Exciting Score Updates from the 5A High School Football Championship: No. 4 Cactus vs. No. 7 Desert Edge

The Desert Edge Scorpions triumphed over the Cactus Cobras with a score of 28-19 in the 5A State Championship Game held in Tempe.

In a significant matchup on Friday, Goodyear’s Desert Edge secured their victory against Glendale’s Cactus, marking their second consecutive year playing for the state title. Entering the finals with a fashionably strong performance, the Scorpions avenged an earlier defeat against No. 6 Verrado, winning 27-14 in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the Cactus Cobras, boasting a 10-3 record, came into this championship after a surprising semifinal victory over the top-seeded ALA-Gilbert North, clinching the game 38-35. This appearance marked Cactus’s first foray into the 5A championship, having previously participated in the title game three years prior.

The Cobras have a rich history in state tournaments, with past championship wins occurring in the 4A Division I and II categories. However, they were unable to secure their fourth title on this occasion. In contrast, Desert Edge has a mixed state championship record, having won their sole title in 2015. They previously faced disappointment last year, falling short by just two points against Higley.

According to MaxPreps, this was the tenth encounter between the two regional rivals, with Desert Edge now leading the series at 5-4. Earlier this season, the Scorpions bested the Cobras in their matchup, highlighting their growing dominance.