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For only the second time in school history, Desert Oasis has started the football season 2-0.
First-year coach Brad Talich aimed to bring a culture change to the Diamondbacks, and so far, it’s worked. Desert Oasis downed archrival Sierra Vista 19-6 Friday night behind a stout second-half defensive performance.
“I’m happy with our toughness,” Talich said. “They weren’t very tough kids at first, but they’re learning how to play and how to finish what they started.”
The game was tied 6-6 at halftime before the Diamondbacks came out in the third quarter and scored on a long touchdown pass from junior quarterback Brannon Flowers to senior tight end Austin Cooper.
Senior defensive back and running back Tyshun McClinton sealed the victory when he ended a late Sierra Vista drive prematurely with an interception he returned 70 yards for a touchdown. McClinton also accounted for the first Desert Oasis touchdown, breaking loose for a 65-yard rush.
“He’s a gem,” Talich said. “We’re elated to have him, because he’s a heck of player. He’s a little dude, but he’s got a lot of punch in that little body.”
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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