ON DECK: Shamrocks make statement in win

After Yuma Catholic quarterback Jagan Cleary threw an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, I sat up in the pressbox and thought it was going to be a long day for YC.

They trailed 13-0 to Scottsdale Christian — who nearly beat No. 1 Northwest Christian earlier in the year and if not for a late fumble, the Eagles would have ended the year with a perfect record and be the top-seed in the tournament.

That's why I felt like the Shamrocks were in trouble, since a sophomore quarterback throwing a pick-6 early in the game usually results in the team crashing and burning. Instead, the Shamrocks scored nearly 80 points against a team that allowed only 18 to Northwest Christian.

Now the Crusaders and Shamrocks will face for the seventh time in eight years — this time in a semifinal. They may not have meant to, but I'm sure the Shamrocks certainly sent a statement to Northwest Christian in their big win over Scottsdale Christian.