Luke Foster is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com

The Centennial Coyotes (7-0) took down the previously undefeated Chandler Wolves 29-28 in a thrilling matchup Friday night in Chandler.

The game marked the first time since 2009 that Centennial beat Chandler on the Wolves’ home field.

At the beginning of the game, it was all Coyotes. Their defense once again stepped up to the plate against a high-scoring offense that was averaging 42.5 points per game before Friday's contest.

Centennial forced a three-and-out on Chandler’s first drive of the game and an interception caused by a vicious hit on the second.

After a toe-tapping touchdown by senior phenom Noah Carter, the Coyotes went up 10-0 in the first quarter.

Once again, the Coyotes’ defensive line continued their onslaught and terrorized Chandler, causing another three-and-out. Sophomore quarterback Kainan Manna threw a laser to senior receiver Ricky Muñoz.

”We knew that Chandler was gonna come in with a really nice defensive scheme,” Muñoz said. ”We want to be really balanced with running the ball and throwing the ball, and I feel like we executed very well on offense with a young quarterback.”

For the third time, Centennial made Chandler punt within four plays. Centennial proceeded to drive down the field and Muñoz scored again, this time on a 15-yard rush.

Centennial’s offense was steady and meticulous, not trying to force anything but making plays when needed. The Coyotes were not forced to punt until halfway through the second quarter.

Incredibly, Centennial forced yet another three-and-out against Chandler’s impressive offense. This time, however, the punt did not go as planned and Centennial senior Hayden Allen blocked it, which caused a safety.

The Wolves showed fight and returned a fumble to the endzone but failed to convert on the two-point attempt. The score was 26-6 going into halftime.

Chandler got its first offensive first down with about 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Those 10 yards were what seemed to bring the Wolves’ offense to life.

The Wolves went on a 22-3 run in the second half but only were successful on two of their three second-half two-point conversions.

Despite a few controversial calls, the Coyotes were able to keep a calm head. Their defense didn’t back down in the face of adversity.

Centennial had been ready and preparing for this tough opponent, senior defensive tackle Taurean Hall said.

“It was extremely difficult,” Hall said. “Our coaches set up very well. They gave us scouting reports, so we know everything about these players.”

Confidence on Centennial’s sideline never faltered throughout this hard-fought battle.

“We knew what the outcome was gonna be,” Hall said. “Because people keep doubting us, and we using that to build.”

The Coyotes’ defense made late stops and big plays during the final minutes of the game.

“We just had to keep our heads down,” Carter said. “We knew we wanted this game.”

Chandler scored to make it a one-point game. With time winding down, all that was standing between Centennial and a massive victory were 10 yards.

“Everything we got. Put everything we got into it," Muñoz quoted the coaches as saying before they got those critical 10 yards.

Carter, a Washington commit, wrote his name all over this game, creating havoc and drawing attention on both sides of the ball. His ability to make an impact on both offense and defense is one of the main reasons Centennial was able to pull out victorious.

”I just trust my coaches,” Carter said. “The coaches tell me what I have to do. They need me on offense, so I’m there, but I’m more of a defensive player.”

Other standouts during this game were senior Kenny Worthy and senior Damien Jenkins who made clutch plays on both sides of the ball.

Centennial (7-0) has the relief of a bye week and plays its next game October 20 in Peoria against Chaparral High School.