Ryan Knutson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Barry Goldwater High School for AZPrep365.

Following a hard-fought victory in their most recent game, the Bulldogs of Barry Goldwater are eagerly anticipating their next challenge.

On the horizon, the squad is set to go on the road Tuesday, where they will face off against the Westview Knights in 5A flag football action.

The Northwest Region rivals will be coming into their first section game. The Knights are currently sitting second with an overall record of 4-1, sitting only behind the Flagstaff Eagles.

Coach Josh Baloney has the Bulldogs coming into this game with a record of 2-4 after a close victory in their last game against the Vista Grande Spartans. The first-year head coach has been able to prove his team can stand toe-to-toe with anybody in the league.  

The significance of defense looms large as a pivotal aspect of the impending matchup. Both squads are hoping to continue good defensive play as they’ve shown in the past couple weeks.  

The commendable track record of Westview's defensive unit has been remarkable through the beginning of the season. Westview’s defense has been able to hold their opponents to low multiple low scoring performances, having a positive point differential of 38. 

Barry Goldwater’s defensive improvements will also be on full display for this upcoming contest. Baloney values consistency on both sides of the ball, but he is focused on the defense heading into this game.

“The main thing I’m looking to replicate from the last game is the defense intensity the girls were able to hone into,” he said of their last victory.

Conversely, when considering the Bulldogs' offensive game plan, there exists a prevailing sense of anticipation that all the pieces of their offense will continue to click. Getting into a flow to start is important to the passing game of Barry Goldwater helps them establish an early tone to the contest

Continuing discussion on their last game, Baloney commented that the teams focus on route concepts and spacing was put on display and, “got them where we needed to be.”

Spacing the field allows the Bulldogs' offense to come alive. The emphasis on explosiveness within the offense was apparent with the players. After their Eastmark game, cornerback and kick returner Sade Peters remarked how she wanted the offense to continue to make explosive plays.

Following a slow start during Barry Goldwater's last time out, all those concepts finally came together to allow them to rally towards a 14-13 victory against the Spartans.

The Bulldogs have a lot they feel they can prove entering the second half of the season. This pit stop next week will be their next test. 

The game is shaping up to be a competitive one. Both teams are pushing to improve their records and both teams hoping to continue their consistency.