If Mountain View is indeed trying to return to prominence in Division I football, the Toros have another chance to make a statement on Friday when they travel to far east Mesa and face highly-ranked Desert Ridge.

The Toros, a long-time Arizona power that has fallen on hard times the last few years, didn’t start well with a loss to Scottsdale Desert Mountain in week one. Mountain View stayed with the Wolves for a half but allowed 14 points in a 30-second span and could not rally. The Toros have quarterback Chase Funk with a season under his belt but the junior is still developing his passing game and trying to lead a running game that is spread out among several ballcarriers.

The Toro defense was supposed to be the strength of this year’s team but it gave up 42 points to Desert Mountain last week and now faces another proficient offense.

Desert Ridge, coming off a state semifinal appearance in 2011, appears to have reloaded its backfield with sophomore twins Tarek and Taren Morrison. At quarterback last week, Tarek Morrison led his team with 214 yards rushing and three touchdowns and the Jaguars routed Gilbert. His brother, slated to be a running back, sat out last week with a foot injury. If he is at all able, it will be another key test for the Mountain View defense and another step on the road back.