Rattler spoils Basha’s home opener as Pinnacle rolls

Junior quarterback Spencer Rattler and Pinnacle spoiled Basha’s home opener on Friday in Chandler, as the Pioneers routed the Bears 49-3, behind a marvelous performance by the Oklahoma QB commit.

Pinnacle (2-0) scored first on an 84yard, 14-play drive on the game’s first possession. On their next drive, Rattler converted a fourth-and-11 situation and later connected on the first of his four touchdown passes — a 27-yard bullet to Eric Cole. Later in the second quarter, Rattler found Hogan Hatten for a 7yard score. The Pioneers led at halftime, 21-0. Basha (1-1) connected on a thirdquarter field goal to end the shutout, but Pinnacle responded with a 9-yard touchdown run by Amalec Juntunen on the next drive.

Two minutes later, Rattler again found Hatten for a 15-yard touchdown to make it 35-3 as play moved to the fourth quarter. The two hooked up for again in the fourth — this time a 13-yard TD — and Juntunen converted a 20yard rushing score to give Pinnacle the runaway win. Standout performer

Rattler showed why he is ranked the top dual-threat quarterback in the country, as the junior signal caller made big-time plays with both his arm and legs. Rattler finished 24-for-27 passing for 262 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 21 yards on the ground. More standouts Hogan Hatten (Pinnacle): Three catches, all touchdowns, for 35 yards. Dylan Quinn (Basha): Intercepted a middle-of-the-field pass from Rattler at the end of the second quarter. Star watch

Collin Collins (Basha): The junior quarterback led some impressive drives but was unable to capitalize on opportunities and was inconsistent throughout the night. Collins finished 13-for-31 passing for 131 yards. Quotes of the game

Despite his team’s turnovers, Rattler was overall pleased with his effort on Friday.

“We just came out here and executed on everything,” Rattler said. “I feel like I was able to do my thing ... overall, I’m really happy with my performance.”

Hatten, who caught three touchdowns from Rattler on Friday, follows a similar performance by his identical twin brother, Hayden, last week.

“It’s pretty funny we’ve switched off this year; I had three last week, he had three this week,” Hayden said.

“If we keep that going it’ll be a great season.” Stat of the game

Pinnacle turned the all over four times (three fumbles, one interception), none of which led to scores by Basha. Up next

Pinnacle will have its home opener on Friday against defending 6A champion Chandler, while Basha hosts Desert Vista on Friday.