MESA - Mesa Desert Ridge has been defined by its offense all season. Its defense provided the big plays that lifted the Jaguars to victory Friday in the first round of the 5A Division II state football playoffs.

A goal-line stand early in the final quarter and a forced incomplete pass on fourth down with one minute remaining proved to be the difference in a 29-25 home win over Glendale Deer Valley, the first postseason triumph in Desert Ridge history.

"I’m still shocked. It’s hard to explain in words where this team, this program is going," said senior receiver Lucas Robinson, who had seven receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Next up is a rematch with top-seeded Peoria Centennial, which topped the Jaguars 34-0 in Week 1.

Down seven early in the four quarter on second down with the ball on the 1-foot line, the Skyhawks (7-4) couldn’t clear a path for running back Jamaul Armstrong. The senior lost ground on consecutive plays, and Deer Valley settled for a 20-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to four with 8:11 left.

"We just keep battling through adversity," senior defensive back George Jones said. "Everyone on the defense, we trust each other. We just knew someone was going to be there to make the play."

Desert Ridge (7-4) had two possessions after that to add to its lead, but its offense, which was out of sync most of the night, came up short. The first possession ended in a punt, and the second, which included two dropped passes in the end zone, resulted in a failed fake-field goal play.

The Jaguars defense saved the day again. After a roughing the passer penalty extended Deer Valley’s final possession, three incomplete passes ended the Skyhawks’ hopes.

"Our defense played out of their mind," coach Jeremy Hathcock said. "We needed them to. We couldn’t (score) the ball when we needed to, but credit Deer Valley. They’re a lot better team than we expected."

Desert Ridge led 15-0 just over five minutes into the game after Chris Jamison returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Cain found Robinson alone for a 39-yard scoring strike on the Jaguars next possession.

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