Desert Edge Triumphs over Cactus to Secure 2024 5A State Championship

In a gripping rematch, the Desert Edge Scorpions triumphed over the Cactus Cobras to win the 2024 5A State Football Championship, showcasing remarkable defensive prowess and strategic execution. The final score stood at 28-19, solidifying Desert Edge’s reputation as a top contender in Arizona high school football.

The action erupted early in the first quarter when Desert Edge’s quarterback, Blake Roskopf, launched an impressive 84-yard touchdown pass to Malakai Moala, giving the Scorpions a swift 7-0 advantage. Although the Cobras responded with a determined drive, they were halted on fourth down at the 26-yard line, reflecting the pressure from Desert Edge’s defense.

As the game progressed, both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter, but tension mounted in the second. Cactus squandered a scoring opportunity with a fumble at the Desert Edge 20-yard line. The Scorpions then made a steady advance, highlighted by a 36-yard completion to Zerek Sidney, only to see a fumble shift the momentum back to Cactus. The turnover challenge continued, with a Cactus fumble leading to an interception thrown by Roskopf, which set the stage for a dramatic defensive highlight just before halftime.

Desert Edge linebacker Joshua Hopphaus emerged as a key player when he recovered a Cactus fumble and sprinted 78 yards to score, extending the lead to 14-0 at halftime and marking a pivotal turning point in the game.

Resuming play in the second half, Cactus struggled to gain momentum and was forced to punt. The Scorpions took full advantage, executing a determined 25-yard touchdown run by Roskopf on fourth down, pushing their lead to 21-0. The Scorpions’ defense continued to dominate, forcing another fumble that led to a 74-yard screen pass touchdown to Elijah Sherbin-Fox, further widening the gap to 28-0.

Despite the daunting score, the Cobras remained resilient. Running back Tristan Varga found the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run as the third quarter closed, narrowing the score to 28-7. In the fourth quarter, Varga caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Antonio Casias, although a blocked PAT by Texas A&M commit Jamar Beal-Goines limited their hopes at 28-13.

In a late-game push, Cactus managed another touchdown with a 3-yard run by Tayejion Player, but another blocked PAT ultimately sealed their defeat. The Desert Edge defense, bolstered by standout performances from Hopphaus, Beal-Goines, and Jerry Washington—who recorded three sacks—ultimately proved insurmountable.

With a total of four forced fumbles and an interception, the Desert Edge Scorpions capped off their 2024 season as 5A State Champions, avenging their earlier loss to Cactus and affirming their elite status in Arizona football.

“It feels amazing to finish what we started,” Roskopf stated after the game. “This was our goal from day one, and we knew we had to rely on each other to make it happen.”

For Desert Edge, this championship is not merely a victory; it symbolizes a journey marked by resilience, teamwork, and unwavering determination.