Scottsdale Upsets #2 Dixie State

St. George, Utah’s Dixie State College traveled into Scottsdale Saturday night as the second ranked team in the nation. Evidently, that fact did not impress the Artichoke defense. Scottsdale forced the visiting Rebels into five turnovers, and the Artichokes were able to hold on for a 24-21 victory. The Artichoke offense was not able to capitalize on many of the first half turnovers, but did enough to take a 17-7 halftime lead. Quarterback Lance Patania’s screen pass with three seconds left in the first half to Clinton Polk went 45 yards for a touchdown, sending the Chokes into the locker room with momentum.

The Artichokes physical defense left many Rebels ailing on the turf. Scottsdale was also able to overcome 120 yards of penalties, due mainly to the timely turnovers. The defensive attack was led by New Orleans native Byron Honore with seven tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Louis Holmes, Will Tukuafu, and Mark Gruner were also key cogs to the Artichoke victory. Cornerback Kelvin Coveal broke up numerous passes that could have turned the outcome around.

Punter/place kicker Juan Bongara also had a fabulous effort. Bongara handled all the kicking duties for the Artichokes on Saturday night, going 1-1 on field goals and 3-3 on extra points. However, his biggest contribution was his ability to pin the Rebels deep in their own end, and enable the vicious Artichoke defense to tee off on Dixie quarterbacks Corey Slater and Derek McCallister. Bongara’s nine punts averaged 45.8 yards and forced the Rebels to drive the length of the field.

The Artichokes had a chance to put the rebels away early in the fourth quarter, but were unable to do so. On third down Rebel quarterback Corey Slater scrambled out of the pocket, but was met by Artichoke linemen Gerard Lee and Louis Holmes. Slater’s collision with the 530 pounds of Artichoke linemen knocked his helmet off, leaving him on the turf for 3 minutes. Starting quarterback Derek McCallister then re-entered the game on fourth and 24 from the Artichoke 49 yard line. Rebel receiver Ben Miller broke free behind two Artichoke defensive backs for a 49 yard touchdown catch. Slater then returned the next series to narrowly miss Ben Miller for the winning score on fourth down.

Clinton Polk led the Artichoke rushing with 61 yards on 20 carries, while Will Marc chipped in with 47 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. Polk also figured in the passing game, catching two passes for 95 yards and a score. Jeremy Tucker caught six passes for 70 yards for the Artichokes, who had 343 total yards of offense. Ryan O’hara completed 10 of 24 passes for 178 yards and 2 interceptions. Backup quarterback Lance Patania completed 2 of 5 passes for 57 yards and one touchdown. The Artichoke defense held a vaunted Rebel rushing attack to 81 yards on 29 carries.

The Artichokes face another difficult task this Saturday when they host Glendale Community College at 7 pm. Come out and support your Artichokes.