Desert Sunrise Defeats Glendale 22-13 in Frosh Football

Desert Sunrise earned a 22-13 victory over Glendale on Wednesday night at Glendale High School, using a strong rushing attack and timely defensive plays to hold off the Cardinals.

Neither team found the end zone in the opening quarter, sending the game into the second tied 0-0.

Desert Sunrise created an early opportunity in the second quarter with a fumble recovery at 11:53. The Golden Hawks capitalized at 7:56 when No. 1 scored on a 5-yard rushing touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, giving Desert Sunrise a 6-0 lead.

The Golden Hawks continued moving the ball later in the quarter when No. 2 broke a run from the Glendale 47-yard line to the Cardinals' 24.

Glendale's defense responded late in the half. The Cardinals intercepted Desert Sunrise at their own 12-yard line and returned the ball to the Desert Sunrise 45 with 1:43 remaining.

Glendale's ensuing possession ended on downs at the Desert Sunrise 35 with 43 seconds left, allowing the Golden Hawks to carry a 6-0 advantage into halftime.

Desert Sunrise extended its lead in the third quarter. With 5:38 remaining, the Golden Hawks connected with No. 2 for a 25-yard touchdown reception. The two-point conversion was successful, pushing the lead to 14-0.

Glendale's defense came up with another interception with 1:03 remaining in the third, giving the Cardinals possession at the Desert Sunrise 21.

Glendale turned the takeaway into points when No. 2 caught a 25-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left in the quarter. The extra point was good, cutting Desert Sunrise's lead to 14-7.

The Golden Hawks threatened again in the fourth quarter when No. 2 hauled in a 46-yard reception that moved the ball to the Glendale 4-yard line.

The Cardinals answered with a goal-line stand, preventing Desert Sunrise from scoring from the 2-yard line with 7:18 remaining.

Desert Sunrise eventually broke through again with 1:41 left. No. 2 scored on a 20-yard rushing touchdown, and the Golden Hawks converted the two-point attempt to extend their advantage to 22-7.

Glendale added one final touchdown as time expired, bringing the final score to 22-13.

After the game, Desert Sunrise's Enoch Smith, No. 2, pointed to the outside running game when asked what was working for him.

“What was working for me was the outside runs,” Smith said.

Smith also credited his teammates for helping create opportunities throughout the game.

“I give my credit to my offensive line and my wide receivers,” Smith said.

When asked about his biggest takeaway and where Desert Sunrise could improve, Smith focused on himself and his team's approach.

“My biggest takeaway was my attitude, and my team can improve on their temper,” Smith said.

Desert Sunrise finished the night with a 22-13 victory over Glendale.