Arcadia Pulls Away From Deer Valley for 45-9 Victory

Arcadia defeated Deer Valley 45-9 Thursday night in a 4A West Valley varsity football matchup at Deer Valley High School.

The first half featured turnovers by both defenses. Deer Valley recorded an interception before Arcadia answered with an interception of its own on the Skyhawks' following possession.

Arcadia's offense found success through the air, with its quarterback completing a pass to No. 1 before the Titans scored on a Hail Mary touchdown pass to No. 17.

Deer Valley responded with 3:40 remaining in the half when the Skyhawks quarterback connected with No. 4 for a touchdown. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.

Arcadia added another touchdown with 1:20 remaining, completing a touchdown pass to No. 2 before converting the extra point. The Titans entered halftime leading 24-6.

Deer Valley cut into the deficit during the third quarter. With 5:30 remaining, the Skyhawks converted a field goal to make it 24-9.

Arcadia pulled away in the fourth. With 10:47 remaining, No. 3 scored on a Hail Mary touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point.

No. 26 added another touchdown later in the quarter as the Titans went on to secure the 45-9 victory.

Thursday night also carried a deeper meaning for the Deer Valley football family.

The Skyhawks honored Baxter Floyd by bringing his No. 33 jersey onto the field with the team. Baxter, a member of the Deer Valley football family, passed away in August at 16 years old. Before the game, Deer Valley also displayed a framed No. 33 jersey in his memory.

The moment continued a season of remembrance for Baxter. During Deer Valley's season opener against Peoria, Peoria marked the 33-yard line in Baxter's honor and allowed Deer Valley to return the opening kickoff to the 33 before the returner took a knee.

As Deer Valley took the field Thursday night, Baxter's No. 33 jersey was once again with the Skyhawks, keeping his memory and connection to the program present on the field.