The Window Rock Fighting Scouts battled back from a 14-point third quarter deficit to post a 56-40 victory over the Ganado Hornets in a season-ending, thrilling 3A North Region football game on Senior Night at Judd Avey Memorial Stadium in Fort Defiance.

"The guys did not give up, they played outstanding football," said first-year Window Rock head coach Wilbur Begay Jr. "The guys came to play football. The guys played their hearts out to the end. When we were down by 14-points, the guys didn't quit. The guys wanted to win this game. The guys from both teams know each other. It's a rivalry. I'm glad we won the game."

Window Rock and Ganado played 48-minutes of football as if a post-season playoff berth was on the line. Although there was no post-season playoff berth on the line, Window Rock completed its season 5-5, after a disastrious, winless 0-9 campaign last year. Ganado finished the year 4-6 overall and 1-4 in region play, under first-year head coach Connor Simmons.

The Page Sand Devils, 9-1-overall, 5-0-region, is the lone 3A North Region team earning a football state tournament berth. Page entertains Pusch Ridge of Tucson this Friday at 7 p.m. in the first round of the football state tournament.

With 2:28 remaining in the third quarter, Ganado quarterback Herman threw a 25-yard scoring strike to Byron Nez. The Hornets completed the two-point PAT, increasing its lead to 34-20.

Window Rock signal-caller Tyrell Boyd engineered the Fighting Scouts down the field. As the third quarter expired, Boyd connected with Trevor Herbert on a 42-yard touchdown pass. The Fighting Scouts tacked on the two-point PAT, cutting Ganado's lead to 34-28.

The momentum shifted in Window Rock's favor.

Window Rock coaching staff decided to insert Adrian Destea, who was injured for the first half of the season, as quarterback. Destea is a mobile, fleet-footed and accurate passer.

Destea quickly moved the Fighting Scouts down the field, into the Red Zone. Destea called his own number, scampering 6-yards into the end zone with 11:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Fighting Scouts completed the two-point PAT for a 36-34 lead.

After Ganado went three-and-out on the next series, Window Rock added a touchdown. Fighting Scouts' running back Ivan Yazzie bolted into the end zone on a 50-yard run. Window Rock completed the two-point PAT, extending its lead to 44-34.

Not to be denied, Ganado fought back. Hornets' quarterback Kee threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Adriano Wilson with 6:21 left in the fourth quarter. Window Rock held a 44-40 advantage after Ganado failed to convert its PAT.

The Fighting Scouts extended its lead to 10-points, 50-40, when Adrian Destea raced into the end zone on a 4-yard quarterback keeper with 2:01 remaining in the game. The PAT failed.

Window Rock scored its final touchdown of the game when running back Naataah Chief whizzed into the end zone on a 20-yard touchdown as the contest ended.

Ganado had a strong, quick start in the first quarter. Hornets' quarterback Herman Kee threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Elton Kirk with 5:35 left. The PAT failed, the Horents held a 6-0 lead.

Window Rock stormed back minutes later. Fighting Scouts' quarterback Tyrell Boyd found Jason Yazzie for a 60-yard touchdown pass with 5:16 left in the first quarter. The PAT failed and the game was knotted at 6-6.

The Hornets quickly moved the ball down the field. Ganado running back Tony Shirley utilized his quickness and speed, turning the corner, outracing Window Rock defenders for a 60-yard touchdown with 4:32 remaining in the first quarter. The Hornets completed the two-point PAT for a 14-6 advantage.

Less than a minute into the second quarter, Window Rock's Naataah Chief picked up a loose ball, scoring a touchdown with 11:54 left. Ganado held a 14-12 lead after the PAT failed.

Both teams exchanged series of downs, before Ganado's Herman Kee scampered into the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown with 2:24 remaining in the second quarter. Ganado extended its lead to 20-12.

With 1:10 remaining in the second quarter, Window Rock's Tyrell Boyd threw a bullet pass to Demetrius Begaye, who scored a touchdown from 32-yards out with 1:10 left. Boyd connected with Begaye for the two-point PAT, tying the game at 20-20 at halftime.