‘We beat Pinnacle’
Falcons beat rival, monsoon to start 3‑0
Cactus Shadows 31, Pinnacle 0
by Jason Stone

CAVE CREEK – Sean January had no plans for rest after Cactus Shadows’ 31‑0 blowout of rival Pinnacle last week. Instead, January and a group of Falcons gathered after the game to watch it on television even though it was a school night.

“We’re not going right to sleep,” said January, a senior linebacker who was in the mood to enjoy the Falcons’ big win, broadcast throughout the Valley.

Despite a 70‑minute lightning delay that had the game’s status in doubt, it ended with good news for the Falcons. They shut out an opponent for the first time in so long nobody can even remember the last time it happened.

“We beat Pinnacle!” Falcons coach Chad DeGrenier screamed to his team moments after the game.

DeGrenier and the team’s excitement came from the Falcons beating Pinnacle for the first time ever. Since moving up to the 4A Conference, the victory marked the first time the squad opened its season at 3‑0. Running back Eric Gorraiz busted out for 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense, while the defense turned back Pinnacle all night long.

The only thing that slowed down Cactus Shadows was a monsoon thunderstorm that struck with large bolts of lightning. The storm, which began to move in at halftime, brought gusty winds that affected play in the third quarter. By the end of the quarter, the electrical storm was too close to continue play.

The stands from both sides emptied as rain began to fall. An hour after play was suspended it appeared the game would have to be continued later in the weekend, but at the last moment officials ruled the storm had passed far enough and started play after a seven‑minute warmup.

Pinnacle, which was already down 25‑0, probably wished it had voted to end the game during the delay because the Falcons scored another touchdown soon after.

“To keep it to zero on the scoreboard against Pinnacle is awesome,” January said.

Cactus Shadows’ offense was the star of the show at the beginning of the game as quarterback Phillip Aholt found a wide open Kyle Watkins down the right sideline for a 55‑yard touchdown just two minutes into the game.

The Falcons added a 32‑yard field goal after a Pinnacle fumble and led 12‑0 midway through the second quarter when junior Chris Manship blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety.

Chasan Royer’s interception and subsequent 40‑yard return set up another touchdown for the Falcons before halftime. Four plays after the turnover, Gorraiz juked two defenders on his way to an 11‑yard touchdown. Gorraiz added another 46‑yard score midway through the third quarter for the final scoring before the delay.

Pinnacle then chose to continue playing when the storm passed despite the fact that most of their fans had departed. Cactus Shadows forced five turnovers, including two fumbles when Pinnacle drove deep into Falcons territory in the first half.

“This is a new standard for what our defense can do,” DeGrenier said.

The Falcons will host winless Cortez this week with a chance to start 4‑0 for the first time in more than a decade.

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.