Score: Poston Butte (4-2) shutout Northwest Christian (1-5) in a 35-0 road win.

Big moments: Northwest Christian starting quarterback Judah Huisman sustained a game-ending injury on the third play of the first offensive series.

From there, backup quarterback Logan Fagerlie gave up an interception on a ball left floating and grabbed by Posten Butte back Qulier Hightower. Poston Butte quarterback Drew Dalmacio ran in the first touchdown of the game, giving the team the early lead and the squad never looked back.

Keith Gray picked off the third Northwest Christian quarterback, Ashton Camp, but the defense denied Poston Butte on the next series. After a holding call on Poston Butte, the offense was facing a 3rd and 27 from the 45-yard line. Poston Butte’s Octavious Joe ran the ball, but a big defensive stop forced the punt.

Who stood out: Joe was the standout when Poston Butte ran the ball. He carried most of the offensive load and added the third and fourth touchdowns of the game. But head coach Dain Thompson said getting six players carries was the highlight of the run game.

Dalmacio created plays in the air and on the ground, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a keeper.

From the sideline: Thompson said it was good to get right on the football field after suffering a tough 54-6 loss to a good Cactus team last week. Getting the shutout for Poston Butte took a lot of work.

“The defensive line was tough, and it takes a lot of work and preparation for the kids to make the calls and do their things on the field,” he explained.

Several players got some playing time, especially in the secondary, where Thompson said seven guys played in various places. Last week, two linemen and tight ends were lost to injury.

Northwest Christian has also been hampered by injuries, including early season-ending injuries.

“We are not very big to start, and we have kids playing both ways,” he said while explaining why he team has struggled in 4A this year.

In the Poston Butte match-up, Inness said some of his 170-pound linemen were lining up against kids in the low 300-pound range on the left side of the line.

“This is what happens when you play 4A and never did anyone take into account the injuries that will happen and continue to happen,” he said. “This won’t ruin this program but has set the program back big time.”

Up next: Poston Butte (4-2) will travel to Apache Junction, and Northwest Christian (1-5) will head to Gila Ridge next week.