2025 Team Preview: Cactus Shadows Offense

As we continue to roll out our team previews, we'll shine some light on the top storylines and the breakout players you won't want to miss. We will wrap up in the 5A Northeast Valley Division with the Cactus Shadows Falcons Offense.   Under head coach Chris Dixon II, The Falcons are setting their sights on a deep postseason run and they've got the firepower to make it happen. This team went 7-5 last year, making the 5A playoffs before losing to Desert Edge first round. With a veteran core of senior playmakers and a wave of young hungry talent, the Falcons' offense is poised to be explosive, especially through the air. Expect this passing attack to turn heads all season long.   Here are key players to watch out for on this Cactus Shadows offense:    2026 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='401159' first='Donivan' last='Dixon'] is easily one of the best dual-threat QBs in the entire state. Some of the absurd numbers he put up in his junior season include 2,634 passing yards, a 58% completion percentage, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, and over 1,200 rushing yards, along with 15 Rushing TDs. Dixon's ability to operate and manipulate the pocket makes him a challenge for opposing pass rushes to bring down. He throws the ball with tons of velocity and exquisite timing to drop the ball right into his receiver's hands. But where Dixon is most dynamic is with his legs, as he can change gears at any moment. He can dodge defensive linemen in the pocket and sprint downfield with fantastic speed and acceleration that secondary defenders can't catch up to. Dixon in his senior season is ready for a similar type of season, aiming to lead his team to a title run.      2026 Tight End [player_tooltip player_id='1603188' first='Alex' last='Dafnis'] is ready to compile a historic season for this Cactus Shadows offense. Already gathering an impressive output in his junior season, which includes 54 catches for 716 receiving yards and 8 receiving TDs. Dafnis can dice up a defense as he is a mismatch for almost anybody on the field. He can line up in line, out of the slot, or even out wide. He moves with remarkable agility and fluidity, combining sharp cuts with a stable center of gravity. He has a sizeable catch radius and strong hands that allow him to reel balls in. Where Dafnis does his damage is in his yards after catch, as he is special at just finding any room to maneuver and take it to the house. Dafnis put up monster numbers last year. With many returning pieces and the same signal caller, expect the same or even better for his final high school season.      2026 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1682333' first='Dillon' last='Aspiras'] is another dynamic weapon that adds to this lethal Cactus Shadow passing game. Last season, he had 38 catches for 581 receiving yards and 4 receiving TDs. Aspiras's best trait is his route running, showcasing phenomenal technique and fluid footwork that help create separation for the catch. He tracks the ball exceptionally well downfield, utilizing great acceleration and excellent long speed to outpace defenders. He consistently sells out for the catch, making diving saves or leaping efforts to capitalize on big-time gains. Aspiras will continue looking to be that reliable spark plug for this offense in his senior season.      2026 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1369430' first='Payton' last='Wales'] is a headline piece to the big man unit for the Falcons. Standing at 6'1 270lb frame at the center position, he has a nice top-heavy and broad build that is powerful at the point of attack. He gets sound push at the line of scrimmage, able to drive defensive tackles out of position. He has solid ability to work up to the second level to aid in springing those big-time plays, leveraging the gap beautifully for the ball carrier. In pass protection, he holds up well with a nice anchor and sturdy hands to neutralize opponents. Wales looks to be a key player in helping take this offensive unit to a whole new level in 2025.      2026 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1306777' first='Riley' last='Baughman'] is another mauler up front for this Cactus Shadow offense. Standing at an impressive 6'4 285lbs, he primarily aligned at the right guard position. Baughman gets a powerful push off the line of scrimmage, firing his hands with precision into defensive linemen or linebackers. He takes pride in his assignment, always seeking to block his man and eliminate him from the play. His leg drive is his most notable quality, constantly keeping those legs moving with a good base and driving plenty of yards downfield. Baughman is a lineman we should expect more of the same from, as he will continue to neutralize opponents for this Falcons offense.

As we continue to roll out our team previews, we'll shine some light on the top storylines and the breakout players you won't want to miss. We will wrap up in the 5A Northeast Valley Division with the Cactus Shadows Falcons Offense.