Sophomore running back Shane McCullen rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries Friday as host Apache Junction rallied to beat Flagstaff 15-12 in the first round of the 4A Division II playoffs.
The Prospectors (8-4) trailed 12-0 with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter when McCullen took over. He scored on runs of 64 and 40 yards in a span of two minutes and ran in a two-point conversion as well to give Apache Junction the lead.
Flagstaff (8-4) had a chance to tie the game but missed a 45-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
The Prospectors will play at Scottsdale Arcadia next week.
Apache Junction lost three fumbles, but ended the night plus-4 in turnover ratio.
On defense, the Prospectors disturbed Eagle quarterback Luke Hawthorne all night long.
Justin Higuera intercepted him four times, and Cody Morrow picked off three of his passes.
Hawthorne finished the night 15-of-38 for 183 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions.
