Desert Vista Pulls Away From Shadow Ridge for 52-25 Victory

Desert Vista established control early Friday night and continued to build on its advantage throughout a 52-25 victory over Shadow Ridge at Desert Vista High School.

The Thunder opened the game with a 28-point first quarter.

Junior running back Samuel Schiermeyer, No. 26, accounted for two of Desert Vista's first-quarter touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Colton Cassutt, No. 12, also found the end zone, while senior Jaeden Williams, No. 3, added another touchdown for the Thunder.

Senior kicker Marshall Carpenter, No. 13, converted the extra points as Desert Vista built its early lead.

Shadow Ridge answered twice during the opening quarter. Senior Will Forte, No. 21, scored a touchdown for the Stallions, followed by another score from senior Ben Diaz, No. 3. Senior kicker Yousif Clemens, No. 41, converted both extra points.

Desert Vista carried a 28-14 advantage into the second quarter.

Schiermeyer struck again in the second quarter for his third touchdown of the night, and Carpenter added the extra point.

Shadow Ridge responded with Diaz's second touchdown of the game. Clemens converted the extra point, sending the Stallions into halftime trailing 35-21.

The second half belonged to Desert Vista.

Carpenter connected on a field goal as the Thunder continued adding to their lead. Provided scoring notes also credit Williams and sophomore running back Kevin Wooten Jr., No. 23, with second-half touchdowns for Desert Vista.

Clemens connected on a field goal for Shadow Ridge during the second half and later had another field-goal attempt come up unsuccessful in the fourth quarter.

Desert Vista ultimately added 17 points after halftime while holding Shadow Ridge to four, turning a 35-21 halftime advantage into a 52-25 final.

Schiermeyer led the provided scoring notes with three touchdowns for Desert Vista. Williams was credited with two scores, while Cassutt and Wooten Jr. each added one.

For Shadow Ridge, Diaz scored twice and Forte added another touchdown.

After the game, Shadow Ridge junior Charles Harris reflected on where the Stallions needed improvement.

“We missed a bunch of tackles, and really, it was just defenses make mistakes, offenses make mistakes,” Harris said. “We just gotta get back.”

Desert Vista's fast start ultimately proved decisive, as the Thunder protected their early advantage and pulled away for the 52-25 home victory.