Campo Verde held off a second-half rally from Notre Dame Prep to win 20-17 and advance to the 5A state championship game for the first time in school history at North Canyon High School on Friday. Quarterback Zach Herrera threw two touchdowns in the victory. 

Standout performers

Campo Verde was shut out in the second half, but was able to keep a 13-point halftime lead thanks to a strong first half from Herrera and the offense. The senior threw two touchdown passes to receiver Ryan Hutchens, including a 24-yard strike early in the second quarter. A missed field goal late in the fourth quarter was the Coyotes’ best scoring chance in the second half. 

Notre Dame was able to sustain drives and run the ball effectively, but was hampered by failures on fourth down and turnovers. Dominick Mastro and JD Roberts each had a rushing touchdown, but the Saints were denied touchdowns after a fourth-down stop by Campo Verde in the first quarter and poor clock management that let the first-half clock run out when they had the ball inside the Coyotes’ five-yard line.

Highlight of the game

With Notre Dame trailing by three points with less than four minutes left and ready to retain the ball after another stop, the Saints fumbled the punt and Campo Verde recovered. The Coyotes weren’t able to capitalize on the drive, but the turnover changed field position and ultimately led to a Notre Dame turnovers on downs that sealed the victory. 

Quote of the game

“We were hanging on for dear life there at the end,” Herrera said. “But our defense came up with another big stop and thankfully we were able to hold on.”

Up next

No. 6 Campo Verde will face No. 1 Williams Field on Dec. 7 in the 5A state final.