Andrew Bernson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Pinnacle High School for AZPreps365.com

On a chilly November night, the Pinnacle Pioneers played their final game of the regular season against the Saguaro Sabercats. It turned out to be a game to remember as the Pioneers won 48-14. 

The victory showcased Pinnacle’s playoff readiness. From the start, the Pioneers’ energy and dominance were clear, driven by senior quarterback Wyatt Horton's precise passing, and strong defensive play from senior linebacker Owen Pimbert. Despite Saguaro's occasional sparks, Pinnacle maintained a commanding lead.

The Pioneers are 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the 6A Northeast Valley Conference and are headed to the 6A playoffs. Saguaro is 1-9 overall and 1-8 in the conference and the Sabercats’ season ended Friday night.

The play in the initial 15 minutes was indicative of the rest of the game. In the first drive, Pinnacle senior defensive back Jack Gasior grabbed an interception and ran it back for a touchdown, putting Pinnacle up 6-0. Even though the Pioneers missed the extra point, it was clear that they had much more energy. Horton capitalized on the energy on their next possession, which ended with a rushing touchdown by senior running back Xavier Valdivia. Pinnacle was successful in its two-point attempt and extended the score to 14-0.

Saguaro’s early season woes persisted, and the Sabercats punted on their next two possessions. Sophomore running back Ty Strozier hinted at the Sabercats’ potential with a big rush but couldn’t turn it into points. Pinnacle got the ball back and junior running back Alex Lugo had a huge gain to put the Pioneers at the Saguaro 29-yard line. Horton then threw a 29-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Jace Pina. The extra point was good, giving Pinnacle a 21-0 lead.

Saguaro, despite its best efforts to establish the early tempo, failed to do so in the first quarter. Pinnacle fumbled a punt return on its 40-yard line, giving the Sabercats possession. After a couple of plays, Sabercats quarterback Marcel Jones threw a touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Aidan Whitaker, who caught the ball while he was airborne. But Saguaro missed the two-point shot, and the score remained 21-6 in Pinnacle’s favor when the first quarter finally ended.


Horton started off the second quarter with a deep touchdown to put the score at 28-6 Pioneers. After stopping Saguaro on fourth-and-goal, Horton made another long touchdown pass to Lugo and despite a blocked extra-point attempt later in the second quarter, the score was 34-6 Pioneers.

A late third-quarter punch by Pinnacle further increased the lead to 41-6. 

By the fourth quarter, the backups for both sides were in the game. Saguaro scored late but could not make up for the large deficit created by Pinnacle's early and persistent offense. As the final whistle blew, the Pioneers celebrated their 48-14 win.

After the game, Pinnacle head coach Dana Zupke highlighted Pimbert’s excellent work on defense and said Pimbert had been exceptionally ready to play against his former team.

“He made play after play after play and has been our leader on defense,” Zupke said. “He was at Saguaro last year, so I know this game meant a lot to him.”

Next up for the Pioneers are the playoffs.

“No Pinnacle team has ever won a state championship, but this is a very special group and we are going to work our butts off to get there,” Horton said.

Lugo was looking ahead to the playoffs.

“We have been playing and practicing in playoff mode ever since Week 4, so we are ready for the moment,” he said.


Pinnacle will host Mountain Pointe at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, for their Round 1 matchup in the 6A State Championship playoffs.