For three quarters, the Phoenix football team went toe-to-toe with one of the best in the state.

The fourth quarter was a different story.

Trailing 20-14 after three quarters of a Skyline Conference game, the host Pirates dropped a 49-14 decision to Mazama on Friday night. The visiting Vikings used a pair of interception returns for touchdowns to break the game open in the final 12 minutes.

The game was tied 14-14 after an entertaining first half. The Pirates continued to play well through the third quarter but struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, Mazama continued to grind out the yards as a pair of Viking running backs finished with 140+ yards each. Izzy Gill scored a pair of running touchdowns in the second half, building the Mazama lead to 28-14. The Vikings followed by intercepting passes on two straight Phoenix possessions, returning both for scores.

Javan Gail scored both Phoenix touchdowns, including a six-yard run in the second quarter that tied the game at 14 at halftime. Gail threw for 144 yards and ran for 67. Dylan Knudson caught four passes for 75 yards while Mikey Walker paced the PHS defense with eight tackles.

The Pirates (2-2 overall, 0-1 Skyline) return to conference play on Friday when they visit Hidden Valley.