SIERRA VISTA — In their final home game of the season, the Buena Colts celebrated an emotional Senior Night and secured another decisive victory, defeating Canyon del Oro 35-17.
CDO opened the game with the ball, but Buena’s defense made an early statement with an interception by Jayden Thomas, who had a 40-yard return. The Colts were unable to capitalize, missing a field-goal attempt.
Both offenses were quiet until late in the first quarter, when CDO quarterback Peyton Strang connected with Jayden Smith for a 60-yard touchdown. With the extra point, the Dorados (3-6, 1-5) took a 7-0 lead.
Buena answered immediately with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by running back Ricardo Brooks, tying the game at 7.
Staying committed to the run game that has driven them all season, Buena took the lead on a 32-yard touchdown run by Micheal Lujan. The Colts lost Thomas to injury shortly after, but still went ahead 14-7.
CDO added a field goal from Reece Douglas as time expired in the first half, cutting Buena’s lead to 14-10.
The second half began poorly for Buena, as a fumbled snap gave CDO favorable field position. The Dorados took advantage with a 2-yard touchdown run by David Luke to go ahead 17-14.
Buena struggled to adjust offensively without Thomas, but the momentum shifted after a key interception by cornerback Tariq Howard. The Colts regained the lead on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb Layton to TJ Walker, making it 21-17. From there, Buena controlled the remainder of the game.
Walker added a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 28-17.
Brooks intercepted Strang late in the fourth quarter, setting up the Colts’ final score — a 12-yard touchdown run by Lujan to secure the 35-17 victory.
Layton finished 6-of-13 passing for 63 yards with one touchdown and one fumble. He also rushed for 23 yards.
Lujan led the offense with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Walker rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown, and contributed two tackles on defense.
Defensively, Buena was stout. Linebacker Cooper Kraus recorded five tackles and three assists. Howard had his best game of the season with an interception, seven tackles and two passes defended, along with a 55-yard kickoff return. Defensive end Trenton Williams added two sacks — one for a loss of 10 yards and another for a loss of 5 — along with two tackles and an assist.
For CDO, Strang went 15 of 36 for 201 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Luke ran 15 times for 82 yards and a touchdown.
CDO will close the season at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Casa Grande.
Buena will travel to face Ironwood Ridge. The Colts are currently ranked No. 14 among 5A schools and hope to climb further after Friday’s win.
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