(GILBERT, Ariz.) Friday night's homecoming game was a smashing success for Gilbert Christian, as the Knights toppled Tempe High School 38-7 in the final regular season contest of 2023, to secure a spot in the AIA Football Playoffs.
For ten Knights' seniors, playing under their home lights for the final time, it was a memorable and emotional evening.
"It was hard to believe that we were already playing our last regular season game," senior Colby Johnston said. "As seniors we were hungry and determined to finish our last home game with a victory that would inspire next year's returning players to continue playing with passion and discipline. Being undefeated at home this season has been a highlight. There's something special about having the stands packed with friends, family and the student body, all supporting us and sharing in the victory."
Gilbert Christian struck early with a pair of opening quarter touchdowns and a field goal. Sophomore Kamari Stanbury lit up the scoreboard first, reeling in a 13-yard pass from junior quarterback Tyler Burr to give GCHS a 6-0 lead before senior Kaleb Powell zeroed in and nailed the extra point for the Knights. Next up was junior Sam Webb, who ran the ball through the Buffaloes' defense before stretching across the line for another tuddy at the 5:44 mark. Powell struck again three minutes later with a 36-yard field goal to make it 17-0 heading into the second.
Gilbert Christian's tough defense started the quarter strong, as junior Josh Rich and senior Jesse Morales came up with a massive tackle to take Tempe's running back to the ground. Rich struck again with another takedown at 11:15, this time causing a turnover on downs, handing the possession back to his offensive teammates. Burr wasted no time, finding Stanbury deep for the Knights' third score of the contest.
It looked as though the Buffaloes might get on the board just under the four-minute mark, but a gritty defensive effort and interception in the endzone from senior Andrew McGuigan got the homecoming crowd on its feet and set up GCHS' final scoring drive of the half. Webb got the Knights' in position with a big run, hi-fiving elated spectators as he was finally pushed out-of-bounds, and Burr used the momentum to find senior teammate Nate Dickinson 19-yards down the field, giving Gilbert Christian a 31-0 edge headed into the break.
Out of the locker room energized, Webb managed another, bobbing and weaving, but mostly power running, up the sideline to score the Knights' final touchdown of the game.
Tempe's lone score also came in the third quarter.
Gilbert Christian's defense recorded four interceptions in the affair. McGuigan, Powell and freshman defensive lineman James Scott grabbed three of them, while the fourth was credited to the team. McGuigan and sophomore Hyatt Lang both recorded eight tackles in the contest, while Dickinson and junior Colton Rogers managed six apiece. Senior Jesse Morales, the vocal field leader, was fired up and consistent, per usual, tallying five of his own for the Knights.
Offensively, GCHS was led by Burr's on-target 8-for-14, 119-yard, three TD passing effort, and Webb's 116-yard, two-score rushing performance. Stanbury was tops in receiving, recording 80-yards on four receptions, to go with his two tuddies.
The Knights are back in action next Friday at Paradise Honors for their first play-off game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.
-GO KNIGHTS-
