Daviaughn Reagan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza HS for AZPreps365.com

The Padres of Marcos de Niza fell short on the final play of an overtime thriller Friday night, falling 29-28 to Coconino High School.

After fullback Jacob Irick scored to bring the Padres within one, Marcos de Niza coach Anthony Figueroa had a big decision to make:

Win the game with a 2-point conversion or kick the extra point to tie.

Figueroa and the Padres went for the knockout blow.

Needing 2 yards to reach the end zone and secure their first win, the Padres handed off to Irick. Coconino swarmed the fullback, dropping him a yard short and ending the game.

The Padres were led by their massive offensive line. The team rushed for more than 100 yards. Irick and seniors Jayden Calderon each scored touchdowns.

“Those guys worked hard all week," Figueroa said. "They knew what we were in for and they definitely answered the call.”

Though the Padres relied heavily on their run game, senior quarterback Antonio Hernandez had an impressive opener as well.

Hernandez threw two touchdowns passes and spread the ball to his receivers. He also kept the Padres calm in the final minutes.

Marcos de Niza's defense mostly held its own against Coconino’s Wing-T offense. The defense forced three turnovers, which turned out to be crucial in a tight game. The Padres also forced Coconino to snap the ball through the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety.

But the Padres were haunted by numerous mistakes. They went 0-for-2 on extra-point attempts. Both were blocked kicks that cost them later.

The Padres also had a big play off a screen pass negated because of a penalty. Figueroa said the team has to clean up its mistakes.