Score: Desert Edge remained unbeaten in the 26-21 road win over Sandra Day O’Connor Friday night.

Big plays: With the game tied at 7 after a score from Desert Edge quarterback Adryan Lara and Sandra Day O’Connor’s 16-yard connection from quarterback Seth Felts to receiver James Groff, a big takeaway from Desert Edge changed the momentum of the game.

Felts rolled right and let it go down field but defender Steven Ortiz Jr. went up and snagged it. It was one of two interceptions Desert Edge had on the night. 

• Groff caught a 32-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter with a man on him.
• A run by Jeryll McIntosh set up a score with a big run, which led to Lara finding Matt Willis for a 25-yard touchdown. 
• The last five minutes of the game were the most intense. Desert Edge was forced to punt after Aiden Harvey defended a pass intended for Willis. O’Connor took over and converted on 4th and 5 from their own 48. Donavin Fontaine chewed up 12 yards and the offense continued to drive down the field. But with Felts on the 8-yard line with a chance to score, he was pressured, and Chaz Clemons forced an incompletion.

Who stood out: For Desert Edge defensively, Amir Smith was a difference-maker. He pressured receivers and just before the half ended had a pick as O’Connor was driving.

“It’s not about vision of the field, but you have to have a short-term memory,” he said. “I made the play and got us the ball, but then I had to move on to the next.”

• Lara had a big play at the start of the third quarter after it was 3rd and 20 on Desert Edge’s 31-yard line. Lara ran 17 yards to help set up McIntosh for a rushing touchdown and the 19-14 lead. Lara credited his offensive line for allowing him to remain in the pocket and find receivers.
• Jacorie Stokes continued to put pressure on O’Connor’s line and Felts and picked up a sack in the third, which gave the ball back to Desert Edge, but they were unable to execute.
• O’Connor’ Groff was a consistent target for Felts but admitted the offense has to step up and get more points early for the team. “Defense played lights out tonight and we just needed to give them more,” he said.
• Jaden Jacobi contested plays in the secondary and forced check-downs from Desert Edge throughout the game.
• Fontaine’s speed and ability to shift through the holes made it difficult on the Desert Edge defense to get a stop. 
• Felts threw three TD passes. 

From the sideline: Week 2 felt a bit more familiar compared to Week 1. The parking lot was more full, and this week the home team’s band was behind the end zone. Still, Smith said being able to get through the week takes a different way of thinking this season, and you must have the mental endurance. 

The head coach for Desert Edge, Marcus Carter, told his team mistakes were made, but it’s expected considering the circumstances. But corrections have to be made. He was proud of how his team continued to battle on the field, saying it was another positive.

With the way Friday night football looks and feels this season, nothing should be taken for granted, Groff said.

“We don’t even know if we are going to get to play next week, so that’s enough motivation right there,” he said.

One thing is clear – players understand the circumstances are unique and are stepping up to make sure their football experience lasts the entire season.

Up next: Both teams head on the road next week. Desert Edge hopes to clean up some mistakes and add another win when they battle Cactus, while O’Connor looks to bounce back at Highland.

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O'Connor's Brandon Craddock's highlights vs. Desert Edge: