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

The Barry Goldwater Bulldogs matched up this Tuesday against Westview Knights in 5A Northwest Region flag football. 

Eager to bring the intensity to their fellow Northwest regional opponent, Baloney discussed late last week his offense getting better with the spacing of the field and opening up more opportunities for their playmakers.

The Bulldogs offense led by quarterback Matianna Gordley, was able to string together numerous long drives that moved the ball down the field. The rushing game was the star of the show for the Bulldogs.

It wasn't enough as Westview won 21-0.

“We had a lot of good runs today… yeah it was great.” said Baloney when discussing how their running game led to multiple redzone possessions. Matianna Gordley had herself a day with multiple rushes over 10 yards. 

Unfortunately for Gordley, she was seen needing help off the field after the game. It is unclear when the injury took place. “Per the trainer seems like tendinitis,” commented Baloney after the game. 

Backup quarterback London Farmer got into the game late in the fourth quarter for an offensive drive that was taken all the way down into the Knights' red zone. 

Despite successfully moving the football. Barry Goldwater (2-5, 0-1) was unable to finish these drives with points.

Westview (5-1, 1-0) came into this game with a on fire defensive unit, having only allowed one score in each of the first four games of the season. 

Defensively, the Bulldogs were able to answer with their own punches. The team recorded two interceptions by backup safety Madison Mansell and starting rusher London Farmer. 

When asked about what led to those plays being made, it was emphasized that effort made all the difference in the execution today.

“I point that to them trying to go after the ball and make a play,” Baloney said. 

Of the Knights three touchdowns during the game, two of them were from the offense while the third one came in the form of a pick six at the beginning of the fourth quarter. 

After the game, Baloney was very adamant he liked the progress that his team has been showing over these past weeks. On both sides of the ball the team is seeing what its been practicing continue to translate into the games

“The progress we’ve shown in these last seven… we’re on the way,” Baloney remarked during his post game comments.

It is clear despite the loss that the Bulldogs believe their squad is on the rise in these next few years. With the development that Baloney is providing the team, Barry Goldwater is determined to be competitive in the future. 

Barry Goldwater came back and beat Deer Valley, 30-0 on Thursday to get its first win in region play.