Courtney Dwaileebe is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

Valley Christian (7-1) has won both of its previous meetings with Payson (4-4).

The last time was in 2022, with Valley Christian securing a 58-34 victory at home. Since then, both teams have undergone changes to their rosters, making this upcoming encounter October 20 at Payson fairly fresh.

Despite their one loss on the season to Paradise Honors, the Trojans have undoubtedly outperformed nearly all of their opponents this season. After having a bye week to recharge, Valley Christian will be poised and ready for battle.

As they gear up for an away game, head coach Jake Petersen said there is still a lot of work to do before facing Payson, such as studying film and practicing a different playing style.

“All of the teams that live up in the mountains are very physical teams and that is a different type of football than we play,” Petersen said. “However, it is the type that we want to play, so we ultimately know what to expect from them.”

That being said, not only will the Trojans get ready for this new playing style, but offensive coordinator Tyler Fridley said it was important to refine the smaller aspects of their game.

“I think Payson’s defense will challenge us in a different way that we haven’t seen in the last few games,” Fridley said. “We need to work on the little details like making the right reads. We cannot waste good plays on bad reads. As for our wide receivers, just slowing down and making sure that they know what they’re supposed to do, rather than making a wrong play.”

Payson is coming off two straight losses, so it is surely looking for a win. With both teams eager to succeed, it may come down to who is able to turn the ball over less and make fewer mistakes.

“Our main goal is execution,” senior quarterback Gunnar Link said. “I feel like as a team, we have been getting better at being clean these past few games. Being away will obviously be a different atmosphere, but I don’t think it will affect how we play.”

Despite Payson having the home-field advantage, the Trojans do not see that as a setback. Their fans show up to support them, just like when they filled up the away section last game when they traveled to Bourgade Catholic.

Looking ahead, Valley Christian will be home after back-to-back road games. The Trojans will face Benjamin Franklin for their final game of the regular season on Friday, October 27, before heading into playoffs. Similarly, the Payson Longhorns will host the Show Low Cougars on Friday, October 27, for their last regular season game.

For now, Petersen said he wants to take things one step at a time.

“Everyone is looking at playoffs and the matchups, but I think it is important to stay in the moment we are in and not look forward,” Petersen said.