Homecoming became the coming out game for the Saguaro offense.

Devon Dampier tallied five total touchdowns in leading the Sabercats to a 47-3 trouncing over O'Conner on Friday night. 

The senior quarterback threw five touchdowns and ran for another on a beautiful 93-degree night in Scottdale with light breeze to cool down the home fans. The homecoming crowd filled the stands, creating a big-game atmosphere that energized the Saguaro sideline from start to finish. 

Pregame, Coach Jason Mohns emphasized what he wanted to see from his group against O’Connor.

“We have to play Saguaro football,” Coach Mohns said. “On defense we need to be able to get off the field as they are a ground and pound type team. And then on offense, we need to limit mistakes, find our rhythm, and attack and be aggressive.”

O’Connor won the coin toss and deferred to Saguaro, which has been struggling on offense this year.

This narrative was put to bed early Friday night. Dampier connected Dajon Hinton for a 60-yard gain on the fifth play from scrimmage.

Coach Mohns wanted the Sabercats to play aggressive. tThey did just that to start the game.

Dampier finished the opening drive with a 10-yard touchdown strike to Chris Nimcheski.

The defense was stifling all game.  

Very few missed tackles, solid play in the secondary, and a dominant performance from the defensive line. Controlling the line of scrimmage after allowing an opening drive field goal for O’Connor, Saguaro’s defense was a major part in the overall dominant win.

Even when things went wrong, Saguaro somehow managed to make everything right.

After throwing an interception late in the first quarter, Dampier tracked down the O’Connor defensive back and recovered a fumble that ultimately led to Saguaro’s second touchdown of the game.

Dampier found Owen Pimbert for a 22-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter.

As the first half came to a close, Saguaro would get one last opportunity to put points on the board with 1:43 left in the half. Cool and collected, Dampier lea an effective two-minute drill ending in a connection with Hinton for a 23-yard touchdown, putting Saguaro up 27-3 at half. 

The second half would be more of the same for Saguaro.

Jaedon Matthews scored on a 41-yard touchdown run while Dampier and Pimbert connected again for a score, this one covering 16 yards.

Entering the fourth quarter, Saguaro led 40-3 which led to the starters being taken out.

Backup quarterback Mason Bray located Avantae Molina for the last score of the game, making the final score a 47-3 in favor of Saguaro. 

“What we just watched was Saguaro football,” Mohns said. “We’ve been very successful for a long time and we’re used to playing at a high level. For us, offense, defense, special teams, having energy, passion, excitement, having that chip on your shoulder that’s what Saguaro football is all about and tonight just felt right.”

Dampier found his rhythm early, but the unselfish senior quarterback wanted to highlight his teammates after the game.

There’s a reason why Dampier remains on the radar of many college recruiters.

“Offensive line, receivers, and myself were just all clicking tonight,” Dampier said. “Our running backs too, our run game was ridiculous today. If you would have seen those holes we were running through today it was real easy to go through them.”

Next Friday night, Saguaro will travel to Chandler to face the Wolves for a rematch of last year’s Open Division Championship. Kickoff will begin at 7 p.m.