Shadow Ridge is heading back to the Class 5A state championship game after a semifinal victory Tuesday, powered by senior Jaylani Palmer’s two touchdown catches and an interception.
Palmer, a standout wide receiver and defensive back, scored both of the Mustangs’ touchdowns in the win over Desert Oasis. The victory sets up a title rematch with Bishop Gorman on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium.
“She’s an awesome person. She works her butt off, never takes days off in practice, working hard on and off the field. She’s phenomenal,” Shadow Ridge coach Matt Nighswonger said. “I think she’s the best player in the state. I think she’s one of the best in the whole country.”
Palmer leads the state with 22 interceptions this season and holds the state career record with 69. She also has 1,766 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches. This season, she has also played quarterback, completing 69 percent of her passes for 1,187 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Mustangs (No. 2 seed) won three straight 5A titles from 2022 to 2024 before being shut out by Desert Oasis in last year’s semifinals. Nighswonger credited Palmer and the seniors for ensuring the team bought into playing with a chip on its shoulder.
“That buy-in, it doesn’t happen very often,” Nighswonger said. “It didn’t happen with last year’s team, and with this year’s team, that buy-in is what pushed us over the top.”
Shadow Ridge defeated Bishop Gorman 37-6 in the regular season, but the Gaels have been on a magical postseason run. They knocked off top-seeded Arbor View 21-14 in the semifinals after losing to the Aggies by 40 points in the regular season. Gorman also stunned Liberty with a walk-off touchdown in the quarterfinals.
“All of our seniors are really passionate, and I’m just really glad that I get to do it with this group,” Palmer said. “I feel super appreciative of all the players and coaches around me, because without them, I couldn’t do anything.”
The Gaels are seeking their first flag football state title. Shadow Ridge beat Gorman 25-12 for the 2023 5A championship at the Raiders’ Henderson headquarters.
The day at Allegiant Stadium begins with Green Valley vs. Sierra Vista for the 4A title at 3 p.m.
