The Apollos took the opening snap and in what is becoming a pattern marched right down the field. Garrett Gilbert led the opening drive not only with his arm but his legs. A 6 yard pass to WR Charles Johnson capped off a statement drive by the Apollos, 6-0
Not to be outdone, the Hotshots responded with a 55 yard FG to close the lead to 6-3 Apollo’s.
The Hotshots’ defense stopped Gilbert and the Apollos offense on their next possession, forcing a punt after after a 3rd & 7 pass play fell short.
End of the 1st quarter, Apollos lead 6-3.
The Apollos defense bent but didn’t break in the next drive, which ended in a 53 yard FG to even the score at 6-6.
The Apollos added a 44 yard FG to take a 9-6 lead mid way through the 2nd quarter.
Arizona settled in with a great drive led by QB John Wolford culminating in a yard touchdown pass from Wolford to RB Jhurell Pressley.
14-9 Hotshots at the half.
The 2nd half saw the teams exchange possessions throughout the 3rd quarter. Garrett Gilbert and the Apollos offense continued to struggle and at the end of the 3rd quarter, Hotshots 14 Apollos 9.
The 4th quarter continued to see the game shift more towards a defensive struggle. Neither QB could seem to get in rhythm.
Garrett Gilbert connected with WR Jalin Marshall on a 17 yard TD pass with just under 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
Apollos-17 Hotshots-14
Arizona answered with a 9 play 75 yard drive capped off by a 1 yard TD run by Jhurell Pressley.
FINAL: Hotshots-22 Apollos-17