The defensive dominance of Durango’s Young America Football League teams was on full display again last weekend.
As the playoffs creep closer, several wining streaks were kept alive, highlighted by three shutout wins. The fourth-grade team had the offense rolling in a 49-0 win against Montezuma Creek.
Quarterback Linkin Griego distributed the ball to all of his receivers, as Malakai Baier, Ryan Dugan and JT Nubert were on the receiving end of touchdowns. Backup quarterback Cully Feeney also got in the action and hit Baier on another touchdown. The defense also scored, as Michael Chavez returned an interception for a touchdown. Durango forced two fumbles, and Elijah McGrady recovered one. Durango will host Bayfield at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Durango’s fifth-grade team also earned a shutout in a 19-0 win at Bayfield. Zan Unrush led the way with 11 carries for 92 yards, as he scored on runs of 42 and 35 yards. Quarterback Brett Hamer also scored on a 35-yard run. Tanner Anderson led the defense with 11 tackles, while Connor McCroskey had seven and a sack. Julian Rodriguez added a fumble receovery, and Ivan Meier had two sacks. The fifth-grade team will play at the Farmington Force at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The third-graders dominated Cortez 27-0. Zane Pontine led the charge with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown. Antonio Martinez scored twice and ran for 51 yards.
Brady Hoerl continued to be a defensive force with six tackles. Pontine and Archer McCroskey also had five tackles, while Braeden Brown had three, a forced fumble and a recovery.
Another stellar play came from Ian Rodriguez, an offensive lineman who found a way to score a touchdown. A big matchup is scheduled for Saturday, and Durango needs all the fans they can get in a showdown with the Farmington Panthers at 11 a.m.
The sixth-grade team earned a 36-13 win at Cortez, led by the defense of Jeric Baruch, Maddox Bryant and Brady Hansen, who all had interceptions. Baruch added three rushing touchdowns to go with 150 yards. Ethan Lennox ran for 100 yards, and Beau Brunson also had a touchdown.
Target Bardin showed off a strong leg by making four out of five extra points.
Durango will face Aztec on the road at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Durango’s second-graders played a tough game against a big Bloomfield squad. Two long plays led to Bloomfield touchdowns and a 14-0 loss for Durango.
Only 12 players were suited up for Durango, and the lack of depth hurt. The boys look forward to getting back to their winning ways when Kirtland visits at 3 p.m. Saturday.
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
