The Ignacio High School football team’s defense held firm against a strong Monte Vista team Friday night in Ignacio, but the Bobcats were unable to pull out a homecoming win after forcing three turnovers in an 18-7 loss.
The Pirates (2-5, 2-1 1A Southern Peaks League) scored first after they recovered a Bobcat fumble on the Ignacio 10-yard line. Two plays later, Monte Vista senior quarterback Kaidon Wenta scored on a 1-yard run to give Monte Vista a 6-0 lead with 10:39 remaining in the first quarter. The extra point was blocked by Ignacio’s Clay Campbell.
Ignacio (2-5, 1-1 SPL) started in good field position on a number of drives in the first half but was unable to take advantage. IHS quarterback Gabe Tucson was intercepted three times in the first half.
Wenta would be forced to leave the game in the second quarter with a head injury after he was hit hard by Ignacio’s Lawrence Toledo, who had a fumble recovery earlier in the game. With the backup quarterback Colton Mellott in, the Bobcats continued to hold their own on defense. A 34-yard kick from Monte Vista was missed, and it was 6-0 at halftime.
In the second half, IHS forced a three-and-out on the Pirates’ first drive of the half. Tucson then led a six-play, 54-yard drive that was capped off with a 23-yard TD pass to Colten Jackson with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter to give IHS a 7-6 lead.
On the ensuing Pirate drive, Mellott led a five-play, 71-yard drive. Levi Trujillo punched it in from one yard out for the go-ahead score, but the 2-point conversion was denied by Jackson, and Monte Vista took a 12-7 lead with 5:51 remaining in the third.
Mellott led the Pirates for a game-clinching score midway through the fourth quarter. He scored from one yard out with 7:57 remaining to make it 18-7.
Tucson finished 6-of-18 for 117 yards, three interceptions and a TD pass. Jackson was IHS’ leading receiver with two catches for 77 yards.
Monte Vista was led by Trujillo, who had 101 yards on 21 carries. Before he was forced to leave the game, Wenta had 12 carries for 55 yards.
Mellott finished 2-of-5 for 66 yards passing.
The Bobcats will play Dolores (0-6, 0-1 SPL) at 7 p.m. Friday at Dolores High School.
bploen@durangoherald.com
