Jaden Batiest is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZPreps365.com.

Campo Verde's Bobby Blackburn had three touchdowns to help lead the Coyotes to a 36-12 win over visiting McClintock on Friday night on Senior Night.

"You know I do everything for our seniors," said Blackburn, a junior running back. "Last year, I had a lot of regrets ... this year I'm pulling through for my seniors. I love those guys."

The love came in the form of two rushing touchdowns and threw a 36-yard pass to help get the seniors a nice home game on their day.

It wasn't easy early. The Chargers scored first but failed on a 2-point conversion. 

But that's when Blackburn took over. He scored his first of three touchdowns on an 11-yard run to eventually give Campo Verde a 7-6 lead. Blackburn had 66 yards rushing for the game.

The Chargers regained the lead to take a 12-7 lead into halftime.

Then came the second half where the Coyotes took over - offensively and defensively.

Campo Verde's offense began to play much more aggressively to start the third quarter, ending a drive on a trick play where Blackburn threw to Carter Haygood for a 48-yard touchdown. The Coyotes converted its 2-point play to make it 15-12.

And, Camp Verde's defense began to toughen up from there, getting the Chargers to punt several times.

The shutout in the second half was on.

The Coyotes defense has been inconsistent this season, but stepped up big with constant pressure and forcing turnovers. Josh Faber and Gavin Silene each had interceptions.

"We're known as a physically aggressive team," Coyotes coach Ryan Freeman said. "In the first half, we weren't that way ...

"We gave up a couple of big plays. In the second half, we were much more aggressive on both sides of the ball."

Additionally, the Coyotes' offense looked much more energized as Blackburn led the way again with another rushing touchdown. By then, Campo Verde had a 22-12 lead midway through the third quarter.

Campo seemingly lived in McClintock's Red Zone in the second half, scoring twice more. Once when Treyshon Shanan found Beau Hanson for a 5-yard touchdown pass.

And when Athan Ferber ran for a 7-yard touchdown to end the Coyotes' scoring. Ferber had 111 yards rushing.

Shanan was 9 for 19 passing for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chargers attempted to get close in the second half, but a promising drive was stopped with Faber picked off the Chargers quarterback.

Gavin Silene ended another chance for the Chargers at game's end with another interception.

"Everything was there; we just needed to calm down and execute," said Coyotes offensive coordinator Jaye Forrai. "Those guys did an excellent job in the second half of doing that."

Campo Verde faces Gilbert next week.