(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian took down Valley Christian 35-13 on October 5th, to mark the program's first win in the rivalry's four-year history. The Knights, who move to 4-3 overall with the victory, led for the entire contest.
Senior quarterback Tyler Burr had an excellent outing for GCHS, completing 13 of his 17 passes, while finding three different Knights' receivers in the endzone for scores.
A rushing touchdown put Gilbert Christian on the board early, as senior Sam Webb jetted past the Trojans' defense for the Knights' first celebration of the evening. Burr and junior Bennett Juve were next to get the home crowd on its feet, extending the margin as the two connected on a 49-yard toss to make it 14-0.
Valley's points all came in the second quarter. The first TD, a one-yard push into the endzone, saw the Knights' lead cut in half. The Trojans, capitalizing on the momentum swing, crossed the goal-line again minutes later, but failed to convert a two-point conversion try, keeping Gilbert Christian out front 14-13.
Too close for comfort for Burr, the field leader promptly took the reins, this time finding junior Hyatt Lang with another 49-yard touchdown pass, to send the Knights into the locker room with a 21-13 edge.
The third period was more of the same, as Burr hit junior target Caleb Ely, who made 14-yard grab for his sixth TD of the 2024 season.
The icing on the cake came from Webb, who logged his second score of the competition, a 9-yard touchdown, completing the Knights' valiant effort.
Moore was lights out in the match-up, nailing five-of-five extra point tries for Gilbert Christian. He also managed a trio of tackles and four tackle-assists in the win.
Defensively, it was an all-around gritty battle, which saw GCHS compile frequent clutch stops, and 28 solo tackles. Lang led the charge, once again, with his six takedowns, while sophomore Kasen Reed and senior Rydan Barth posted five and four of their own, respectively, for the Knights.
Sophomore Evan Scott also stood out on the defensive side of the ball, amassing a team-best eight tackle-assists in the historic win.
Responsible for one of the more exhilarating plays of the night was senior Noah Holsinger, who logged the competition's lone sack and tackle for loss.
With the loss, Valley moves to 3-4 overall.
Gilbert Christian is back in action on October 18th at Bourgade Catholic. The game will commence at 7:00pm.
-GO KNIGHTS-
