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PHOENIX- Quarterback Jon Eastman threw two second half touchdowns to lead the No. 2 Snow College football team to a 19-12 come-from-behind win.
Eastman played in his first game this season following a foot injury during preseason practice. He led the Badgers to the victory on 17-27 passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the contest.
"Jon played his heart out," said head coach Steve Coburn. He led us on three late drives to give us the win."
The victory guarantees the Badgers the Western States Football League championship with a chance at a National Championship still a possibility.
Snow was held scoreless in the first half after two early touchdowns were called back. Although the Bears racked up more than 200 first-half yards, Phoenix settled for two field goals taking a 6-0 lead into the break.
Phoenix tacked on another field goal before the Badgers put their first points on the board, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jon Eastman to Sam Thomas, tightening the game to 9-7 midway through the third quarter.
Phoenix added another field goal in the fourth before Snow put together a methodical drive, capped by a six-yard touchdown pass from Eastman. A failed two-point conversion made it a 13-12 game. After a three-and-out by the Snow defense, the Badgers put together another drive capped by a 23-yard Mike Meifu touchdown run.
Snow overcame an 80-yard first half to outgain Phoenix 335-303 for the contest. Snow held the Bears to 102 second half yards and held the potent Phoenix offense without a touchdown.
"Our defense came up huge," said Coburn. "They played like champions. It's an amazing feeling."
The Badgers battled 140 yards of penalties (including calling back three touchdowns) in the contest. The victory brings Snow to 10-0 on the season, with only one game remaining.
Meifu racked up 56 yards and running back Tyson Church added 57 for a balanced Badger running attack. Thomas led the Badgers with seven catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Snow returns home for its final regular season game Saturday against Mesa Community College. The game kicks off at noon and will be broadcast live at www.snowbadgers.com
