Score: Saguaro’s (4-1) defense shut out Horizon (3-2) in a 26-0 win.

Big plays: Saguaro quarterback Ridge Docekal found Javen Jacobs on a 30-yard touchdown pass to take the early 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Horizon took advantage of a 13-yard punt by Saguaro but fumbled on the first play of the series, with Taron Thomas on the fumble recovery. Jacobs added his second touchdown on a 12-yard run. At the start of the second half, Anthony Gonzales of Saguaro caught a 50-yard pass from Docekal and took it in for the score.

Horizon quarterback Drew Boxwell left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and returned to the sideline on crutches.

The final score came on a power run up the middle from Lucas Meredith to put Saguaro up 26-0.

Who stood out: With Horizon working to convert on 4th and 7, Saguaro’s Quintin Somerville penetrated the line to bring down Boxwell for a sack in the second quarter.

“Going into every week we stress knowing the other team’s formation and pre-snap recognition is key,” Somerville said. “Everyone has a role on defense and we played to them, so it was really fun to be out there tonight.”

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Horizon’s Omar Muse gained yards on the outside utilizing pitch-plays to run along the sideline but attempts up the middle were solidified by the defensive line for Saguaro.

From the sideline: Friday night football seems incomplete without a marching band, but tonight the Horizon band was keeping the atmosphere going in this time of playing pandemic football.

Band director Kyle Hollerbach has been leading the band for more than four years and said the group missed two home games, and has only been rehearsing for three weeks.

“It has been tough not being able to come out, but we knew we needed to be safe and the kids all have covers on their instruments, remain six feet part the entire time, as well as eight feet apart when we are performing on the field. It’s great to still have fun and support the group, but in a safe environment,” he said.

The stands remain partially filled in order to maintain social distancing guidelines, but that did not take away from the vocal support shown for the boys on the field.

Horizon head coach Ty Wisdom was not sure the team would make the game after losing four players earlier in the day. Two remained out from a previous quarantine and only 34 players suited up.

“With all that happened and the patchwork we had to put together for today’s game, no one expected us to even stand a chance to play with Saguaro,” he said. “So I am proud the guys were working hard.”

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Wisdom said Saguaro’s defense was the best he has faced in 16 years of coaching, which made for less time at the line of scrimmage. He said Boxwell followed the game plan to a T and the team is hoping for the best with the injury.

Saguaro coach Jason Mohns said the team has to get better and quick. With the change in four of the scheduled games for the team, adapting is something this powerhouse team is growing accustom to.

“We need our offense to click as our defense has, and if we can put those together and show some maturity and play Saguaro football we will be okay,” he said. “We have to clean up some things like mental mistakes because you just can’t do that against really good teams.”

Up next for both teams: Saguaro (4-1) will host Gilbert High School (3-4) Nov. 20, and Horizon (3-2) will host Notre Dame (3-2) next week.