(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian (5-4/2-1 3A Metro East) football split its last two contests against Bourgade Catholic and Benjamin Franklin, defeating the Golden Eagles 53-0, and falling to the Chargers 42-7. Senior Sam Webb rushed for a pair of scores in the one-sided October 18th BCHS game, and recorded the team's lone touchdown versus regional-leader Ben Franklin (8-1/3-0).
Three GCHS quarterbacks saw the field against the Golden Eagles. Senior Tyler Burr got the start, quickly compiling four TD passes to put the Knights out front, before handing the reins to sophomores Gabe Caballero and Ezra Miller. Both Caballero and Miller threw for scores in the contest.
Caballero also served as the Knights' kicker in the affair. He went five-for-seven in his first start, while filling in for senior Brody Moore.
Juniors Hyatt Lang, Bennett Juve, and Caleb Ely put the Golden Eagles' defense to work, giving the Knights' QB staff a lot of options down the field. Each player posted a receiving touchdown in the win. Two freshmen, Luke Solomon and Tristan Benavides, made the most of their time on the turf, capitalizing on scoring opportunities log the first touchdowns of their respective high school careers.
Benavides also took the field on the defensive side of the ball, joining senior Colton Rogers as the two players to recover a fumble in the contest. Rogers, for his part, logged three tackles and an interception in limited minutes for the Knights.
Lang registered five solo tackles, a pair of tackle assists, two tackles for loss, and a sack, to lead the defensive effort against Bourgade. Freshman Hunter Risley and junior Parker Tonemah weren't far behind the leader, with seven and six total tackles, respectively, in the big win.
October 25th served as 2024 senior night for eleven players and their families. Prior to the match-up against Ben Franklin, they were recognized for their incredible contributions to the GCHS football program.
"These are legacy-type players," Athletic Director Mark Duitsman said. "This class of seniors has made such an impact on this program and in our community. They are high-character young men, and we will definitely miss having them on campus and on the field."
Webb opened Friday's game with an electrifying 52-yard rushing touchdown to give the Knights a 7-0 edge, but Benjamin Franklin quickly answered with a similar score of its own to tie the ballgame at 7-all after just two possessions.
Gilbert Christian had several good looks at the endzone in the first half, but failed to convert, while also plagued with penalties on the defensive side of the ball.
Ultimately, the Chargers were able to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and pulled away.
Webb finished the evening with 118 yards on the ground. Lang led the Knights' receivers with three grabs for 62 yards.
Moore tallied a team-high four tackles in the match-up. Lang and Juve each recorded a tackle for loss, with Lang logging the Knights' lone sack.
Gilbert Christian looks to rebound on Friday, November 1st at Tempe High School, against the Buffaloes. Kickoff for the Knights' final regular season game is scheduled for 7:00pm. Purchase tickets HERE.
-GO KNIGHTS-
