Coyotes’ 6-man state tournament run ends against Floyd

link Coyotes running back Jacob Thurman breaks away from the Floyd defenders during the 6-man semifinal loss against the Broncos Saturday at San Jon. The

Grady/San Jon Coyotes loss 40-38 ending their post season run.

QCS Senior Writer

The Grady/San Jon Coyotes’ football season came to an end Saturday with a 40-38 state 6-man semifinals loss to the Floyd Broncos at San Jon.

“There will not be another team like this, but we can’t let that stop us we need to keep our heads up and come back next year ready to play,” said D.C. Lee, Coyotes junior quarterback.

Lee had six touchdown passes in the game, including four in the first quarter to build a 26-8 lead late in the period. Lee’s other two touchdowns were in the second, a 10-yard pass to Joseph Benavidez and the final score of the game, a 18-yard pass to senior Ryan Bone.

Lee said the Broncos played a good game and the Coyotes defense had trouble tying to contain their run. He said the better team won and is moving on to the next round.

“The Coyotes have to get past this loss and look to get back on the field next year and be ready to play,” Bone said.

Bone said he is going to miss his teammates and has enjoyed this season with them on the field. He said he has the utmost confidence in the players who will step up into the spots vacated by seniors.

“This is a hard loss to take,” said Bobby Gomez, Coyotes head coach. “These young men have given me a tremendous season. They have worked so hard and I am proud of them.”

Gomez said the game came down to the last possession. He said the last team to have the ball -- the Broncos, it turned out -- was able to seal the victory.

The Coyotes had outscored the Broncos six touchdowns to five. However, the Coyotes had five failed extra point attempts (three missed and two blocked including the game winning block).

The Broncos had trailed the Coyotes throughout the first half and managed to tie the score at 32-32 midway in the third quarter.

It was not until a 70-yard rush by Jesus Torres late in the final period that the Broncos took the lead. A failed fourth-down conversion by the Coyotes at the Broncos 10-yard line had set Floyd up for the chance to take the lead.

The Coyotes got the ball back with less than two minutes to drive the length of the field and score to send the game into overtime.

With 1:13 left in the game, Lee connected with Bone for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

On the extra point attempt, Broncos David Martinez and Mark McDonald broke through the Coyotes' line and blocked the extra point to seal the victory for the Broncos.

“I told my players to keep grinding, that it’s not over till it’s over,” said Steve Foust, Broncos head coach. “I am so proud of the way they played and tip my hat to the Coyotes. Grady/San Jon had a heck of a team and they were top-ranked for a reason.”