Javier Delgado is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover St. Mary’s High School for AZPreps365.com

Saint Mary's lost at home to undefeated Northwest Christian, 35-7, on Friday. 

The 4A conference's third-ranked Crusaders improved to 8-0, whereas Saint Mary’s dropped to 3-5 in its homecoming game. 

Saint Mary's is looking to finish the season strong with two games left, losing four of its last five games.

St. Mary’s head coach Jose Lucero acknowledged his team’s effort despite the loss. 

“That’s obviously a really good team. They’re ranked number three in 4A for a reason,” said Lucero. “We kind of shot ourselves in the foot at times, but our kids never quit and I’m proud of them for that.”

The tone was set early offensively as senior quarterback Evan Tarasenko led Northwest Christian down the field to an opening drive touchdown. The Knights responded back as senior QB Jimmy Hill and their running game led them down the field as the Knights matched Northwest Christian's initial TD. 

Northwest Christian senior wide receiver Gunnar Penzkover scored the game's next TD on his team's next drive to retake the lead, 14-7.

Then Northwest Christian set the tone defensively on St. Mary’s  following possession when a tipped pass led to an interception by senior two-way player Marshall Gillette. 

The Crusaders capitalized on the forced turnover as they scored another touchdown after taking advantage of the short field position, with the successful ensuing extra point to put them up, 21-7.

With a few minutes remaining in the half, the Knights looked to close the gap before halftime. That’s when the Crusaders’ defense remained stout and sacked St. Mary’s on the final play of the first half.

Northwest Christian’s defense continued their performance as they got their second interception on the Knights' first drive of the third quarter. After a couple of punts from both teams, Northwest Christian scored another touchdown to lead 28-7. 

The Crusaders scored their final TD in the third quarter after they got a strip sack.

The Knights have two more regular season games, looking to finish the season at on a .500 record. 

“On a short week we’re going to get after it. Two games left in the season we’re going to do what we need to do to get prepared,” said Hill. 

The Knights will be looking to improve on their mistakes going forward. 

“We just have to lock in a little better, no more mental mistakes,” said senior tight end and linebacker Joey Herrington. “We started fast today but we have to make sure we finish faster.”

St. Mary’s looks to get back on track next Thursday as they face Buckeye (5-3) at 7 p.m. 

Northwest Christian looks to remain undefeated next Friday against Thunderbird (6-2) at 7 p.m.