What started as a defensive struggle turned into an offensive explosion for Salpointe Catholic in its 45-20 victory Friday night at Ed Doherty Stadium.
The Lancers overcame a tight 10-7 halftime advantage to pull away from Tucson High in the second half.
The opening half was dominated by defense and mistakes, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm.
Salpointe coach Pat Ryden on getting better each week and the play of OJ Flores and David Rushing. @AllSportsTucson @SCLancerNation pic.twitter.com/tPOOJ7Sd98
— Lori Burkhart (@loriburkhart) September 5, 2026
Salpointe got on the board first, taking a 3-0 lead with 3:42 remaining in the first quarter when Troy Kuhlman connected on a 31-yard field goal.
Tucson’s defense continued to make plays, including a big hit on a blitz by Dillion Flannigan-Jones on Salpointe quarterback Aiden Robinson.
With 1:31 remaining in the first half, Salpointe finally found the end zone. OJ Flores ran into the end zone from 1 yard to give the Lancers a 10-0 advantage.
OJ Flores was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. He talks about his offensive line, his touchdowns and his big impact on defense. @AllSportsTucson @SCLancerNation pic.twitter.com/59koPq5Ggl
— Lori Burkhart (@loriburkhart) September 5, 2026
Salpointe’s defense then came up with another big play when Flores got to Tucson quarterback Brenton Coleman for a sack.
Flannigan-Jones then stepped up again for Tucson’s defense.
With just 20.9 seconds left before halftime, Flannigan-Jones intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, cutting Salpointe’s lead to 10-7 and sending the Badgers into halftime with plenty of momentum.
That momentum wouldn’t last, however.
Salpointe’s offense came alive after halftime as the Lancers steadily expanded their lead and turned the defensive battle into a rout.
Flores scored on another touchdown run and Jake Bondi returned a kickoff for a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
After Brenton Coleman completed a touchdown pass to Ezra Spivey for Tucson, Salpointe’s Drew Palinawan found David Rushing for a passing score. Salpointe led 31-14 with 9:04 remaining.
David Rushing talks about his big receiving night, the improvements and adjustments the team made at halftime and getting better each game. @AllSportsTucson @SCLancerNation pic.twitter.com/V96AMsRDb4
— Lori Burkhart (@loriburkhart) September 5, 2026
The combinations of Coleman-to-Spivey and Palinawan-to-Rushing added another touchdown for both teams.
Amil Deon also found the end zone on a run for Salpointe.
The Lancers host powerhouse Chandler on Friday at 7 p.m. in their next game.
Tucson will host Walden Grove on Thursday night at 7.
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