Football Recap: Verrado Starts Season with Defeat at Home + How To Watch

Verrado unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They came up short against the Horizon Huskies on Friday, falling 44-23. The game was a close 21-20 at the break, but unfortunately for the Vipers it sure didn't stay that way.

Verrado's loss came despite strong showings from Malachi Wilt and Carter Bliss. Wilt threw for 197 yards and two TDs, while Bliss picked up 97 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Horizon's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Bodie Zamorano led the charge by rushing for 202 yards and one touchdown while picking up 10.6 yards per carry. Those 202 rushing yards gave Zamorano a new career-high. Preston Burke was in the mix too, providing Horizon with two scores.

Verrado and Horizon should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Arizona Rankings. The Vipers (ranked 41st) will meet West Point (ranked 143rd) at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Meanwhile, Horizon will face off against Apollo at 7:00 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (18 vs. 61).