Happy homecoming for O'Connor
Eagles halt 3‑game losing streak; Boulder Creek returns to action
by Jason Stone

NORTH VALLEY – Homecoming was a happy scene for students and fans of Sandra Day O’Connor, which rolled to a big win Oct. 6 on the big night.

The Eagles snapped a three‑game losing streak by whipping Kingman 31‑12 as they scored 24 straight points in the first half to break the game open.

Tyler Rajec ran for three touchdowns–including two in the first quarter to help O’Connor (4‑3 overall, 1‑2 Northwest Region) break out to a 24‑0 halftime lead. Bryan Turski’s 32‑yard field goal extended the lead to 17‑0 before Jager Lee’s 5‑yard run ended the first‑half scoring.

Kingman (1‑5, 0‑3) finally got on the board in the third quarter when Shaun Farrington found Richard Bullen for a 4‑yard scoring pass. The point after kick failed, however, to keep the score at 24‑6.

Rajek’s third touchdown run–from nine yards out–extended the Eagles’ lead to 31‑6. Kingman ended the scoring in the third quarter with another Farrington 4‑yard touchdown pass–this time to Mike Howell.

O’Connor moved up to No. 20 in the latest 5A‑Division power point rankings. The top 16 teams qualify for the state tournament based on the rankings, which measure a team’s record and quality of schedule.

The Eagles will be able to pick up some bonus points this week when they play No. 2 North Canyon (5‑1, 3‑0).

Boulder Creek back after bye week

ANTHEM – After a badly needed week off to mend aching bodies, Boulder Creek returns to action this week against Copper Canyon to start the final four‑game stretch of the year.

The Jaguars (1‑5) earned their first victory in school history two weeks ago and have their chance for a second against a Copper Canyon team that is also in its first varsity season.

Coach Ron Frank’s Aztecs have had some success in their first season, however, as they are carrying a 2‑3 record into the game after wins over Page and Desert Edge. Two of Copper Canyon’s losses were by less than 10 points.

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.