After last week’s disappointing loss to Gilbert, Tempe Corona del Sol coach Gary Venturo knew his defense needed to step up for the Aztecs’ home opener against Scottsdale Desert Mountain.
Venturo’s unit didn’t disappoint, holding the Wolves to minus-24 yards on the ground and forcing three interceptions as the Aztecs won 42-0.
“That’s what I wanted to see,” Venturo said. “It’s easy to win, but sometimes, when you lose, you need to see how your team reacts.”
The defense’s top performance came at the end of the first half, when Desert Mountain (2-1) was driving after an interception and found itself with a first and goal at the 1-yard line. An incomplete pass and three goal-line stops later, Corona (2-1) led 22-0 at the break and the Wolves were completely demoralized.
Aztecs junior tailback J.R. Hamm ran for 67 yards and two touchdowns on 14
carries.
