Paced by Kele Meredith's 272 rushing yards, the Page Sand Devils posted a 48-2 victory over the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions in the first round of the 3A football state tournament.

Page, 10-1, meets Valley Christian, 8-3, in the quarterfinals of the state tournament this Friday on the Sand Devils' home field at 7 p.m.

"We were able to establish our run game early and our defense played extremely well," Page head coach Mitchell Stephens said. "Pusch Ridge is young. They graduated a great group last year. They're well coached and will be very good next year."

Page quarterback Robert Smith completed 8-of-10 passes for 62 yards. Nickolas Yazzie hauled in three passes for 28 yards. Makaio Warner caught two passes for 16 yards. The Sand Devils netted 71 passing yards.

Sand Devils' running back Hayden Gracia added 62 yards on the ground. Page chalked up 423 yards on the ground. The Sand Devils had 494 total offensive yardage.

Stephens pointed out that the Sand Devils' offensive line performed outstanding, blocking for Page's running backs.

"Cheyenne Richardson, Terran Blackgoat, Andrew Curley, Cameron Billie and Bradley Nelson did a great job on the offensive line," Stephens said.

Stephens said Brandon James and Austin Green were stellar defensively.

"Brandon had double digit sacks and several fumble recoveries," Stephens said. "Austin scored a touchdown on defense."

Page meets Valley Christian for the second time this season. Page defeated Valley Christian, 22-15, on September 14 in Page.

"Valley Christian is a much improved team from the last time we played," Stephens said. "They've gotten some guys back. They throw the ball well and have several great athletes. They're very active on defense and swarm to the ball. We'll have to play well in the secondary. Offensive line will have to pick up stunts and blitzes."

Benson 46, Alchesay 42

Benson running back Shane Dezonia had a field day against Alchesay, as the Bobcats outpointed the Falcons, 46-42, in the first round of the 2A football state tournament.

Dezonia rushed for 276 yards on 17 rushes, scoring three touchdowns for Benson.

Alchesay head coach Brandon Newcomb said Benson took a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. He said Benson fullback Shane Dezonia will probably be inducted into Benson Hall of Fame after his performance.

"We had trouble stopping him (Shane Dezonia) all night long," Newcomb said. "He is a quick, strong kid."

Newcomb said Benson is definitely a well coached team.

"They are quick and aggresive at all the positions," he said.

Alchesay rushed for 350 yards and passed for 32 yards for 382 total offensive yardage.

Falcons' quarterback Kellen Parrish completed 2-of-3 passes for 32 yards. Devin Naranjo caught one pass for eight yards and one touchdown.

After being sidelined with a knee injury majority of the season, senior running back Tyreck Cosay returned to action. Cosay rushed for 164 yards on 29 rushes.

Falcons' Jordan Brooks chalked up 80 yards on 23 rushes and one touchdown. Devin Naranjo had seven rushes for five yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kellen Parrish had 32 yards on five rushes and two six-pointers on the night. Parrish returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Newcomb said Alchesay's football program loses 11 seniors. He said the Falcons will replace key member of this year's team. The Falcons lose quarterback / defensive back Kellen Parrish, running back / linebacker Tyreck Cosay, fullback / linebacker Jordan Brooks, offensive / defensive lineman Cesario Hernandez.

"I am confident we have underclassmen from our JV team, as well as juniors and sophomores from the 2018 team that will fill their shoes," he said. "They will have to work hard in the off season and be ready to defend our region championship, the fall of 2019."

Newcomb said this year's team is definitely the best season he's ever been associated with at Alchesay, as well as his football head coaching career.

"There was many highlights that I am proud of, from winning the region championship, to defeating Blue Ridge," Newcomb said. "We did fall short of our goal of winning a playoff game. The playoff disappointment and the challenge of defending the region title has me eager and looking forward to the 2019 football season."

Alchesay finished its season 9-2. Benson, 7-4, advances into the state quarterfinals, meeting unbeaten, No. 1 ranked Thatcher this Friday at 7 p.m. in Thatcher.

Trivium Prep 36, Red Mesa 26

No. 15 Red Mesa was not intimidated by No. 2 Trivium Prep for 48 minutes in the first round of the 2A football state tournament.

Red Mesa went toe-to-toe, battling Trivium Prep, before the Crimson Knights held off the team from the Navajo Nation, 36-26.

"The guys played hard and did not give up," said Red Mesa head coach Pita Olomua. "The guys came to play. I am proud of the guys. Trivium Prep had a big offensive and defensive line. They had a couple of ends that were 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-3. They guys did an outstanding job defending the pass. We took away their passing game. They only threw three passes all night long."

Red Mesa wide receiver Hunter Pipkin scored three touchdowns and one two-point PAT. Red Mesa quarterback Dearan Horse threw two touchdown passes to Pipkin. Tight end Keanu Smith connected with Pipkin with a touchdown pass. Roland Begay tallied a two-point PAT for Red Mesa.

"The guys played their game," Olomua said. "It was a close game. We get down and we fought back. At the end, we fell short. They guys fought to the end."

The game was tied 8-8 in the first quarter. Red Mesa scored a touchdown, taking a 14-8 lead. Trivium Prep scored, taking a slim 15-14 lead at halftime.

The two teams traded touchdowns, before Trivium Prep held on for a 10-point victory in the second half.

"We lose 12 seniors from our team," Olomua said. "The highlight of our season was the fact that we beat three 3A North Region schools, Tuba City, Kayenta Monument Valley and Chinle."

Red Mesa finished its season 9-2. Trivium Prep, 11-0, entertains St. Johns this Friday in Goodyear, Arizona at 7 p.m.