Copper Canyon Routs Alhambra 32-7 at Home
Copper Canyon improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in 4A Copper Sky region play with a defense-led win over Alhambra.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
Copper Canyon beat Alhambra 32-7 on Thursday night, earning its first home win of the season. The Cowboys improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in 4A Copper Sky region play.
Why it matters
The win gives Copper Canyon an early region victory and a stronger position in the 4A Copper Sky standings. It also showed the team's defense can force turnovers and stop opponents on fourth down.
Running back Jaedyn Valdez scored two rushing touchdowns, including a 15-yard run with 8:36 left in the first quarter. Copper Canyon's defense forced two turnovers and made two fourth-down stops while holding Alhambra to one touchdown.
The players
Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon is a high school football program competing in Arizona's 4A Copper Sky region.
Alhambra
Alhambra is a high school football program that lost to Copper Canyon in this region matchup.
The details
Copper Canyon recovered an Alhambra fumble on the Lions' opening possession and led 17-7 at halftime. Quarterback Brooklen Ortiz returned from injury to make his first start back, connecting with Isaac Simms on fourth-and-13 during the opening drive. David Camacho intercepted Max Mathis in the third quarter, and Ortiz later scored a 27-yard rushing touchdown.
Timeline
Thursday: Copper Canyon defeated Alhambra 32-7 at home in Glendale.
Friday, Oct. 9: Copper Canyon travels to Maryvale for its next region game.
Season Trajectory
Copper Canyon's 1-0 start in 4A Copper Sky region play puts it in position to contend within the region. The team's return of Ortiz from injury and its defensive performance mark a turning point after a 3-3 overall start.
A region win puts Copper Canyon in a stronger position in the 4A Copper Sky standings heading into its next matchup. Fans tracking the team can follow its Friday game at Maryvale to see whether the defensive form holds.
The takeaway
Copper Canyon's defense and a returning starting quarterback combined to produce its strongest result of the season. Keeping turnovers and fourth-down stops steady will matter as region play continues.
What happens next
Copper Canyon will travel to Maryvale on Friday, Oct. 9 for its next region game.
Further reading
For more high school results, explore Football coverage across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Azpreps365.
