(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian football opened its season in commanding fashion Friday night, routing Wickenburg 52-0 in front of a roaring Knight Nation crowd. The Knights' defense and special teams stole the show, combining for four touchdowns off two blocked punts and two interceptions.

"What a way to start the season," Head Coach John Carlson said. "Not only did we pick up a 52-0 victory, but we did it at home in front of our fans. Our effort on special teams, and our speed on the defensive side of the ball, created havoc all evening. A big shout-out to all the GCS kids and parents for showing up in the heat and bringing great energy in the stands!"

Senior Kamari Stanbury wasted no time in his return from injury, electrifying the crowd with a punt-return for touchdown just a minute into the game. Only eight seconds later, Stanbury snagged the Knights' first interception of the season, giving starting quarterback Caleb Ely and the offense excellent field position.

Ely quickly connected with junior receiver Kai Ahlman, who hauled in a pass and fought for extra yards before being brought down. On the next snap, sophomore Pierson Scott broke through defenders and powered into the end zone for the Knights' second touchdown.

Not to be outdone by his younger brother, junior captain Evan Scott blocked the ensuing punt and recovered it in the end zone, extending the lead to 18-0 with 6:59 left in the opening quarter.

Senior newcomer Noah Cooper, the reigning 3A Conference Soccer Player of the Year, drilled his first extra point of the season to push the margin to 19-0.

Moments later, senior Hyatt Lang deflected a Wickenburg pass and returned the interception for another touchdown. Cooper's extra point added to the tally as the home crowd roared on.

The mayhem continued when freshman safety Dusty Cook delivered a crushing hit on Wickenburg's Keegan Hawkins in the endzone, clearing the way for Evan Scott's second touchdown of the half.

Stanbury struck again before the quarter ended, weaving his way through defenders on another dazzling run, to stretch the lead to 39-0.

The second quarter featured a goal-line stand from the Knights' defense, snuffing out Wickenburg's best chance to score.

On the following drive, Ely rewarded the defensive effort with a long run that set up another Stanbury touchdown and a Cooper PAT, giving Gilbert Christian a 46-0 halftime lead.

The Knights' final score came in the fourth quarter when sophomore Tyler Hoffman powered his way into the end zone at the 8:47 mark, pushing GCHS past the 50-point threshold and sealing the 52-0 victory.

Next up, the Knights travel to Tucson to face Sabino (Friday, August 30th). Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.