Photos: Salpointe tops Cienega, 30-22, high school football
Salpointe built a sizable lead, but Cienega clawed back to get within a TD and a two-point conversion and the ball in the final few minutes of the Lancers' 30-22 road win, September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Anthony Wilhite (21) fights his way up the middle through the heart of the Cienega defense in the first quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Jimmy Diaz (11) out jumps a Salpointe defensive back for a big catch in their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Cruz Rushing (20) can't keep Cienega's Christian Hawkins (12) from a first down catch at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Ritchie McCormack (22) gets hammered in the backfield in the first quarter of their game against Salpointe at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Nolan Baker (54) gets just enough of Salpointe's Treyson Bourguet (3) to drag him down for a sack in the third quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Antonio Martinez (1) tries to wrench the ball out of the hands of Cienega's Ritchie Mccormack (22) while bringing him down in the fourth quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Treyson Bourguet (3) runs out of the reach of Cienega's Spiezio Gonzalez (8) to avoid a sack at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Jimmy Diaz (11) brings down a catch over Salpointe's Cody Raetzman (10) giving the Bobcats a bit of life in the final minutes of the fourth quarter and down by eight to the Lancers at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Anthony Wilhite (21) twits out of the reach of Cienega's Nolan Baker (54) to avoid a loss on a carry in the third quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Cruz Rushing (20) comes in from behind to sack Cienega's Brayden Cherry (16) in the second quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Salpointe's Dailan Goodman (25) muscles his way to a first down in the arms of against Cienega's Elias Santana (2), top, and Cole Mcfarland (32) in the third quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Gunnar Hernandez (7) gets a whole lot of Salpointe's Michael Aguirre (8) in breaking up the reception attempt in the fourth quarter of their game at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Derek Bradley takes a moment with his dad, David, before joining the Bobcats in their pre-game drills for their game against Salpointe at Cienega High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Salpointe vs Cienega
Cienega's Landen Halle listens to the national anthem before the Bobcats kick off their home game against Salpointe, Tucson, Ariz., September 16, 2021.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
A potential game-tying pass to the goal line intended for 6-foot-5 tight end Brody Kallman was slightly overthrown and intercepted by Salpointe in the final minute.
On Thursday, Salpointe Catholic will visit Cienega for the first time since 2017. One night later, unbeaten Marana will battle Tucson High in the Star's game of the week.
For the four Lumberjacks who grew up in Southern Arizona, though, Saturday will be a de facto home game, making the trip even more special.
In a normal year, the Mountain View and Sahuaro football coaches would be telling their players about the importance of winning this week’s hi…