Green Valley players warm up in the setting sun before they face Arbor View during high school football on Friday, September 11, 2015.
Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 | 11:59 p.m.
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Sometimes, all it takes is one big play to change the entire complexion of a football game.
Sophomore receiver Christian Mayberry provided such a moment for Green Valley in a 42-35 victory over visiting Palo Verde Friday night. The Gators were down 35-20 early in the fourth quarter when Mayberry made a highlight catch on a deep pass from quarterback A.J. Amelburu to score a touchdown.
“That really sparked us,” Green Valley coach Brian Castro said. “It was a turning point.”
Green Valley rose to the occasion on defense during Palo Verde’s next drive, forcing an elusive three-and-out. Amelburu, who tallied 202 yards on 12-for-20 passing, followed with both a touchdown and two-point conversion pass to Marquez Powell to tie the game.
“To be honest, we just started playing with some emotion,” Castro said. “We kicked it back off and forced them into a situation where they felt they needed to throw the football.”
Palo Verde wasn’t capable of moving through the air. Green Valley was.
Mayberry, who had 104 yards on four receptions, eventually caught the game-winning touchdown pass. Powell arguably had an even bigger day with five catches for 64 yards and three touchdowns.
“After Mayberry scored to get it within one touchdown, our guys really came alive,” Castro said.
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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