Desert Edge Defense Loads Up All-Region Teams

<p>Desert Edge High School's defense has been a force to be reckoned with as of late, and this season was no different. With a lineup packed with star power and standout performances, the Scorpions' defensive unit made their mark felt across the All-Region teams. From linemen who dominated the trenches to a secondary that locked down the opposition, Desert Edge's prospects earned widespread recognition for their play on Friday nights. This year's All-Region selections reflect just how impactful the Scorpions' defense was, with multiple players finding their names on the coveted lists and [player_tooltip player_id='704788' first='Joshua' last='Hopphaus'] taking home region Defensive Player of the Year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region Defensive Player of the Year</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='704788' first='Joshua' last='Hopphaus'] was the heart of Desert Edge's defense, finishing the season with a jaw-dropping 109 tackles, including 72 solo stops. His 21 tackles for loss showcase his ability to read plays quickly and disrupt offenses before they can develop. As a senior leader, Hopphaus's instincts and discipline were evident; he excelled at filling run lanes and shedding blocks. His five sacks demonstrate his versatility as a defender, combining explosive power and aggressive footwork to get easy access to the backfield. Hopphaus's play in the middle anchored the Scorpions' defense and set the tone for their success.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First-Team</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='704774' first='Jamar' last='Beal-Goines'] made his mark in the secondary with a knack for disrupting passing games. With 11 passes defended, his ability to read quarterbacks and stay glued to his assignments was on full display each and every game. With one interception that he returned for 60 yards, Beal-Goines demonstrated excellent ball skills and the awareness to turn defense into offense. He also managed to get his hands on three field goals showing just how versatile he is when it comes to keeping points off the board.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='354987' first='Elijah' last='Sherbin-Fox'] may have had modest overall tackle numbers with 10 on the season, but eight of those were tackles for loss and he also added six sacks which speaks volumes about his versatile impact. Sherbin-Fox may have re-defined what it means to be a versatile weapon for Desert Edge this season. Starting the year at quarterback and later switching to wideout, he has a whopping 1,383 total yards through 11 games. Sherbin-Fox took home first-team "Defensive Utility/Flex Player" honors as well as second-team "Offensive Utility/Flex Player" honors in the same season. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1645581' first='William' last='Rodgers'] was a reliable presence in the defensive backfield, contributing 26 tackles and a team-leading 12 passes defended over 10 games. His sharp football IQ and excellent technique allowed him to stick with receivers and anticipate the route concepts being thrown at him. Rodgers's ability to disrupt the passing game made him a consistent threat to opposing offenses, often forcing quarterbacks to look away from his side of the field — which doesn't typically work out well when facing Desert Edge's talented secondary.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1145517' first='Jerry' last='Washington'] was, yet again, an explosive force on the defensive line, collecting 47 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7.5 sacks in just six games. His ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage is fueled by his quick hands and powerful lower body, allowing him to shed blockers and explode into the backfield. Washington's high motor and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a game-wrecker every time he stepped on the field.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Iyod Selph was an excellent run stopper for the Scorpions, recording 48 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks across 10 games. Opposing offensive linemen struggled to clear Selph out of running lanes all year, as his sheer strength allowed him to take on double teams and still not give up his spot. Selph's ability to anchor himself and quickly get off of blocks allowed him to consistently disrupt the opponent's ground game, making him a crucial part of Desert Edge's defensive success.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Camren Hamiel brought a balanced skill set to the field, recording 42 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions in 10 games. Hamiel's ball skills and ability to read quarterbacks made him a threat in the secondary, while his physicality allowed him to contribute in run defense. With his combination of speed, instincts, and excellent tackling made him a versatile defender who can play in multiple roles — both on this Desert Edge defense, and at the next level.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Second-Team</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">TJ Tucker showcased his playmaking ability with 42 total tackles, including 28 solo stops. Due to the respect opposing teams had for the rest of the secondary, Tucker found himself with more opportunities to make plays, and he took full advantage of them, finishing tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Tucker's ability to read quarterbacks, break on the ball, and make plays in coverage made him a crucial part of the secondary. His consistent tackling in the open field further added to his value, keeping explosive wide receivers in check all year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Tony Brydie Jr. was a standout defensive back for Desert Edge, playing more like a nickel safety with extensive run responsibilities that went beyond those of a typical DB. He finished the season with 65 tackles, including 40 solo stops and 3 tackles for loss. His aggressive approach to filling run lanes and his quick reactions allowed him to make crucial plays against both the run and pass. Despite the challenges of playing in the box, Brydie managed to excel in both areas. His strength and ability to follow the flow of the offense made him an integral part of the defense, especially in critical situations where stopping the run was essential.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1682122' first='Antonio' last='Para'] was a consistent contributor for the Desert Edge defense, finishing the season with 47 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Para played with a relentless motor, always giving his all on every play. His ability to read plays and take smart, calculated angles made him extremely effective in both stopping the run and defending the pass. Versatility being a common theme among this Desert Edge defense, Para fits right in. Excelling at the line of scrimmage, he makes it tough for offensive players to block by always keeping his feet moving. Whether it was making key stops in the middle or flying to a screen outside the numbers, Para consistently rose to the occasion.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mentions</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='884388' first='Mikyal' last='Davis'] brought an impressive level of athleticism to the already-athletic Desert Edge defense; showcasing speed, physicality, and a natural ability to make plays. As just a sophomore, Davis's performance stood out — playing at such a high level at his age is rare. He recorded 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set. His instincts and closing speed allowed him to be in the right place at the right time, seemingly all the time. His top-tier ball skills, aggressive approach to tackling as a smaller player, and relentless motor made him a dynamic prospect who consistently impacted the game. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jalanie George had an impressive season as a freshman, which is no small feat at the varsity level. Recording 46 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, he showed a level of maturity in his play that some seniors don't even possess. George also managed to grab an interception and two pass deflections from the defensive line — showing just how athletic he is. His ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays was a testament to his quick first step and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. George's high motor, physicality, and excellent use of his hands allowed him to spend lots of time in the opponent's backfield, often forcing offenses into negative situations.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of many pieces on this Desert Edge defense that could play as either a linebacker or defensive back and excel at both, Jerrell Johnson was a steady force on the Desert Edge defense. He finished the season with 46 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, an interception, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble. His ability to read plays and react quickly allowed him to play freely without second guessing himself, which often led to Johnson being the first one to the ball carrier. His physical presence and disciplined approach to his assignments made him reliable defending the pass without sacrificing run support. </p>

Desert Edge High School's defense has been a force to be reckoned with as of late, and this season was no different. With a lineup packed with star power and standout performances, the Scorpions' defensive unit made their mark felt across the All-Region teams. From linemen who dominated the trenches to a secondary that locked down the opposition, Desert Edge's prospects earned widespread recognition for their play on Friday nights. This year's All-Region selections reflect just how impactful the Scorpions' defense was, with multiple players finding their names on the coveted lists and Joshua Hopphaus Joshua Hopphaus 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Desert Edge | 2025 State AZ taking home region Defensive Player of the Year.