The 2025 Arizona high school football season continues with a non-conference matchup as the Desert Edge Scorpions host the Cactus Shadows Falcons on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Goodyear, AZ. Both teams look to open their seasons with momentum, with Desert Edge entering as a top contender and Cactus Shadows aiming to pull off an early-season upset.
Game Details
Matchup: Cactus Shadows (Cave Creek, AZ) vs Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ)
Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Location: Desert Edge High School, Goodyear, AZ
Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Tickets: Available digitally through GoFan
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Cactus Shadows Falcons
Cactus Shadows opens the year ranked #2,104 nationally, #41 in Arizona, and #13 in their division. The Falcons face a tough test right out of the gate against a highly ranked Desert Edge team. With fresh talent and a desire to prove themselves, Cactus Shadows will need to rely on discipline and execution to stay competitive.
2025 Record: 0-0
Strengths: Developing roster, motivated to start strong, underdog mentality
Key to Win: Control possession, avoid costly mistakes, and capitalize on scoring opportunities when presented
Desert Edge Scorpions
Desert Edge begins the season as one of the top-ranked programs in Arizona, coming in at #120 nationally, #5 in Arizona, and #1 in their division. With home-field advantage and a tradition of success, the Scorpions enter as clear favorites. They’ll look to use their speed and depth to overwhelm Cactus Shadows early.
2025 Record: 0-0
Strengths: Elite roster talent, strong defensive unit, explosive offensive playmakers
Key to Win: Set the pace quickly, dominate both lines of scrimmage, and maintain composure throughout the game
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Division Rank | Record | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cactus Shadows | #2,104 | #41 (AZ) | #13 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
| Desert Edge | #120 | #5 (AZ) | #1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.