Palo Verde grinds out road win over Silverado to remain undefeated — PHOTOS

Palo Verde earned a 22-6 road victory over Silverado on Friday night, raising its record to 6-0 while Silverado fell to 3-3. The Panthers’ offense sputtered, but the defense generated enough turnovers to seal the win. The decisive turnover arrived late in the first half when James Eliason intercepted a Silverado pass in the end zone, preserving Palo Verde’s 15-6 lead at halftime. After the break, senior running back Darek Walker capped a drive with a 7‑yard touchdown run, extending the advantage to 22-6. Walker finished the contest with 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns; his first score came on a 3‑yard rush in the second quarter, followed by a two‑point conversion run. Palo Verde’s passing game found a spark through senior receiver Beau Gardineer, who amassed 107 yards, highlighted by a 45‑yard catch‑and‑run that set up the opening touchdown. That opening score came on an 8‑yard pass from quarterback Cooper Roberts to freshman receiver X'zavier McZeal, who ended the night with three receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown. Roberts completed 121 yards through the air with one touchdown pass. Silverado managed only two interceptions in the fourth quarter, both coming from sophomore defenders. Jayson Eliason grabbed the first, and Brock Miller secured the second with less than two minutes left, effectively ending the rally. On the defensive side, junior Roman Carrizales contributed two sacks and a fumble recovery for Silverado. Palo Verde head coach Dru Smith reflected on the result and the team’s standing. “We are tied for archetypal spot with Basic. If we win, that would warrant our seniors different location crippled successful the Superintendents Cup,” Smith said. “I’m excited for these guys.” He added, “6-0 is 6-0. We’re doing a bully thing,” he said. “We’ve doubled our triumph full from past year, and we’re precise arrogant of that fact.” The victory positions Palo Verde for a pivotal showdown against Basic next week, with the outcome potentially deciding the Division II East playoff picture and a berth in the Superintendents Cup.