest and turnout in the football program. The Sand Devils finished with more than 80 kids in the program. 

The Sand Devils finished first out of the North schools, and brought the North trophy back home.

Coach Billie is optimistic about next year. Of the 80 kids in this year’s program, only 10 are seniors. Coach Billie expects to have a good year next year, with a lot of experienced varsity players returning.