After missing a 4A state championship by a point last year, the Cactus Cobras return their most experienced team in head coach Joseph Ortiz’s four years at Cactus.
Cactus returns 10 starters on defense and eight on offense, headlined by junior quarterback Will Galvan, junior running back Damian Jiles and senior center Mason Cullop. With a schedule full of heavy-hitters, the Cobras are ready to challenge anyone and have their sets high as the AIA will let them go.
Only 6A and 5A teams were selected during the second year of the Open Division playoffs last year, where the state’s best teams are selected, regardless of conference, to play for the top trophy in the state. Cactus, in 4A, could have an outside shot at the Open Division, but Ortiz says the team is still hungry for its first 4A state title, too.
