Cactus continues to roll against Desert Edge as Open Division berth looms

The Cactus Cobras' resolve was even more impressive than its speedy, relentless defense and punishing ground game when the statewide football spotlight came to Glendale.

In its sixth straight rout, a 42-14 pasting of Desert Edge on YurView TV Oct. 8, the Cobras:

• Had a punt blocked by the Scorpions and recovered at their six yard line, leading to a Desert Edge touchdown. On the next play from scrimmage, the Cobras' offensive line opened a gash in the middle of the line and junior Damian Jiles burst through for a 70-yard touchdown run.
• Could not get its passing game untracked early. Coach Joseph Ortiz's offense turned to Jiles, with senior Aki Pulu as a counter-punch, and ran for more than 300 yards against a Scorpions defense whose previous high rushing yards allowed was 128.
• Gave up a touchdown just before halftime and had the break to stew over a 16-14 lead. Cactus responded by starting the third quarter with a nine-play, 77-yard touchdown drive and was not challenged the rest of the night.