Outlook: Desert Ridge’s first-ever trip to the playoffs realistically will be brief.
Drawing No. 2 seed Sunnyside, one of the best defensive teams in the state regardless of conference or division, makes it tough on a veteran team let alone a newcomer. Still, qualifying for the playoffs is a huge shot in the arm for the Jags, who have made enormous progress in one year.
‘‘They are very good defensively,’’ Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock said. ‘‘They aren’t a great offensive team, but our weak spot is defense. The matchup isn’t very good for us.’’
All the Jaguars can do is try. Quarterback Clay Busch has totaled almost 3,000 yards rushing and passing this season. His top two receivers are Justin Murray and Chris Heldore, but how much time Busch has to throw and his ability to escape the Blue Devils’ quickness will be severely tested.
Desert Ridge at Sunnyside
Address: 1725 E. Bilby Road, Tucson
Records: Desert Ridge 4-6; Sunnyside 8-2
