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Ray’s Destry Yocum (5) keeps his eye on the ball and away from the Knights’ Tanner Conover (7). James Carnes | Copper Basin News
Copper Basin News
Fifth-ranked Gilbert Christian started last Friday’s game versus fourth-ranked Ray by returning the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to take an early 7 – 0 lead. The long scoring play was a sign of things to come as the Knights scored seven touchdowns on plays of 25 yards or more, including three of 60 or more, in defeating the Bearcats, 62 – 28.
Bearcats’ freshman quarterback Cole Yocum accounted for four first half touchdowns, three passing and one rushing to bring his team back within a point after it trailed 21 – 0 in the first quarter.
Yocum’s first two touchdown passes were thrown to older brother Destry. The younger Yocum later scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 21 – 20 midway through the second quarter.
The Knights scored the next three touchdowns, two of them on pass plays of 40 and 66 yards.
With less than a minute left before halftime, Yocum threw his third touchdown pass of the first half, connecting with Douglas McPeak on a 50-yard pass. Still, the Knights held a commanding lead at the break, 43 – 26.
The Bearcats were outscored 19 – 2 in the second half with their only score coming on a defensive safety in the fourth quarter.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the ‘Cats as they play their final regular season home game this Friday night against second-ranked Mogollon. The undefeated Mustangs are coming off a bye last week.
Friday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 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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