David Montoya is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

In AZPreps365’s game of the week, the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs defense forced six turnovers in a 48-7 victory against the Cactus Cobras on Friday.

“We have a veteran defense,” Mustangs coach Steve Decker said. “It ended up really helping us tonight. It allowed the offense be in great field position.”

Mustangs safety Micah Scott set the tone for his team on the first play of the game by intercepting a deep pass attempt by the Cobras. The offense capitalized on Scott’s interception six plays later when running back Tommy Arnold rushed for a 10-yard touchdown, putting the Mustangs up early 7-0.

On the next drive, the Mustangs’ defense stepped up again. Sunrise defensive back Steven Hoffman ended a 12-play Cactus drive by returning an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.

“It was triple on the left side. We just game planned. The third receiver always comes on a bender,” Hoffman said. “We were playing cover four. I shaded over and just jumped it.”

Mustangs senior defensive back Steven Hoffman reaches for the endzone, scoring on an 85-yard interception return. (Photo Credit: Scott Lowry)

Hoffman kept busy after his pick six. He added to his stat line with a late second-quarter interception as well as a third-quarter sack on a designed blitz.

“Outstanding,” Decker said. “He’s the leader of that defensive backfield for sure.”

By halftime, the Mustangs already had three interceptions. The team finished the game with four, each of them being from the players in the secondary.

“Our DB’s have been playing for us for a long time,” Decker said. “We knew that was a strength.”

The Mustangs’ defensive line also was impressive. Outside linebacker Owen Thomas pressured Cactus’ quarterback all night.

In addition, Sunrise’s defense forced two fumbles. One was forced early in the third quarter and one in the last seconds of the game.

In his first game with Sunrise Mountain, quarterback Travis Ward threw three touchdown passes and rushed for one while throwing only one interception. Last week, Decker said three transfer quarterbacks were battling for the starting spot. Ward ended up being the guy for the job.

After a convincing win against Cactus, Decker did not regret his decision.

“Overall, he managed the game really good,” Decker said. “I’m pleased with him.”

Ward said he has room to grow.  

“I could’ve done better,” Ward said, “I just have to take it week by week and not think too much. I’m getting used to it, I got some things to work on.”

The Mustangs take on last year’s 4A champion Mesquite Wildcats on Friday.