Casey Smith is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School for AZPreps365.com.

Phoenix Christian (5-1) enters Friday’s game on a three-game win streak at regional rival Camp Verde (3-2), which has won its last two. 

There are bigger implications than just the homecoming game for the Cowboys. This game will likely determine the winner of the 2A Agua Fria region. Both teams are undefeated in regional play so far at 2-0, and both were at the top of the region last season. The loss last year for the Cougars was their only loss in regional play, causing them to be second to Camp Verde. 

“I think the motivation is not so much of what happened last year,” Phoenix Christian head coach Jason Kindred stated. “Our motivation is that we're playing a good football team and it gets exciting when you play good teams.” 

Kindred is in his second year as Phoenix Christian's head coach. In his first season, he was able to lead the Cougars to an 8-3 record after they had finished at 1-9 the previous year.

Phoenix Christian senior starting quarterback and linebacker Michael Harmon is equally as excited, as he wants to end his high school career as a regional champion.

“All of our guys are fired up and we're ready to go play them,” Harmon said. “We're trying to get our get back from last year.”

Harmon is one of five seniors on the Cougars. Phoenix Christian is a relatively small school, having an average graduating class of about 60 per year. Due to the smaller size, many of the players play both offense and defense like him.

The Cougars will look to continue their dominant rushing attack that has been a major contributor throughout the season. Phoenix Christian has five players with over 400 rushing yards this season. The heavy rushing output allows offensive lineman such as senior Luke Hocking to get downhill throughout the game.

“It’s good and bad,” Hocking said. “The good part is that I get to jack someone up every single play, the bad thing is it gets tiring. It’s tough but I try to give it 100 percent every time.”

Hocking lives and breathes Phoenix Christian, being the youngest of three brothers who have attended the school. He also lives within walking distance from the school.

“There’s expectations because of my brothers, but I try my best as I feel I'm as good as them," Hocking said.

While Phoenix Christian will likely continue its ground game, Camp Verde boasts a varied arsenal. Behind junior quarterback Brayden Walsworth, the Cowboys are averaging 150 passing yards and 153 rushing per game on the year. 

The Cowboys will look to fend off the Cougars at home Friday night, where they have been 11-4 over the past three seasons at home.