Ben Parks is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Ridge High School for AZPreps365.

The Desert Ridge Jaguars varsity football team won against the Tolleson Wolverines on Friday night in Mesa 20-14, improving to 3-4 on the season.

This was the last home game of the regular season for Desert Ridge, finishing its season with a 3-2 record at home.

Tolleson started the game with the ball and had to punt it on its first set of downs. The Jaguars struck quickly, quarterback Major Wootan completing a 60-yard pass on the first drive and following it up with a rushing touchdown to go up 6-0.

After the touchdown drive, the first half became a defensive battle. Tolleson fought its way down the field several times, but the Desert Ridge defense forced two turnovers on downs and a fumble. The Jaguars added on a field goal, and shutout the Wolverines 9-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Tolleson scored two touchdowns, including a 90-yard pass, but the Jaguars were able to control the run game, drain the clock, add a touchdown from running back Isiah Palmer, and another field goal to find themselves ahead 20-14.

Desert Ridge head coach Roy Lopez credited the offensive line in the second half.

“We have some good offensive linemen up front,” Lopez said. “They did a good job at scheming for us.”

Despite some big plays for Tolleson, defensive coordinator Sammy Johns said they told their defense three things: “Intensity, tackle better, and do your job.” The Wolverines had the ball down 6 late in the game, and the Jaguars forced a punt with a sack on third down, gaining possession of the ball with 3 minutes left. Desert Ridge ran out the clock, but it ultimately came down to a third and long where Wootan connected to wide receiver Austin Taylor for a first down, allowing the Jaguars to kneel out the clock.

Defensive captain and senior player Logan Rogers was able to make big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker had a sack on fourth down, a direct snap on a fake punt for a first down, and a 2-point conversion.

Rogers also led his team on the sideline, keeping his team locked in.

“I think it’s just the little things. I’m not always there to make the tackle, but it’s just good to hype the team up whenever somebody makes a good play,” Rogers said. “Just congratulating the guys and keeping a positive mindset the whole game.”

The Jaguars defense stayed strong at home after a shutout performance in their previous home game. Desert Ridge improves its regional record to 2-1. The Jaguars have a bye week before two more regional games and the final game against Highland.