The Vipers entered the game with high hopes following the team’s 6-0 start; however the Scorpions speed and strength proved too much for the Vipers.
The game started with the appearance of perhaps being a defensive duel. Neither team was able to put any points on the scoreboard during the first quarter. It was only the second time both teams had been held scoreless in the first quarter this year.
Verrado benefitted from two big defensive plays to thwart Scorpion drives. The Vipers held on a 4th down with 1 yard to go on Desert Edge’s first drive. A subsequent Scorpion drive was stopped when Verrado’s Devin Draper made a diving interception in front of the Desert Edge bench at mid-field.
Desert Edge broke open the scoring during the second quarter with a 19-yard passing play and a two yard run. A third touchdown by the Scorpions with seconds remaining in the first half gave Desert Edge a 20-0 lead at halftime and allow them to take momentum into the locker room.
The Vipers had a promising start the second half by recovering their own onside kick attempt, but the drive ended without a score. Another Verrado drive ended with a punt attempt. A high snapped caused the ball to roll through the end zone resulting in a safety and the score was 22-0.
Desert Edge continued to dominate. With the score 34-0 in the fourth quarter Verrado’s Nathan Roehl picked up a rolling kickoff attempt, found the wedge and veered toward the sideline all the way to the end zone for the score to make the score 34-7.
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| Verrado's Nathan Roehl returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Verrados 40-7 loss to the Scorpions. |
The game was widely watched by followers of high school football throughout the Valley and state. It was seen as the first real test for Verrado to prove its worth as the team is enjoying its most successful varsity football campaign in the school’s history.
Statistically, the game yielded fewer all purpose yard than other games for Verrado this season.
Quarterbacks Lathon Lax and Maverick Gamez combined for 52 yards passing on 18 attempts. 11 sacks by the Scorpions had an affect on rushing yards with the Vipers netting a –42 yards on the night. Ross Dietz was the leading rusher with 29 yards.
Xavier James led the Vipers in receiving with 2 catches for 24 yards.
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| Verrado's Xavier James turns the corner during a touchdown return against Desert Edge. |
Desert Edge has set the standard for football in the west valley. The team has gone deep into the play offs and reaching the finals in previous years only to suffer defeat at the hands of strong programs from the east valley.
Verrado head coach Derek Wahlstrom has acknowledged Desert Edge successes. The road to success for any west valley program does pass through Desert Edge. With a few stronger programs in the Section - Agua Fria, Buckeye and, now, Verrado - the potential exists for the Scorpion to feel more heat from this region in the near future.
Next up the Vipers face Shadow Ridge during Verrado’s homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 17.
Desert Edge has set the standard for football in the west valley. The team has gone deep into the play offs and reaching the finals in previous years only to suffer defeat at the hands of strong programs from the east valley.
Verrado head coach Derek Wahlstrom has acknowledged Desert Edge successes. The road to success for any west valley program does pass through Desert Edge. With a few stronger programs in the Section - Agua Fria, Buckeye and, now, Verrado - the potential exists for the Scorpion to feel more heat from this region in the near future.
Next up the Vipers face Shadow Ridge during Verrado’s homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 17.
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