(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian recorded its first win of the season on Thursday, overcoming a 14-7 halftime deficit to defeat Arizona Lutheran 21-14. The Knights were led by 2024's emerging dynamic duo, junior wide receiver Caleb Ely and senior quarterback Tyler Burr, who connected to score two of the team's touchdowns.
"I am very proud of our players' effort, toughness, and execution in this game," Head Coach John Carlson said. "Our defense played very hard, especially in the second half shutout, which included multiple fourth down stops and a knocked down pass to seal the win. Hyatt Lang was a force once again and contributed several big plays, including a sack."
The Knights took an early lead as the Coyotes failed to account for Sam Webb's speed, letting the senior running back blaze through and around a right-side gap to put his squad on the board at the end of the first quarter.
The second was a different story, as Arizona Lutheran tightened up its defensive effort, also swinging the offensive momentum in its favor. Two unanswered scores in the period saw Gilbert Christian trailing as the break commenced.
The Knights emerged anew out of the locker room, looking determined on both sides of the ball. The defense did the dirty work, grinding out stop after clutch stop to hold the Coyotes scoreless. For its part, the offense went in the air for a pair of timely Burr-to-Ely completions, who lit up the scoreboard to bring the battle to even, before grabbing the lead with under three to play.
"On offense, Brody Moore made tremendous plays in all three phases of the game, including a huge onside kick and recovery that changed the momentum in the game, early in the second half," Carlson said. "Sam Webb ran hard all night, through holes opened up by our tight ends and offensive line, and scored a rushing TD for the second straight week."
Senior Colton Rogers and sophomore Camden Gorsline put up impressive defensive numbers in the contest, recording 13 and 11 tackle assists, respectively. Gorsline and Lang each notched six solo tackles, to lead all players, while Rogers managed five of his own.
Leading the team in rushing was Webb, with 121 yards. Burr went 6-for-11 in the pocket for 115 yards, finding receivers Ely, Lang, and Moore for key grabs.
With the win, GCHS improves to 1-1 overall. Arizona Lutheran falls to 0-2, having lost two close ones early.
ALA – Ironwood poses the next challenge for the Knights. The Warriors are 2-0 on the season, having defeated Morenci (35-34) and Douglas (52-21) to open 2024. The road contest is scheduled for September 5th at 7:00pm.
-GO KNIGHTS-
