Caleb Craig is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Canyon View High School for AZPreps365.com

WADDELL — For the first time in program history, Desert Edge defeated Canyon View in girls flag football, winning 18-12 Tuesday night behind a big second half from senior Alexa Salinas.

On offense, Salinas finished with four catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Salinas registered two interceptions in the second half, including the game-sealing interception as the Jaguars were attempting to mount a last-minute comeback drive.

“Alexa’s been a baller for us,” Desert Edge coach Sean Ellicott said. “Her performance tonight is indicative of what she does in the classroom and in practice. She’s just an all-around athlete.”

Scorpions quarterback Andrea Garcia, who finished 9 of 19 for 206 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, connected with Salinas on a 50-yard touchdown with 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter that put the Scorpions up 18-12. 

Salinas credited the victory to the chemistry she and Garcia have.

“Being so close with her and knowing this was our season on the line just clicked to me,” Salinas said. “I was locked in and she was locked in.”

Salinas and Garcia were also in sync as a defensive backfield tandem, both securing an interception on the Jaguars’ first two drives after halftime, setting the tone defensively and gaining back momentum.

“We made sure we were on lock this game because of the rivalry,” Salinas said. “Seeing the looks out there and being able to call out the plays with Andrea, allowed us to make a play on the ball.”

Canyon View’s senior running back and defensive back Arri Richardson was heavily relied upon. On offense, Richardson had eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Richardson was shutting down her coverage area and jumped a route for a pick-six that gave the Jaguars a 12-6 lead with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter.

“I wish we didn’t expect to rely on Arri as much as we do to bail us out on a lot of plays because we have the talent for people to step up,” Canyon View coach Michael Beal said. “But thank goodness we have her. Whether it’s on the defensive or offensive side of the ball, she’s somebody who we can count on.”

The Jaguars’ defensive line impressed Beal and he believes this game will be a turning point heading into region play.

“I absolutely loved our rush tonight,” Beal said. “They did an incredible job making the opposing quarterback get the ball out and I’m so proud of the front line.”

Canyon View rusher Audrine Cabrera, who had two sacks and applied constant pressure throughout the game, emphasized keeping the quarterback from escaping the rush.

“Their blockers were kind of back, and allowed us to get past the rush,” Cabrera said. “The blockers would come out farther to the side sometimes, but we just focused on the quarterback in the backfield.”

Despite the loss, Beal was certain his team could use this game as a turning point heading into region play.

“Resiliency is the word,” Beal said. “I asked them after the game what’s your identity and how should we respond? I know we have the talent and I have the utmost confidence that they’ll respond accordingly.”

Despite the trying efforts from Richardson and the defensive front, the Scorpions outscored the Jaguars 12-0 in the second half, and the costly mishaps were too much to overcome.

“Football is a game of mistakes and we made two more mistakes than them," Beal said. “They made outstanding throws and cashed in through a couple of deep balls. This game came down to miscalculations, but we’ll be better and grow.”

Ellicott knows how much this victory meant to his team.

“This is the first time Desert Edge beat Canyon View in flag football history,” Ellicott said. “This win means a lot to the girls that have been grinding and really helps define our season, especially for this senior class.”

Canyon View (1-2) will host Hamilton (1-0) Thursday at 7 p.m.

Desert Edge (2-0) will travel to Sierra Linda (0-2) next Tuesday at 6 p.m.