When Cactus was moved from the 4A Conference to the 5A Conference, no one was sure that one of the oldest rivalries on the west side and one of the best in the state would continue. But in 2022, Cactus and Peoria were able to meet for the 38th time since Cactus began their football program in 1978.
Behind a staggering five touchdowns from senior running back, Damian Jiles, the Cobras advance to 21-15-2 all-time against their cross-town rivals in a 47-20 victory. The Cobras are the smallest public school in the 5A Conference and was forced to play a brutal opening schedule against ALA – Queen Creek, Desert Mountain, and 6A powerhouse Basha. Now, the Cobras will stay in the West Valley for region play the rest of the year but still await massive games against some of the best in 5A such as Sunrise Mountain, Millennium, and Desert Edge.
Devon Henry
