Caleb Craig is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Canyon View High School for AZPreps365.com

WADDELL — Desert Edge, ranked No.1 in 5A, held off Canyon View, 29-21, on Friday night, extending its six-game winning streak over the Jaguars and remains undefeated this season.

Jaguars coach J.R Alcantar was proud of how his defense performed by forcing four turnovers, including two fumble recoveries both inside the 10-yard line, and believes they deserve more recognition.

“People don’t realize how good our defense is,” Alcantar said. “I would put our front four up with anybody, including Desert Edge’s. If they didn’t see that tonight, they know it now.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Desert Edge struck first when junior quarterback Blake Roskopf connected with senior receiver Travion Dixson for a 49-yard touchdown with 6:43 left in the second, making it 6-0.

The Jaguars responded quickly. Senior quarterback Brady Scott marched his offense downfield, finishing the drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Jay’mari Hector. On the next possession, Scott threw a screen pass to senior running back D.J. Sims Jr., who juked through defenders for a 22-yard touchdown.

Canyon View went into halftime leading 14-9, with its defense dictating much of the pace.

“I already knew our defense was phenomenal — I go against them every day in practice,” Scott said. “I feel like our defense is the best in 5A, maybe the best in the state.”

Desert Edge regained the lead early in the third quarter when Roskopf found Dixson again for a 3-yard touchdown, making it 16-14. 

Canyon View answered with Scott’s third touchdown of the night, reclaiming the lead, 21-16, with 6:42 remaining.

But Desert Edge responded immediately. On the very next play, Roskopf hit sophomore receiver Jhaheem Brown in stride for an 80-yard touchdown, giving the Scorpions a 22-21 lead with 6:30 remaining in the third.

Scorpions coach Henri MacArthur said he was glad his team came away with the win, but knows his defense can improve.

“I’m really disappointed with myself, and I’ll take it on me defensively,” MacArthur said. “I didn’t make enough adjustments. Our standard of defense is higher than that.”

Canyon View created opportunities in the fourth quarter. Senior safety Brady Grizzell picked off Roskopf with 10:04 left, giving the Jaguars life. But on the following drive, Desert Edge sophomore defensive back Nekhi Lambeth intercepted Scott with 9:10 left, halting the Jaguars’ momentum.

The turnover set up Desert Edge’s final scoring drive. Roskopf orchestrated a five-minute series, capped with a 6-yard touchdown pass to sophomore running back Byron Brandon, extending the lead to 29-21.

The Scorpions’ defense held strong the rest of the way to secure the victory.

Scott finished 17-of-30 for 136 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Despite the loss, he said his team proved they can compete with top programs in the state.

“Nobody expected us to be in this game,” Scott said. “Everyone doubted us. Last year we were 3-7, but we have played more together and are a lot closer than we were.”

Alcantar affirmed what Scott felt, saying games like this can help his team grow.

“It sucks for the way it ended, but I’m proud of the way the boys finished,” Alcantar said. “It’s about how you learn from it and how you get better.”

Roskopf finished 22-of-33 for 347 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, while Brandon added balance in the ground attack, tallying 177 yards on 29 carries.

Canyon View (4-2, 0-1) will travel to Raymond S. Kellis (1-5, 0-1) for a region game Friday at 7 p.m.

Desert Edge (6-0, 1-0) returns home to face Verrado (4-2, 0-1) in a region game Friday at 7 p.m.