CDO running back Kayden Luke ran for 169 yards and three touchdowns in a 23-7 victory
ORO VALLEY — Kayden Luke scored three short touchdowns but Canyon del Oro rode his 32 carries and 169 yards to a 23-7 victory over Mica Mountain at Dorado Field Friday night to advance to the program’s first state championship game since 2010.
It was the second time this season the Dorados (13-0) had beaten the Thunderbolts (11-2) who advanced to the Conference 4-A state semifinals in just their third varsity season.
CDO shutout Mica Mountain in the second half and now Dustin Peace’s team will have a shot to win the program’s 4th state championship when they face top seed Yuma Catholic next Friday at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium (4 p.m.).
DUSTIN PEACE POSTGAME INTERVIEW
Jimmy Leon took a screen pass from Jayden Thoreson 47 yards for the Thunderbolts lone score.
Across town, Salpointe Catholic’s season came to a crushing end as the Lancers were knocked off at home by Scottsdale Saguaro 42-24 in the Conference 6A state semifinals.
The Lancers (11-2) had beaten Saguaro on the road 21-14 back on October 27. The Sabercats are in a title game for the 17th time and will be looking for a 14th gold football.
Saturday night in Conference 3A, Sabino (10-3) will face Paradise Honors (11-2) for the state championship. The Sabercats will be looking for the 4th title and 1st since 2008.
The 3A contest will be one of two Saturday at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. No. 1 seed Pima will face Scottsdale Christian at 2 p.m. in the 2A state championship game.
The Pima Roughriders have won 10 state championships, 3rd most in the Arizona history behind Blue Ridge (15) and Saguaro (13).
CANYON DEL ORO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES
- (1976) Canyon del Oro 24, Douglas 15 (AA)
- (1977) Canyon del Oro 9, Gilbert 7 (AA)
- (2007) Sagauro 23, Canyon del Oro 21 (4A Div. I)
- (2009) Canyon del Oro 40, Sabino 0 (4A Div. I)
- (2010) Saguaro 41, Canyon del Oro 34 (4A Div. I)
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