Preview: Cactus @ Desert Mountain

Nick Rock August 31, 2022 @ 08:35 PM

<p>The 5A game of the week features two of the top programs in 5A. Both of which had their seasons end in 2021 against the eventual state champions, Saguaro and Horizon. Given the strength of both teams, there's definitely a chance that this won't be the only time they see each other in 2022. Here's a quick preview of Friday night's matchup: </p>   <p></p>   <h2>Cactus </h2>   <p>Cactus makes the jump from 4A to 5A this year, and were one of the two 4A teams last season to compete in the open division playoffs. They ended up losing 42-21 to Saguaro, but the game was much closer than the scoreboard says, as Cactus came out with a chip on their shoulder in the 2nd half. They have a number of key players returning, which includes [player_tooltip player_id='110106' first='Will' last='Galvan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110112' first='Damian' last='Jiles']. However, Galvan will transition from QB to WR/DB with the incoming Deer Valley QB transfer [player_tooltip player_id='110113' first='Rudy' last='Gonzales']. Galvan is talented enough to line up anywhere on the field and be that difference maker, as he possesses great play speed, twitch, flexibility and burst. He'll be the main guy that Desert Mountain will have to account for given his dynamic ability. Another kid that I think could step up and be a difference maker if he gets the opportunity is 2025 standout Nikko Boncore, who recently impressed at their scrimmage. Overall, Cactus will have a tough test against a loaded Desert Mountain squad, but has that tough, scrappy mentality to fight it out for all 4 quarters. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CHSCobraFB/status/1564991734005657600?s=20&t=bwluv8kK47lEa9eLNq8kCA </div></figure>   <p></p>   <h2>Desert Mountain </h2>   <p>Desert Mountain comes off an impressive 12-2 season from a year ago with a regular season loss vs 6A Chaparral (6A runner up) and a playoff loss vs Horizon. Desert Mountain will also retain a ton of key players, and many of them have seen a significant spark in their recruitment this past offseason. [player_tooltip player_id='169419' first='Dylan' last='Tapley'] will be a fun kid to watch fly aroud as he'll be touted with a big role Friday night against that explosive Cactus offense. i'm curious to see who will get the starting nod at QB since both [player_tooltip player_id='115515' first='Brady' last='McDonough'] and [player_tooltip player_id='220185' first='Drew' last='Tapley'] have both proven to put up points and command that offense well. Whichever direction they go, Desert Mountain will be in good hands as it's a great "problem" to have. Some other guys that I belive could be difference makers in this matchup are [player_tooltip player_id='358492' first='Nolan' last='Clement'], [player_tooltip player_id='364209' first='Santana' last='Wilson'], and TE [player_tooltip player_id='364179' first='Dillon' last='Hipp'] who could become a major mismatch given his 6'6" 230lb frame combined with that athleticism. To sum it up, Desert Mountain checks all the boxes as a powerhouse 5A team, but we'll find out a ton about them this Friday night against a tough opponent. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dillon_hipp/status/1537486724862865408?s=20&t=vCjwikUvFk-p23gDmkaMcQ </div></figure>

The 5A game of the week features two of the top programs in 5A. Both of which had their seasons end in 2021 against the eventual state champions, Saguaro and Horizon. Given the strength of both teams, there's definitely a chance that this won't be the only time they see each other in 2022. Here's a quick preview of Friday night's matchup: