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Ray Defensemen Desty Yocum, Jeron Coleman and Julian Cruz stopped the Salome runner. Paul Wormwood | Copper Basin News
Ray Offense with Robbin Newman and Paul Michael Wormwood on a sweep.
Paul Wormwood | Copper Basin News
Ray Running Back Tristan Gant runs for a 55yd TD.
Paul Wormwood | Copper Basin News
Copper Basin News
Senior quarterback Destry Yocum threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in the sixth-ranked Bearcats first-round playoff victory over the Salome last Saturday night. The ‘Cats defeated the 11th-ranked Frogs, 41 – 6.
Yocum, who passed for 167 yards and ran for 85 more, threw one of his three touchdown passes to his brother Cole Yocum, a freshman. Robbin Newman and Jeron Coleman also caught scoring passes from the elder Yocum.
Newman, who also scored a rushing touchdown against the Frogs, ran for 124 yards on 14 carries. Senior Triston Gantt added a 59-yard touchdown run.
Six defenders finished with double-digit tackles including Jose Torres (14), Seth Harmon (10), Destry Yocum (19), Jeron Coleman (10), Jacob Pace (12), and Steven Lucero (11).
The ‘Cats forced three turnovers against the Frogs. Robbin Newman and Wyatt Miller each had an interception in addition to Cole Yocum’s fumble recovery.
Destry Yocum (Overall), Robbin Newman (Offensive), and Seth Harmon (Defensive) were named Players of the Game for their efforts.
The victory over the Frogs sets up a rematch for the ‘Cats in the second round against third-ranked Pima. The Roughriders defeated the ‘Cats in the season-opener, 50 – 25. Just like the opener, Saturday’s playoff game is at Pima.
Pima finished their regular season with a record of 7 – 1, their only loss coming against top-ranked Bagdad. Saturday’s game will be the Roughriders first playoff game after having a bye last week.
Saturday’s game is scheduled for 6 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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