Desert View tackle football continued its run of dominance on Friday night, triggering the running clock in the first half against Sahuaro, a playoff team from a year ago.
The Jaguars (2-0) scored 42 points for the second straight week, shutting out the visiting Cougars (1-1) by a 42-0 score.
Desert View scored 35 points in the first half and got touchdowns on all its possessions.
Last week, Desert View opened the season with a 42-10 win over visiting Peoria Sunrise Mountain.
“I felt we executed offensively better than last week, we didn’t get a rain delay, so that was good so the kids kind of stayed in rhythm,” said Desert View head coach Robert Bonillas. “Defensively, we did a better job tackling and executing our assignment, so it was a good win for the kids.”
Desert View has won 14 of its last 15 games, dating back to a 29-28 win at Sunnyside to close out 2024. The Jags’ regular season win streak stands at 13 after they reached the 5A quarterfinals last year.
“Amazing, it was a really fun game, we didn’t let up till the very end,” said Desert View sophomore receiver/defensive back Anthony Rodarte about routing a playoff team from last year. “And I think we executed, but we definitely could do a better job, got a lot coming this season.”
Senior cornerback/receiver Tyson Lucero made a walk off interception in the end zone on the last play of the game to secure the shut out. The running clock ran out as the Jaguars celebrated the pick.
“it was a great play by one of our kids,” Bonillas said. “His number was called and he performed.”
Rodarte felt this year’s Jaguars compares favorably to their 11-1 side of a year ago.
“I think we’re a lot more team oriented,” said Rodarte, who was first team All-5A Southern in 2025. “Last year, I feel like we were definitely like a good team, but this year we’re a lot more put together, the ball is spread around a lot more and just getting a lot more work.”
Rodarte had 15-yard and 12-yard touchdowns against Sahuaro and a 63-yard catch that set up another touchdown.
Desert View has so far successfully employed a running back by committee approach to replace running back and safety Jaylee Abraham, who transferred to Peoria Centennial. The Bijan Robinson Arizona Bowl High School Player of the Year rushed for 1,716 yards last year.
“Our backs are sharing the load, so that’s good to see that, all three of them get their carries, it’s running smooth right now,” Bonillas said. “So, that’s all we need, nobody to be selfish and then just get the job done.”
Desert View’s juniors have impressed Bonillas this year. The class of 2028’s freshman team went 9-0, including routs of Salpointe, Canyon del Oro, Cienega, Buena, Marana and Sunnyside and helped Desert View get the No. 3 seed in the 5A tournament last year at the varsity level.
“They got a lot stronger, they’re listening following directions,” Bonillas said. “I think their progress is kind of showing up now, we have a few sophomores helping them, helping our juniors, and our juniors just seem a little bit more calm, coming at it and having some fun.”
Sahuaro is coming off a 7-4 season and their first playoff appearance since 2019. The Cougars have rebuilt the program since going 0-3 in 2020 and 1-8 in 2021.
“There’s good football down here in Tucson, there’s good football and I hope that as we move forward that Tucson football picks up,” Bonillas said. “A bunch of great schools, respect to (Sahuaro head) coach Al (Alexander) and his program, they played hard, that other team played hard (Friday night) and I’m proud of our kids for doing their job and our assistant coaches for preparing them.”
Desert View hits the road next week to face Phoenix Camelback (0-2) before returning home to face Mountain View on Sept. 18.
Sahuaro also travels north next week, playing Peoria (2-0). The Cougars’ next home game is the Sahuaro Bowl, Sept. 18 against Sahuarita.
SHORT READS
— The McKinstrys improved their record to 1-1 against Sahuaro this season after junior running back/linebacker Greg McKinstry III helped Desert View best the Cougars. McKinstry III ran for a 5-yard touchdown on Friday to open the scoring.
Last week Empire head coach Greg McKinstry II and the Ravens had to forfeit their game at Sahuaro due to the weather after falling behind 13-0 with 8:52 left in the first quarter.
— After Desert View dropped the first four games against Sahuaro from 1993 to 1996 and six of their first seven against SHS, according to azfootballarchives.com, the Jaguars have won three of their last four against the Cougars.
HIGHLIGHTS
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