Marina Williams is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

With 36 seconds left on the clock, Desert Ridge High School stood tall in victory formation. Senior quarterback Andre Gonzales called for the snap and took a knee. After being down 0-6 in the first half of the season, the Jaguars earned their third-straight victory.

“They played with a lot of heart and a lot of purpose,” Head Coach Roy Santos said. “Now we have a purpose, we’re right there on the edge.” 

Desert Ridge (3-6, 3-2 6A Fiesta) faced a familiar foe in Mesa High (3-6, 1-3 6A Fiesta) on November 1 for a First Responder and Armed Forces night. Last season, the Jaguars bested the Jackrabbits, 27-10. 

Mesa led 17-14 after the first half, and the entire third quarter was a ping-pong of points between the two. The Jaguars, who struggled to generate much momentum against the Jackrabbits, came out of the locker room after the half feeling strong and confident, according to Defensive Coach Sammy Johns. 

“We just had to make sure we were lining up right and doing our job,” he said. “Everything that we’ve said they were going to do, they’re going to do. We just have to play fast and physical.”

The defensive effort of the team could be what propelled them to victory. Desert Ridge totalled 110 tackles against Mesa, including two tackles for loss. Seniors Jackson Brown and Taevin Bean stood out with a combined 29 total tackles.

The seniors weren’t the only ones packing it up, alongside them was junior Zander Fuentes who grabbed seven solo tackles. 

After a fumble by Mesa, outside linebacker Andrew Hines ran a 75-yard scoop-and-score, throwing six more onto the board for the Jags. 

“A lot of guys stepped up, and they pitched in. That’s what we needed tonight,” Johns said. 

Sophomore Gunner Brewer was selected as Desert Ridge’s player of the game. Though previously slated for QB, he found his spot as a defensive back. Brewer started the fourth quarter off with a bang, running a 30-yard interception. 

“A couple weeks ago, we decided to bring him over here because he wasn’t really able to do anything as a quarterback,” Johns said. “He’s a really smart kid who catches on quickly, and honestly the future is looking really bright for him.” 

On the offensive side of the ball, Desert Ridge looked comfortable. Senior quarterback Andre Gonzales currently averages 142 passing yards per game, and his QB rate sits at 92.5 this season with 1,257 yards under his belt. Running back Michael Alvarado is right next to him; the senior earned 766 all-purpose yards, and the two have an on-field chemistry like no other, according to Lopez.  

“There’s so much steadiness,” Lopez said. “If you look at our first six games, we’re battle tested. For those boys to step up, let’s see if we can take a little momentum into the next one.” 

Desert Ridge geared up for its senior night against Highland where the Jaguars hoped to secure themselves a spot in the AIA state championship. Lopez expected nothing less for the final regular season game. 

“When these boys play with some confidence, you see what they can do,” he said. “We’re pretty excited, let’s see if we can get a little run going. They play hard every day, and that’s all we’re pushing for.”