It would have been easy for the Desert Pines football team to have overlooked its opponent tonight.
But coach Tico Rodriguez stressed from the beginning of the week that continuing the Jaguars’ strong play against Faith Lutheran would be vital to preparing for a showdown next week with Liberty for the league championship.
Desert Pines used 241 rushing yards and four touchdowns from junior Greg Burrell in a 49-21 victory to maintain the momentum.
“He had a coming out party,” Rodriguez said of Burell, whose first touchdown came 17 seconds into the game on an 80-yard run.
It was Desert Pines’ seventh straight win as they have only surrendered 66 points on the season, including 21 points against Orem, Utah, in a slim opening-week defeat.
They’ve barely been challenged the rest of the season.
Massiah Mingo had a long kickoff return for a touchdown and Trey Jackson returned a punt for a score, as the Jaguars showed off their athleticism at the skilled positions that makes them tough to beat.
Rodriguez called a game with Liberty, the 2019 state champions and a program that has had Desert Pines’ number over the years, a “great challenge.” Liberty last season beat Desert Pines, 49-7.
Each team is loaded with players who have Division I scholarship offers. It’s a game both programs, and many supporters in the community, are looking forward to.
“It’s Miami vs. Nebraska. Speed vs. power,” Rodriguez said.
Faith Lutheran closes the regular season next week against Green Valley looking to secure the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Tico Pringle had a rushing touchdown for the Crusaders, and Rylan Walter connected with Peyton Steigerwald for a 14-yard touchdown.
Caden Chittenden knocked two field goals.