Football Recap: Emery Wright and Caleb Liddell Pace Desert Ridge Defense

Desert Ridge extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to seven on Friday, dropping them down to 0-6. They lost 34-14 to the Cienega Bobcats. The Jaguars were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bobcats apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in August of 2023.

When it comes to explaining why Desert Ridge lost, don't look at Gage Highsmith. Despite the final result, he picked up 149 receiving yards and one score. Highsmith's longest reception was for an incredible 71 yards.

Emery Wright

Total Tackles

09/12/25 @ Centennial	1
08/29/25 vs Gilbert	3
09/05/25 @ Westwood	3
09/26/25 @ Williams Field	3
09/18/25 vs Mesa	4

Even if they lost, Desert Ridge's defensive line still kept up the pressure with four sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Emery Wright and Caleb Liddell, who racked up all four sacks between them. Wright also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with nine. Desert Ridge got some further help from Kale Rogers: he made 13 total tackles (3.0 for loss).

As for Cienega, the victory got them back to even at 3-3. Considering they have won three games by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Julian Hainley continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, throwing for 357 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 13.2 yards per attempt, and also rushing for 42 yards and one TD. His passing game has become a key predictor of Cienega's success: the team is 2-1 when his passer rating is 110 or higher, but only 1-2 otherwise. Jaden Rodgers also helped out as he racked up 123 receiving yards.

Coming up, Desert Ridge is taking a road trip to challenge Red Mountain at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The contest will give the Jaguars their first taste of in-conference action this season. As for Cienega, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against Sunnyside at 7:00 p.m.