Desert Oasis knocks off Spring Valley for win

Desert Oasis had a tall order to accomplish this week if the Diamondbacks were going to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Facing them was a high-scoring offense from Spring Valley, which averaged more than 30 points per game in Southwest Division play.

But a strong defense and just enough offense proved to be enough for the Diamondbacks, who held the Grizzlies without a first down for 46 minutes in a 23-6 victory Friday night.

Desert Oasis (3-2, 2-2 Southwest) held Spring Valley to 32 yards rushing. The Grizzlies had 10 plays stopped for a loss or no gain, and quarterback Anton Stallworth was sacked four times.

The Diamondbacks also held Spring Valley to 20 total yards of offense in the first half, and the Grizzlies didn’t register a first down until the 2:06 mark of the final quarter.

“We harped on the kids all week that we have to tackle well,” Desert Oasis coach Faron Seibel said. “This was the week that they listened and got the job done. Spring Valley never got into a rhythym and our defense was a big reason why.”

The offensive reason for the Diamonback’s success was running back Ronald Hunt, who had 128 yards on 29 carries and all three Desert Oasis touchdowns.

“We needed a game like this on the ground, because we have been banged up in the backfield,” Seibel said. “We are back in the playoff picture and can control our destiny, but we still have plenty of work left.”

Desert Oasis broke open a scoreless game with a 17-point second quarter. Brennen Stott opened the scoring with a 31-yard field goal, then a pair of Hunt touchdowns (1- and 4-yard runs) gave the Diamondbacks the big lead at the break.

Hunt’s third score, an 11-yard run, put his team in the driver’s seat at 23-0.

Spring Valley (3-3, 3-2 Southwest), which had won three of four coming in, got on the board with 30 seconds left as backup quarterback Jordan Cox found Eric Derkas on a 5-yard pass play.