The Battle of The 303 rivalry game turned out to be a one-sided affair as Shadow Ridge High School overwhelmed Valley Vista with a decisive 54-0 victory on Friday, September 4. The game, held at Shadow Ridge in Surprise, Arizona, highlighted the Stallions' offensive prowess and defensive dominance.
From the outset, Shadow Ridge established control, scoring an impressive 51 points in the first half alone. The Stallions' offense was firing on all cylinders, while their defense stifled the Monsoon, preventing them from putting any points on the board throughout the contest. In addition to their shutout, Shadow Ridge even managed to score a safety, further emphasizing their defensive strength.
The scoring onslaught began early when Shadow Ridge quarterback Bryan Stowell connected with wide receiver Jahki Epson on a 56-yard touchdown pass just three plays into the game. This explosive start set the tone for the rest of the match. Shortly after, senior running back Copper Yackley added to the tally with a 44-yard touchdown run, marking the first of his four touchdowns on the night.
By the end of the first quarter, Shadow Ridge had already established a commanding lead, with the defense contributing a safety after Valley Vista quarterback Dallas Spice mishandled a snap, resulting in a sack in the end zone. This play highlighted the Stallions' relentless pursuit of the ball and their ability to capitalize on the Monsoon's mistakes.
Yackley was a standout performer for Shadow Ridge, scoring all four of his touchdowns in the first half and effectively sealing the game before halftime. His ability to break through the Valley Vista defense was a key factor in the Stallions' overwhelming success.
Stowell also had an impressive night, throwing three touchdown passes to different receivers. His performance in the red zone was nearly flawless, and he managed to evade sacks effectively, allowing the offense to maintain its rhythm. Epson emerged as Stowell's primary target, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output with a notable 55-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
After the game, Shadow Ridge head coach Michael Zdebski acknowledged the team's success but emphasized the need for improvement as the season progresses. "We still have to improve. There are lots of things to fix. It’s only the second game, and the schedule will continue to get more difficult," he stated, indicating that the team must remain focused despite their commanding victory.
Yackley also expressed his gratitude towards his teammates, particularly the offensive line, stating, "Shout out to my lineman; I couldn’t have had this game without them. But this game means a lot; it shows we’re the best team in Surprise." Valley Vista head coach Ed Cook, while disappointed with the outcome, noted the effort of his young team, saying, "We kept competing all night ... We’re a very young team, but we kept our composure and competed pretty hard tonight."
Looking ahead, both teams will return to action on September 11. Shadow Ridge, now boasting a record of 2-0, will travel to face Mesa Desert Ridge, while Valley Vista, still searching for their first win at 0-2, will head to Mesa Westwood. The results of these upcoming games will be crucial as both teams aim to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Leave a Comment