Xavier Massarotti is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Veritas Prep for AZPreps365.com.

AVONDALE, Ariz. – In any sport, good defense can become a catalyst for the offense. This rang true in Veritas Prep’s matchup with Highland Prep West on Thursday night. 

In the final game of the regular season, Veritas Prep (7-3) routed Highland Prep West (5-4) in a 48-14 road win, improving the Falcons road record to 5-0 on the season. The defense stole the spotlight, forcing five turnovers in the game, four interceptions and one fumble recovery, against a shaky Hornets’ offense. 

With the Falcons holding a 10-point lead in the second quarter, Hornets junior quarterback Kacey Mosby dropped back in the pocket on his own side of the field. The left-handed gunslinger looked to push the ball downfield but senior cornerback Aidan Bailey had other plans. 

Bailey picked it off, weaving his way through the opposing green and black jerseys en route to the endzone, giving Veritas Prep a 17-0 lead. Following the pick six, Mosby looked to reset and get a fresh drive going. 

Yet again, the Falcons were playing spoiler. 

On the first play of the drive, Mosby got intercepted again. This time by senior strong safety Brayden Barrows leading to favorable field position. Starting in opposing territory, the drive ended with a 3-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back William Young resulting in a 24-0 Veritas Prep lead. 

“We lost an emotional game and a tough game to Phoenix Christian in overtime last week,” Falcons head coach Mike Sanfratello said. “I wasn’t sure our battery would be up for the game, but I’m glad that our kids responded and came back and played hard.”

Barrows stood out among the white jerseys on defense, capturing three interceptions; one in the first half and two in the second half. After his first pick, Highland Prep West threw his way twice, leading to a touchdown drive at the end of the first half. 

However, Barrows was not discouraged. 

“The first pick was just reading the quarterback perfectly, seeing that inside route,” Barrows said. “Then I get two balls thrown at me, which obviously didn’t go my way, but cornerback mentality, came back the next couple drives. Three picks just reading that quarterback, reading the routes.”

The impressive defense effort by Barrows and Veritas Prep led to more opportunities and touches on the offensive side of the ball. 

The rushing attack took center stage with the team totaling 233 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. 

“We still have our backup quarterback (senior Jackson McAtee) who has done a phenomenal job running the offense,” Sanfratello said. “Throwing the ball has gotten better…we’re gonna have to run the football and control the clock and keep people off the field.”

The team only put the ball in the air six times, though the running game proved to be working. 

Young was at the forefront of the offense, leading the unbreakable Falcons’ run attack. The power back ran for 171 yards on 24 carries while adding three rushing touchdowns and a defensive fumble recovery. 

“Our O-line did a great job today,” Young said. “Besides a couple penalties, we did really well.” 

Even in a dominant win, penalties plagued Veritas Prep throughout the entirety of the game. The team had nine penalties, with six coming in the first half and three coming in the second half. 

“It wasn’t procedure or alignment, it was some stupid stuff like personal fouls and some aggressive blocking holdings,” Sanfratello said. “Part of me can live with that because that’s not a mental thing, it's more of an effort thing that (can) cost you. But if we wanna win a tight game, we’re gonna have to clean that up.”  

Limiting the yellow flag on the field becomes even more important in the playoffs. The win could help Veritas Prep’s seeding for their first game in the playoffs, which Sanfratello said he hopes will be on the Falcons’ home turf. 

Veritas Prep will begin its playoff run next week on Oct. 30 and is still awaiting  its opponent.

“Be scared.” Barrows said. “We’re here to play. We'll go as hard as we can. We’re going all the way.”