Brianna Gilliam is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Perry High School for AZPreps365.com.

With just 34 seconds left in the game, the Perry Pumas had a chance to score a touchdown and pull off a comeback against a tough opponent.

However, James Pike from the Brophy Broncos came down with the ball for an interception, allowing his team to take a knee on the last play Friday night. This 6A conference non-region game between two undefeated teams ended with a 24-20 win for Brophy Prep

The Pumas went into the second half of this game up by three after Brophy kicker was short of a field goal with 6 seconds left in the second quarter. 

Perry returns the ball to the 29-yard line. (Brianna Gilliam/AZPreps365)

Although the Broncos were able to get a touchdown on the first drive, the Pumas’ defense showed up big, causing multiple turnovers in the first half. 

The Pumas' 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore quarterback was a key player in this game. Kael Snyder was the first to score a touchdown for the Pumas. In just his first year on varsity, Snyder has stepped up as a leader and captain for his team.

“I have a really good bond with my whole team. We’re all really close friends and they’ve taken me under their wing,” said Snyder.

Shortly after Snyder’s fight to the end zone, senior James Dean made a 49-yard field goal to increase Perry’s lead, making it 13-7 early in the second quarter. Going into the half, the score was 13-10 Perry. 

Brophy coach Jason Jewell said he knew the Broncos had to stay the course in the second half.

“We were still in the football game…it was just moving forward to the next play and the next series,” he said.

Jewell gave credit to junior quarterback Case Vanden Bosch for coming through in the second half. Vanden Bosch scored the last touchdown of the game from 10-yards out on fourth down with less than eight minutes remaining. 

The Pumas attempted to make a comeback in those last seven minutes. After they forced a fumble that was recovered by Brophy, the Broncos had no choice but to punt the ball with less than two minutes on the clock. Perry quickly worked their way down the field with a catch by one of Arizona’s top receivers, Lj Walker. 

The game came down to one play that ended with the ball in Brophy’s hands.

“It’s a hard loss, we thought we were the better team all night. Perry beat Perry,” said Pumas coach Joseph Ortiz.

He went on to explain that this game proved they can compete with any team in the state.

After this loss, Perry is now 3-1. The Pumas have a tough schedule coming up against multiple opponents in the Chandler Unified School District.