After a bounce back win, the Saguaro Sabercats football team will look to keep their newfound momentum alive against the Desert Mountain Wolves. 

The Sabercats found themselves at 2-1 after last week’s 28-21 victory over the Helix Highlanders of La Mesa, California. The Sabercats battled early and took a 21-7 lead into the half, and managed to hold on despite a strong second half showing from the Highlanders. 

In the win, Tyler Beverett threw for 209 yards on 13 completions and found the end zone one time. Despite showing promise throughout the game, Beverett also threw three interceptions which leads to some concern heading into their match up against the high scoring Wolves. 

Saguaro’s defense has been outstanding so far this season, amassing 26.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks through three games. Jayden Swink has led the way with three sacks and two hurries already this season. 

The defense has started to gain a reputation around the state after holding out-of-state opponents to a total of 43 points in two games. That reputation has even reached the starting quarterback from Desert Mountain, Kedon Slovis.

“My preparation is very similar week to week, but for this week playing against a defense with a lot of talent, I’ve found myself not only looking at their defensive scheme but also at individuals and certain tendencies they have to help give me an advantage on Friday,” said Slovis.

 
The USC commit Slovis has already thrown for over 1,000 yards this season despite the team’s 0-3 record.

Desert Mountain is still looking for their first win this season after dropping games to Apollo, Chaparral, and Fairfax by a combined score of 145-106. 

Despite only putting up 16 points in their second game, against Chaparral, the Wolves have scored their way to an average of 35.3 points per game.

 
Even with his impressive stat line this season, Slovis is not the only player on the team having a strong start. Maximus Walker has carried the ball 27 times for 131 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He also has a receiving touchdown to add to his resume this year. 

“Personally I feel that I need to step up as leader and make the big plays we need and to make sure everyone is determined and ready to win as a team,” said Walker in a message, “I feel like we just need to play with more intensity and eagerness to finish the rest of the season strong.”

The defense on the other hand has gotten off to a slow start this season, allowing an average of 48.3 points per game.

Most of the problems have started up front, with the team only posting 10 tackles for loss and four sacks through their first three games. However, their linebacking corps, led by Cole Daddario, has shown some promise early thanks to Daddario’s 18 tackles. 

With a chance at their first win on the line, the Wolves need to find a way to contain Saguaro long enough to allow their offense to figure out Saguaro’s vaunted defense. 

“Overall we need to play our best football and put together a complete game. So far we have had success, even in the games that we’ve lost but we have yet to put together an entire game,” said Slovis, “If we play well all four quarters and execute, there’s no reason we cannot win the game.”

Kickoff between the Saguaro Sabercats and the Desert Mountain Wolves is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. The game will be at Desert Mountain High School.