Dane Palmer is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Agua Fria High School for AZPreps365.com

The Agua Fria Owls went on the road to face the Cactus Shadows Falcons on Friday evening in a 5A non-region action.

The Owls were looking to snap a two-game losing streak while the Falcons hoped to break their six-game losing streak.

In the final regular season game of the year, the Cactus Shadows offense proved to be too much for Agua Fria as it would overwhelm them and win 56-14.

The Falcons finished 4-6 and the Owls moved to 6-4. It was a big improvement for Agua Fria, which finished 1-9 this time last year.

“Going from 1-9 to 6-4 is nothing to be embarrassed about. There's nothing to say we wish we could have, would have, or should have done differently. At the end of the day it comes to believing in the kids and the system,” Agua Fria coach Ricky Higuera said.

The Owls started the game nicely putting together a strong drive that would eventually be shut down by an interception in the Cactus Shadows end zone. The Falcons capitalized on that turnover and opened up the scoring with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Matthew D’aliesio.

Cactus Shadows tried for an onside kick after scoring and succeded. It allowed the Falcons to set up again on offense and quickly scored on a 45-yard scramble by Donivan Dixon.

“There were a couple of moments where they kinda wanted to hang their heads and previous years they would, but they were mentally tough,” Higuera said.

The Falcons went for another onside after scoring but did not recover it, instead, it gave the Owls great field position. Jay’vier Cook broke off a 40-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the drive.

The Owls found some fire but couldn't stop a short touchdown pass to Billy Deatsch after a nice drive from Cactus Shadows. The determination moved its way to the Agua Fria special teams unit after Jonathan Daniels Jr., a senior, went 80 yards for a kick return touchdown making it 20-14 in the second quarter. 

“This group of seniors is special, they could have transferred after we went 1-9,” Higuera said. “Being able to commit to what we are trying to do and they achieved it which was turning a program around.”

From here the Falcons pulled away from Agua Fria and grew the lead, ending the first half 35-14. The Owls offense was limited to just three drives yet still capitalized and was able to put 14 points on the board. 

Cactus Shadows ran away with the lead after the second half with Dixon and Deatsch running the show offensively. The two connected for five touchdowns through the air. 

As the clock ticked down, it was important to recognize the bonds many of these Agua Fria players built.

“I learned to play as a team and not be selfish… "It takes more than one guy to support a team and make something happen,” said senior Gio Cruz, who wasn't able to play in the game due to injury.

There were many lessons to be learned for the student-athletes who were a part of the Agua Fria team, with many of them returning to play again next year.

“Everybody has to contribute to win, whether it's on the field or the sidelines getting loud for your team,” said junior Xavier Matthews who was knocked out of the game early due to injury.

At the end of the Owls final game emotions flowed for both coaches and players. 

“Being able to build a relationship with these kids, at the end of the day we are the people they can call when they need most,” coach Higuera said while choking up. “I thank them for being vulnerable and opening up to us and allowing us to guide them.”