Undefeated Queen Creek's toughest game of the season to date arrived Friday night. The Bulldogs survived a physical bout from start to finish with fellow unbeaten Williams Field, 21-20, in a 6A Fiesta Region game at Williams Field.

Queen Creek (4-0, 2-0 region) trailed three times in the seesaw contest and each time answered, finally pulling out its fourth win in as many tries with 4:23 to play. Williams Field is now 3-1, 1-1.

After falling behind for the third time, 20-15, in the opening two minutes of the fourth quarter, Queen Creek's defense set up its offense for the go-ahead drive. Junior free safety Luke Gonzalez picked off a tipped pass at midfield with 5:55 left to play. 

About 90 seconds later, Queen Creek regained the lead for good with the game's final points. A 12-yard pass reception from Bulldogs quarterback Sebastian Tomerlin to running back Peyton Barlow started the drive. Chunk runs by Tomerlin and Barlow landed Queen Creek at the 1 and Tomerlin's sneak with 4:23 to play made it 21-20. The try for two points failed.

Williams Field got momentum back briefly as Joshua Dye returned the ensuing kickoff 36 yards to the Blackhawks 47. Three successive runs by workhorse running back Kaden Cloud set up fourth-and-four at the Queen Creek 47. The fourth-down pass by backup quarterback Tanner Chase was knocked down. Chase had replaced veteran starter CJ Tiller in the early moments of the third period after Tiller was injured by a hit by Bulldogs linebacker Porter Reynolds. Tiller did not return. The returning starter at quarterback, Tiller completed 5 of 12 passes for 66 yards aand two TDs before his night ended early in the third period. 

Determined short runs by Barlow and Tomerlin netted two first downs and allowed Queen Creek to run out the clock.

"Our kids are resilient," Queen Creek coach Travis Shureman said. "They were able to come back a couple times. We came here expecting to win, but it's always tough against Williams Field and Coach (Steve) Campbell."

Barlow is the kind of runner that demands attention, but with the athletic Tomerlin behind center defenses must be wary.

"Sebastian makes it tough to key on Peyton," Shureman said. 

Barlow made several tough runs in the game. He came up with key first downs getting an extra yard or so solely on effort. None was more important than a six-yard carry on third-and-five with 1:31 to go that earned the final first down and made sure Williams Field did not get another possession.

Barlow finished with 13 carries for 76 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards. Tomerlin rushed for 46 yards and two touchdowns. He also passed for one touchdown, completing 14 of 25 attempts for 142 yards. Williams Field's offense was led by senior running back Kaden Cloud, who rushed 17 times for 101 yards. 

Queen Creek plays at home next week against Casteel (3-1) while Williams Field takes to the road to face Centennial (2-3).