Shane Purcell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student who is covering Desert Heights for AZPreps365.com.

Desert Heights struggled against its first AIA opponent in a 46-8 loss to Mogollon on Friday night. The Coyotes were hit hard by the Mustang running game, but even harder by injury.

After missing two seasons with collarbone injuries, junior quarterback Jacob Hanback left in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be another one, according to the team trainer.

Hanback was supposed to be the starter his freshman year but injuries have kept him off the field. This season was supposed to be different. “It’s time for him to romp … he’s ready to go,” Hanback’s father said before the game.

Unfortunately for Desert Heights, the quarterback could miss even more time.

The Mogollon running game controlled the contest starting with a 38-yard touchdown run just 1:51 into the game. Coach Kendrick Felix knew it would not be easy as Mogollon entered the season ranked third in the conference.

The Coyotes trailed 32-0 at halftime, giving up four touchdowns of more than 30 yards. Felix’s halftime message was simple: “We have to be disciplined, play contain,” he said. “They’re getting outside on us.”

For Hanback, the first half was a struggle. Even when he had time to deliver the ball cleanly, passes were dropped or called back because of penalty. He still made his presence felt.

Hanback checked in for his first defensive snaps near the end of the third quarter. He immediately made two tackles that led to a turnover on downs.

On the ensuing drive Hanback drove the Coyotes 45 yards, completing 5 of 7 passes and finding wide receiver Julian Szemesi in the end zone for their first touchdown. Mogollon, however, responded with another big touchdown run just 47 seconds later.

Felix stayed on message after the game: “Right now we just have to be disciplined,”  he said, adding that he remained confident in his team.  “I don’t know if they were timid or nervous, whatever it may be … but they just got to go out there and play like we’ve been playing the last three or four years.”

After repeating playoff appearances in their former conference, the Coyotes face a greater challenge as one of the AIA's smaller schools. But Felix said he strongly believes his team will be competitive. The Coyotes will try to bounce back next week against Anthem Prep.