SURPRISE, ARIZ. – Last Saturday, the OUAZ offense started fast and used that outburst on its way to the first win of the season. This Saturday against Nelson, a fantastic defensive performance held the Lions to just seven points as the offense contributed five touchdowns en route to a 35-7 win.
Neither team would find points in the first quarter, and Nelson missed an opportunity to score by missing a field goal following an OUAZ dropped punt. Finally the Spirit would break through early in the second quarter, as Jaylen Magee gained 34 yards on the first three plays of the opening drive of the quarter for OUAZ, then Da'Vicious Wilson would find the end zone on a 37-yard reception.
Magee's next big play would come later in the second quarter when he turned a pass into a 41-yard TD as the Spirit took a 14-0. Nelson would respond before half, but OUAZ's defense would not allow the Lions to score again, putting together a second-half shutout.
Following a blocked Spirit field goal attempt that was called back due to a Nelson holding, OUAZ would convert the second chance into seven points for a 21-7 lead. Two more touchdowns would come from the West Valley's team, building a 35-7 advantage that would never be in danger throughout the final quarter.
The reigning Sooner Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week Luke Giron threw for three touchdowns, each to a different pass catcher. In his first game in an OUAZ uniform, Domonhic Jennings ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns, with all 18 of his carries coming in the second half.
The Spirit defense came to play for a full 60 minutes, allowing just 244 yards of offense and keeping the Lions under 100 yards rushing. Tyler Ivy was all over the field, picking up 11 tackles (seven solo) and adding a sack.
OUAZ harassed Lions quarterback Briley Green all throughout the contest, getting three sacks and giving nearly no time for the opponent's passing game to develop. Ivy, Arvell Ferguson, and Fred Massie all had sacks, and the constant pressure allowed Tyler Faber to snag an interception in the second quarter.
For the first time in the 2024, OUAZ will hit the road for a game away from Spirit Field. The team travels to Plainview, Texas next Saturday for a 2 p.m. AZT kickoff against Wayland Baptist.
