(MESA, Ariz.) New quarterback, same result.

Senior Ezra Miller made his first varsity start Friday night, and the Knights never missed a beat as Gilbert Christian secured its third straight victory with a 37-13 win over previously unbeaten ALA-Mesa North.

Miller looked at home in the new role, completing 15 of 24 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. He guided an offense that amassed 474 yards, collected 22 first downs and converted all three of its fourth-down attempts.

Speedy sophomore Dusty Cook struck first with a 49-yard touchdown run. Miller followed by finding senior Kai Ahlman from five yards out, giving the Knights a 14-0 first-quarter lead.

The Mavericks answered with an 80-yard touchdown pass, but senior kicker Logan Brown added a 26-yard field goal to send GCHS into halftime ahead 17-7.

ALA-Mesa North pulled within 17-13 early in the third quarter, but junior Pierson Scott had seen enough. He answered with an 11-yard touchdown reception from Miller, sparking a run of 20 unanswered points.

Miller and Ahlman connected again for a 28-yard score in the fourth before senior Camden Gorsline delivered the knockout blow with an 11-yard touchdown run of his own.

The defense ultimately finished the job, holding ALA-Mesa North scoreless for the remainder of the game. GCHS limited the Mavericks to 207 total yards, including minus-four rushing, and just seven first downs. ALA-Mesa North converted only one of 10 third-down attempts.

Ahlman finished with an impressive five receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Gorsline powered the ground game with 135 yards on 23 carries while adding four catches for 54 yards. Cook contributed 77 rushing yards on eight attempts, and junior Tyler Hoffman stretched the field with two receptions for 48 yards.

Senior Marcel Maro led a pass rush that produced four sacks, recording two of his own. Junior Trystan Benavides added a sack and forced a fumble, while senior Evan Scott paced the Knights with five total tackles.

Brown was perfect on the night, converting all four extra-point attempts and his 26-yard field goal. He also recorded four touchbacks on seven kickoffs.

The Knights open 3A Metro East Region play Friday at Seton Catholic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Student Life has requested that all fans don USA gear (Green and Gold stripes are approved... add stars).