No  5 Sabino didn't get an extraordinary game out of standout Drew Dixon on Saturday night, but Dixon's supporting cast was there to pick up the slack.

A 10-0 spree in a 75-second span of the third period, a handful of plays submitted in the second half by wide receiver-defensive back Andrew Carlsen and a goal-line stand with 6:45 left allowed Sabino to edge top-seed Show Low, 23-21, in the late 3A semifinal game at Williams Field High School.

Sabino (12-1), which trailed 14-0 late in the first period, advances to the 3A title game Saturday (Nov. 26) where it will face American Leadership, who it defeated earliier this season, 16-13. It will be Sabino's ninth championship game appearance. The Sabercats last claimed a crown in 1998. and have won three (1990,1992 and 1998). Show Low's bid at a perfect season was spoiled and the Cougars finish 12-1.

Carlsen, a senior and the Sabercats leading receiver for the year, grabbed a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Bell with 5:34 left in the third period to bring Sabino within one point of the lead for the second time in the game at 21-20. Carlsen didn't let up.

On defense after the ensuing kickoff, Carlsen picked off Show Low quarterback Rhett Ricedorff on the first play to set Sabino up at the Show Low 40. Four plays later, Sabino cashed in with the deciding points -- a 30-yard field goal by Bennett Nottingham. The three points gave Sabino the lead for the first time and one the Sabercats hung on to --  barely --  the final 16 minutes.

As the final period began, Show Low began a drive at its 43 that advanced to the Sabino 8 with first-and-goal. A couple runs by junior Westin Keime (19 carries for 101 yards) moved the ball to the 2. Senior Chris Imoto took a stab and was stopped at the 1 1/2 leading to fourth down. Show Low coach Randy Ricedorff opted not to attempt a field goal and went for the score on fourth down. Keim was stopped a 1/2 yard short. turning the ball over to Sabino. with 645 to play.

Show Low banked on forcing a three-and-out to get the ball back with good field position. Carlsen and Dixon didn't let it happen. Lining up at quarterback for one of only a few snaps, Dixon launched a 33-yard completion to Carlsen along the right sideline to pull the Sabercats out of the shadow of their goal line. He tacked on a 32-yad catch from Bell a few plays later. Sabino ultimately was stopped at the Show Low 40, but in turn stopped Show Low on downs with 3:03 left.

Show Low gained possession one more time at its 34 with 1:24 to play, but two 15-yard sacks of Rhett Ricedorff destroyed any hope of a miracle finish for the Cougars. Sabino got the ball back at Show Low's 9 with 25 seconds and went to victory formation for the final snap.

Carlsen finished the night with six catches for 128 yards. Dixon was held under 100 yards -- 99 (rushing, passing and receiving) -- combined for just the second time this season. Bell completed 16 of 29 attempts for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Taylr Killian (2-yard run) and Jaymison Anderson (7-yard pass from Bell) scored Sabino's other TDs.

Rhett Ricedorff scored all three Show Low touchdowns on runs of 13 and 10 yards in the first quarter and a scamper of 2 yards in the third period after the Cougars recovered a fumble of the second-half kickoff by Sabino.