Matthew Ross is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Maryvale High School for AZPreps365.com.

Maryvale Panthers' Devin Murphy put on an offensive and defensive clinic in their 28-21 win over 4A Copper Sky rival Kofa Kings (1-8) on Friday.

It was their second win of this season.

Murphy, who plays quarterback and free safety, had four touchdowns (three rushing, one thrown) and two crucial interceptions.  

“Defense is my game,” Murphy said. “I came into this game determined to make a difference on the defensive end.”

The Panthers (2-7) quickly set the tone as they quickly scored a TD in their first drive, which was underlined with a large gain on a wide receiver screen and two back to back quarterback sneaks.

The Kings offense positioned on their own 40-yard line, and used a mix of running plays and two penalties put them on the Maryvale 24 before a quarterback scramble scoring play and extra point to take a 7-6 lead over the Panthers. 

At the Kings 53 on the next play, the Panthers threw an interception on the first play of their next drive. But the Panthers' constant defensive line pressure forced a punt to close out the first quarter. 

The Panthers offense took the field on their own 42 yard line moving the chains before throwing a 40-yard bomb to wide receiver Shawn Russel for touchdown.  Then a short pass to Juan Vazquez cashed in the two-point conversion for Maryvale to regain the lead, 14-7.

“It felt good for sure,” Russel said. “Kept my eye on the ball and, we, made a play.

Maryvale's next possession was short as the center snapped the ball over Murphy's head and turned the ball over at their own one-yard line.

The Kings capitalize as they ran the ball in the end zone and made the extra point tied the game at 14-14, which eventually became the halftime score.

Murphy scored their third TD after he set up great field position on the Kings 45. They ran a fake punt, which was converted to a first down on the Kings 16. Then he ran for his third TD and with a good extra point the Panthers are back on top 21-14.

Kofa's 60-yard TD catch by WR Conrad Tuffly and an extra point answered Murphy's preceding TD tied the score.

After Russel's 40-yard gain in the next Maryvale series, Murphy took matters into his own hands as he shook two defenders and got his final TD, and the PAT put the Panther's ahead, 28-21, with two minutes left in the third quarter.

The Kings then for the ball at their own 45 yard line in their ensuing possession, but Murphy intercepted a pass. 

The Kings offense used up most of the fourth quarter clock on a lengthy drive down the field as they marched the Panthers down to their own 19 yard line. 

Controversial penalties bailed out the offense but the Panthers defense held the line on their own nine, which forced a turnover on downs with only a minute left in the game.

The Panthers assumed victory formation and milked the clock to secure their second victory of the season. 

“It's always great to beat a conference team in their own house,” head coach Bryron Traynor said.