Desert Edge and Cactus Clash for 2024 5A High School Football State Championship Title

The upcoming 5A State Championship Game is set to feature an exciting all-Desert West region matchup next Friday evening. This clash will take place between the fourth-ranked Cactus Cobras and the seventh-ranked Desert Edge Scorpions in Tempe.

Cactus (10-3, 4-1 in their region) is entering the title game following a dramatic 38-35 upset victory over the top-seeded ALA-Gilbert North in the semifinals. This will mark the Cobras’ return to the state championship for the first time since 2020, when they narrowly lost to Mesquite.

On the other hand, Desert Edge (9-4, 4-1 in their region) has secured a spot in the championship for the second consecutive year. In a decisive semifinal, they defeated No. 6 Verrado 27-14, avenging a loss to the Vipers just weeks earlier. This resilience reflects the Scorpions’ determination to improve upon last year’s runner-up finish.

This championship game will be significant for both teams. For Cactus, it represents their tenth appearance in a state championship, with a storied history that includes three previous titles. Desert Edge aims to enhance their own record, having won one state title in 2015, with a previous record of 1-3 in championship games.

The two teams have faced off ten times previously, with Desert Edge leading the series 5-4. Their latest encounter resulted in a win for Desert Edge, 21-6. This rivalry adds another layer of intensity to the upcoming championship matchup.

The 5A State Championship Game will commence at 8 p.m. on December 6 at Mountain America Stadium at Arizona State University. Football enthusiasts and community members alike are anticipated to attend this thrilling event, eager to see who will emerge as the state champion.