Kianna Patterson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian Schools for AZPreps365.com

Valley Christian improved to 4-0 on the year after defeating Northwest Christian 42-28 at home Friday night. It was the first victory for the Trojans over the Crusaders since 2010, with the Crusaders winning every match up between the two until Friday night. After a couple of missed tackles that almost cost the Trojans the game, the celebration could finally begin for the Trojans and their fans.

The Trojans won a nail-biting game with grit to continue their playoff hopes. With a stellar performance from running back Kaden Majercak who ran the perfect play that produced a 1-yard TD run that gave the Trojans the win over the Crusaders.

“This win is more special than any other win because we haven’t beat them in 11 years,” Valley Christian head coach Jake Petersen said. “This is the best win we have had in 11 years.”

Trojans quarterback Hunter Heeringa engineered the Trojans win Friday night. With Heeringa throwing three touchdowns in the first half and running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Trojans were able to have their way. Wide Receiver Austyn Gerard had a stunning game against the Crusaders. Gerard had many completion catches thrown to him. Two of his catches were 10-yard gains. With this momentum the Trojans were able to score fast.

“Northwest is a good team and we came out here and played like it was just another game,” Gerard said. “We prepare the same for any team. We got the momentum and we’re going 4-0… we have a great thing rolling here.”

The Trojans scored 21 points against the Crusaders in the first half. After scoring their first touchdown with 7:00 left in the first quarter, Northwest Christian quarterback Judah Huisman answered the Trojans with a 55-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marshall Gillette.

Valley Christian had to rely on their defense to make tackles in order to win Friday night's game. At the half both the Trojans and the Crusaders were tied 21-21. Which caused both teams to adjust how they were playing the game. Coming out into the third quarter the Trojans forced a three-and-out after a fumble which led to a 29-yard line touchdown pass to Gerard to extend their lead to 28-21.

The Crusaders had an answer for the Trojans in the third quarter with a 79-yard touchdown that tied the game up 28-28 with 4:39 left to play. It wasn't until the Trojans defensive line stepped up and made some big defensive stops that the game had taken a turning point. Inside linebacker Justin Regehr had many defensive stops that helped stop the Crusaders at 28 points. Along with defensive back Ethan Heinrich with a big interception in the fourth quarter with only 6:00 left and the score 35-28.

“This game keeps the energy rolling, This is a huge statement,” Regehr said. “We had some big defensive stops in the second half and I think we can keep it going all season.” 

The Trojans (4-0) will be taking on Wickenburg High School (2-2) on Sept. 23. The Crusaders (1-2) will be hosting American Leadership Academy (3-0) on Sept. 24. The road to the State Championships continues for Valley Christian.