Canyon del Oro dug itself into a hole in the first month of the season, losing its first four games.
Thanks to a 36-15 win over Flowing Wells on Friday night at CDO, the Dorados' playoff hopes are still alive, if by a hair.
Flowing Wells (2-3) took an early 8-0 lead after an interception thrown by Dorados quarterback Leo Khawam gave the Caballeros the ball inside the 20-yard-line. The early turnover led to a 16-yard scoring throw from Adam Moya to Kevin De La Vara.
The quick lead dissipated even quicker, as the Dorados (1-4) scored 15 points in the second quarter to take a 15-8 halftime lead, thanks to mental lapses by Flowing Wells.
An offside penalty on the Caballeros on fourth-and-four gave Canyon del Oro a fresh set of downs as the half dwindled down. Moments later, Khawam found sophomore receiver Tommy Sawyer for a 12-yard scoring toss.
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"We started off well," Flowing Wells coach Mark Brunenkant said. "We have to learn to play with the lead and not let teams back in it.
"We executed well in the first half and kind of let things get away from us in the second half."
The Caballeros scratched their way back into the game thanks to a fake punt with 10:57 left in the third quarter. Pritchett took the snap and charged ahead 47 yards to tie the game at 15.
The Caballeros held the momentum early in the second half, but Flowing Wells had no answer for CDO running back Isaac Chacon.
Chacon had 17 rushes for 147 yards, including a 50-yard scamper in the fourth quarter that sealed the game.
The Dorados extended their lead at the end of the third with two quick scoring drives. Khawam hit Sawyer with an 18-yard scoring toss and added a short pass to senior running back Robert Padilla, who shook and scooted his way to a 49-yard score of his own.
"We played a bit of sloppy football, but we moved the ball up and down the field," CDO head coach Dusty Peace said. "We definitely made a step in the right direction."
The Dorados' offense gained 477 yards but could have had more if not for 84 yards in penalties.
"Getting that first win is big," Khawam said. "You don't expect to be 0-4. If we win out, we have a chance for playoffs."
