Glendale Mountain Ridge coach Bobby Green put an emphasis on being studious during practice and the Mountain Lions put attention to detail, making dividends on the field as they were able to shut down Mesa Skyline’s proficient run attack in a 26-17 victory Friday at Mountain Ridge.

SLIDESHOW: Friday Night High School Football

All season, Skyline, No. 4 in 5A-II, has dominated on the ground behind the tandem of Thomas Brown and Damari Lewis, averaging 330 yards per contest.

In the first quarter, it looked as though Lewis would be his usual unstoppable self as he sprinted to a 30-yard touchdown in the opening sequence, giving Skyline an early 7-0 advantage.

The Mountain Lion offense was able to capitalize in the second quarter, shutting Skyline down and scoring two touchdowns. Skyline kicker Jarred Smith’s field goal narrowed the deficit to 12-10 at the half.

Lewis scored again in the third quarter to make the score 17-12 with a 3-yard run.

After that, it was all Mountain Lions as Tyler Larkins’ 4-yard TD run made the score 19-17.

Skyline threatened late, but it couldn’t put the ball in the end zone from the 3-yard line when Thomas was stuffed at the goal line on fourth-and-goal.

“We just weren’t able to make the big play today,” Skyline coach Peter Jonovich said.

“These players are just going to have to make less mistakes in order to win. People know who we are now, we aren’t going to sneak up on anyone.”