Queen Creek's move from Division III to Division II was a victorious one Friday night, but it took the Bulldogs an extra set of downs to do it.

Tailback Gavin Danielson's 10-yard touchdown run in overtime gave the Bulldogs a 20-14 victory over host Desert Mountain in the season opener for both schools.

Danielson, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior, stepped up from his role as a backup last season with a huge night. He carried 36 times for 221 yards  (unofficially) and finished with two of Queen Creek's three touchdowns. His winning run came two plays after Desert Mountain's first possession in overtime ended with a 22-yard missed field goal. Danielson helped send the game to overtime with a 26-yard scoring run with 5:46 left in regulation. That was four plays after his fumble stopped a potential game-tying rally with seven minutes left.

Queen Creek coach Travis Schureman was spent but pleased to nab the win in the nip-and-tuck contest. Desert Mountain, which dropped from Division I to Division II this season, gave a strong account in the debut for new head coach Mike Morrissey.

"I think early on we were trying to figure out who we are," Schureman said. "As the game progressed we got more comfortable and confident. We have some new kids on the line, and Gavin gave us a great effort."

Desert Mountain was not far from notching a victory in Morrissey's first game. The Wolves took their only lead of the night at 14-7 with a 13-play, 72-yard march in the third period that consumed more than seven minutes. Junior quarterback Austin Nuessle capped the drive with a 4-yard TD pass to Brett Teller with 1:33 to left in the quarter. It wa Nuessle's second TD pass of the night.  Nuessle completed 9 of 10 passes on the drive and was 25-of-45 for 190 yards, two TDs and one interception for the game.

That interception, however, proved huge for Queen Creek. Four plays before the pick, Danielson fumbled churning for extra yardage and Desert Mountain recovered as the Bulldogs were approaching the red zone. Desert Mountain took possession at its own 35 with just less than seven minutes left, but on the second play of the series Nuessle was pressured and threw into the arms of Queen Creek's Chase Thomas. 

Danielson took advantage of the reprieve. He carried twice for 11 yards and then 26 -- the latter for the game-tying TD with 5:46 left in the game. Queen Creek had a chance to win in regulation with 13 seconds left , but a 28-yard field goal attempt was wide left. Danielson showed glimpses he can be the same kind of back that Queen Creek has produced in recent years -- Matt Guida and Weston Barlow (2012 through 2014).

The game featured a contrast in offensive preference. Morrissey took on former NFL standout quarterback Kurt Warner to call the offense and Desert Mountain responded with a pass-heavy attack -- no surprise there. Queen Creek pounded away with the running game, particularly in the second half when that aspect kicked into high gear. Desert Mountain attempted 45 passes and ran the ball 10 times. Queen Creek rushed 41 times and passed 18 times (only five throws in the second half).

"Desert Mountain and their new staff did a great job getting their kids ready to play," Schureman said. "I thought our defense played great all night given how quickly they were getting rid of the ball."

Morrissey would have liked to come away with the win, but was positive in defeat. He spent much of the night pumping up his players for their efforts series to series.

"It wasn't a win on the scoreboard, but I was very proud of the effort," Morrissey said. "Queen Creek is a fundamentally sound team. Their offensive line was like a machine, especially in the second half."

Queen Creek debuted senior Tyler Bloom at quarterback. Bloom transferred from Higley this spring and missed most of last season with a knee injury. Bloom passed for nearly 2,800 yards as a sophomore at Higley in 2013. Bloom was 6-of-18 for 101 yards, one TD (43-yard strike to Ian Woods) and one interception.