By Madeline Witt

The Verrado Vipers finally found success against their West Valley neighbor, Desert Edge.

It took eight tries, including Thursday’s televised double-overtime game, but Verrado came out victorious, 6-3, in enemy territory. In the second overtime, Desert Edge got possession first, but Verrado came up with a key stop near the goal line to take over possession.

Vipers head coach Derek Wahlstorm elected to send out kicker Jose Gonzales immediately, rather than running any offensive plays. The senior kicked his second field goal of the game to win it for the Vipers

“No doubt,” Wahlstorm said. “No doubt whatsoever. We knew Jose had been there all year. He had actually had a little bit of a dip in confidence but no doubt this time.”

Verrado improved to 7-3 overall and 4-1 in sectional play, but, more important, the current No. 17 seed likely punched its playoff ticket.

Desert Edge (9-1) not only suffered its first defeat, but it also may have lost its shot at a top-2 seed in the 5A Conference playoffs. The two offensive powerhouses showed solid signs of defense in the game.

Neither team gave up any points in the second half. The final points in regulation were scored near the end of the second quarter, when Gonzales kicked a 22-yard field goal to tie the game.

It was a slow first quarter to start. Desert Edge got on the board first with a 15-yard field goal near the end of the opening frame.

The first overtime brought about no scoring after both squads came up with impressive goal line stands. Emotions ran high after the game as some fights broke out on the field.

Goodyear Police and school officials took control of the situation in a timely manner and the crowd was dispersed.

Witt is a sports journalism student at Arizona State.