by 
Shane Kelly carries the ball with Christian Dietz, Fabian Russo Garcia, Antineo Gallego, Roberto (Gallo) Guerrero, Amamdo Sierra blocking. Margaret Schofield | SMHS
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel football team trailed Santa Cruz Valley at the end of the first quarter during last Friday’s game, 14 – 0. But they came back, outscoring the Dust Devils 21 – 6 over the next three quarters, including 8 – 6 in the final quarter to win a close game, 21 – 20.
For the Miners, it was their second one-point victory of the year. They beat Canyon State Academy two weeks ago, 27 – 26.
Currently ranked 24th in the most recent AIA rankings, the Miners need to win their final two games to entertain any chance of reaching the playoffs. This Friday’s game at winless Baboquivari figures to get the Miners closer to a playoff berth, but they’ll face a must-win game versus 10th-ranked San Tan Foothills in the final game of the season on October 31.
Friday’s game at Baboquivari 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.
by by