Nico Petrucelli is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cactus High School for AZPreps365.com

Cactus, ranked ninth in 5A, celebrated senior night Friday with its sixth straight victory, defeating West Point 67-6.

Cactus coach Brian Belles said he knows there were some tears shed, but he felt everyone stepped up and made it a good senior night.

“It’s just four years of hard work,” Belles said. “They get one night out of their four years to have a senior night. So it was a special moment for those guys.”

Cactus led 42-0 after the first quarter and 49-0 at halftime. Friday’s game marked the fifth time in Cactus’ six-game win streak that the team scored over 50 points. This week, it came from all three phases of the game, as they scored seven touchdowns on offense, one on defense and two on special teams. 

Belles said the team puts a lot of time into offense and defense, but they also put a lot time into special teams. 

“It’s a third of the game,” Belles said. “I thought we executed on all three phases, which is what we hope to do every week, and the kids did a good job of executing.”

Senior Cole Douglas contributed in both the passing game and on special teams, scoring four touchdowns in the victory. Douglas caught two passes for two touchdowns and 106 yards. He also returned a punt for a score and capped his senior night off with a kick return for the game's final points.

“It means a lot for my team, a lot for me,” Douglas said. “I love to get better with my team, love to grow. I think we’re just ready to compete next week.”

Douglas’ team-first attitude was not contained to just this victory, however. He also said the reason for the team's recent scoring output comes from the offensive line progressing, the team coming together and everyone realizing they need to put each other on their backs instead of playing individually. 

After missing the previous three games with a sprained shoulder, junior Nathaniel Linares returned to the field, recording 85 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns, catching one and rushing for the other two. Much like Douglas, Linares demonstrated a team-oriented mentality.

“It felt great being able to play with my guys, and being able to celebrate with my team is the greatest feeling ever,” Linares said. 

Linares also recognized that Friday’s win was one of his last opportunities to play alongside the team’s seniors.

“I’m gonna miss them,” Linares said. “Just having them is the greatest experience I could have asked for. Them mentoring me. I’m thankful for them.”

While Cactus celebrated its seniors, West Point entered the game with their own goal. Before the game, West Point coach Brian Walker said he wanted to see his team compete. 

West Point’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter after junior Kaleb Gbanlin returned a fumble 98 yards to set the offense up at Cactus’ 1-yard line. Freshman quarterback Quincy Jackson scored the touchdown as he plunged into the end zone on a quarterback sneak up the middle.

Walker said that final score showed certain guys on the field didn’t quit. He also said that the team is young, but that they are also growing by the day and just need to learn how to execute moving forward. 

For Cactus, moving forward means focusing on next week’s matchup against Sunrise Mountain.

“I know they were upset about what happened last year in terms of us getting the win,” Belles said. “So we’re looking at it as a region championship and we’re excited for the challenge.”

West Point (0-8) will host Yuma Catholic (6-3), ranked 15th in 5A, at 7 p.m. next Friday.

Cactus (7-2) will visit Sunrise Mountain (6-3), ranked 19th in 5A, at 7 p.m. next Friday.