Cactus Shadows Holds Off Pesky Chaparral 21-14

The Northeast Valley region is the best region in 5A and region matchups always bring out some of the most competitive contests. 

Thursday night was just that as the Cactus Shadows Falcons took home a 21-14 win over the Chaparral Firebirds. 

Before kickoff, it was noticeable that on the Cactus Shadows sideline, they were locked in and ready to get a win. 

The first drive of the game for the Falcons showcased that energy, as they moved the ball down the field efficiently. 

It didn’t take long for Cactus Shadows senior quarterback Donivan Dixon to get going as he connected with senior wide receiver Trey Peck for a 31-yard gain to set the offense up near the goal line.

A few plays later, senior running back Cooper Konopaski ran it in for a 4-yard touchdown to give Cactus Shadows the early lead. 

However, Chaparral was able to find some momentum late in the first quarter as senior defensive end Eden Edwards was able to force a fumble to give his offense the ball back.

They were also aggressive on the offensive side after the fumble. 

On fourth and one, they went for it, and it was converted by their junior running back Jayce Wilson, who rushed for a 13-yard gain to keep the drive alive.

It was then Wilson who capped off the drive with as he caught an 11-yard touchdown catch from freshman quarterback Ryan Trocki. 

Knowing they had to get things rolling on offense, Cactus Shadows came out firing.

One of the biggest plays of the game happened in the middle of the second quarter when Dixon threw a moon ball to senior wide receiver Kalen Conley for a 52-yard gain. 

After the big completion, the Falcons capitalized as Dixon found Peck for a 4-yard touchdown to give Cactus Shadows back the lead. 

No matter what the score is, what down it is, Dixon is always going to give his team a shot each play. 

“As a quarterback, you have to be a leader; if everybody sees you down, everybody else is going to be down,” Dixon said. “My main thing that my dad and I preach is that if you’re going to be a QB, you have to be tough and have that mental toughness inside of you.” 

The mental toughness he brings to the team is why Cactus Shadows was able to have the success it did throughout the game. 

Before halftime, it seemed Cactus Shadows could put more points on the board as their senior wide receiver, Alex Dafnis, had a catch and run of 66 yards.

Even though they didn’t score on the drive, the Falcons' offense finds ways to make big plays, and that has a lot to do with the trust they have in one another. 

“We’ve just been playing with each other for three years now,” Dafnis said when talking about his chemistry with Dixon. “We throw all the time outside of practice, we just know when we’re going to do certain things and can always find each other.” 

After leading at halftime, the Falcons put together a long, methodical drive. 

The drive was 88 yards long and had a healthy balance of pass and run plays down the field.

They kept moving the chains, and the 7:56 drive ended with a touchdown as Dixon connected with junior wide receiver Zach Spielman for a 3-yard score. 

Not much happened between the teams until the middle of the fourth quarter.

Chaparral was putting together its best drive of the night since the second quarter, but things suddenly went south. 

Trying to pull off trickery, the Firebirds attempted a double pass play, but it ended up in the hands of Cactus Shadow’s junior defensive back, Tavion Johnson.

The Firebirds' defense came up big, though, and forced a three-and-out. The punt also went in their favor as their offense started the drive on Cactus Shadows' 22-yard line. 

Making the most of the great field position, they were able to cut the lead as Trocki threw a jet sweep pass to senior tight end Max Mangini for the 10-yard touchdown. 

With around 30 seconds left in the game, Chaparral found themselves back with the ball and a chance to tie the game.

The hopeful game-tying drive didn’t last long, however, as Cactus Shadows senior defensive back James Wade snagged an interception and spoiled the drive. 

After winning their last two games, Cactus Shadows now sits above .500 at 5-4, and their head coach, Chris Dixon II, was quick to say what has contributed the most to their recent success. 

“Defense, no questions asked, our defense has played great the last two games,” Dixon II said. “Our defense has done a great job of rising up. I think our defense has been our biggest thing the last two games.”  

Next Thursday, Cactus Shadows will face off against Tucson for their senior night. Right after that are playoffs, and the Falcons think they have what it takes to make a push in 5A. 

“Our offensive seniors have to get it going this week,” Dixon said. “I feel like we can make a run with anybody.”

Next up: 5-4 Cactus Shadows will face 4-4 Tucson. 3-6 Chaparral will face 6-2 Horizon.