In a battle between two outstanding teams, St. Johns outpointed Benson, 28-25, a freedom football game.

St. Johns improved its overall season record to 7-2 overall. St, Johns, (3-1 region) entertains Morenci Jr./Sr. High School, (4-5 overall, 1-2 region), this Friday at 7 p.m. in an important 2A Black Region contest.

The win was St. Johns head coach Mike Morgan's career victory 334. The late Paul Moro won 336 victories during his illustrious high school coaching career.

Morgan said his team didn't play their best game, but enough to win.

"We scored enough points to win," Morgan said. "Benson is a good ball team. Benson has a talented running back in Carson Barney. Carson Barney had more than 200 all purpose yardage. Our defense had a difficult time containing him."

St. Johns quarterback Ramon Sanchez threw a 49 yard touchdown pass to Dion Perry. Placekicker Gage Trickey completed the PAT with a kick.

Benson's Carson Barney outran defenders, scampering 80 yards for a touchdown. Benson completed the PAT, tying the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.

Prior to halftime, St. Johns' Ira Tullous rushed into the end zone on a 6 yard touchdown run. Tickey booted the pigskin between the uprights for a 14-7 lead.

The contest remained close in the third quarter, as St. Johns and Benson both scored a touchdown.

St. Johns' Sanchez called his own number, bolting into the end zone from 19 yards for a score.

Benson's Carson Barney tallied his second long touchdown run. Utilizing his speed and quickness, Barney reached pay dirt from 56 yards. The PAT failed. St. Johns held a 20-13 advantage.

Benson nailed down a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Talon Palmer threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Carson Palmer. The PAT failed.

Talon Palmer connected with Remington Thola for a 35 yard touchdown. The PAT failed.

Mark Ballejos tallied St. Johns' final touchdown of the night, rushing 39 yards into the end zone. St. Johns tacked on the two-point PAT.

"The kids played well offensively," Morgan said. "We need to work on our defense. We didn't play well defensively. Despite not playing well defensively, it was a good win."