Jakob Nolde is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Verrado High School for AZPreps365.com

Verrado and the Vipers took on Notre Dame Prep and the Saints at home on Thursday night where the Vipers dominated 35-14, earning their ninth-straight win lead behind playmakers on all three phases.

There was just no stopping Verrado as they continued to shine on the field yet again to get to now 9-1 on the year and ultimately set up for a deep playoff run. The run has been made possible most notably by the defense and showcased Thursday just that.

Verrado opened up on defense where Notre Dame Prep was sparking trouble early as it got into the Viper's red zone early and highlighted a defense with very few flaws. Verrado was able to shut the door on the Saint's opportunity, turning them over on downs and getting their high-explosive offense on the field led by quarterback, Mia Williams. 

Williams caught fire right away in what would be a huge night for her in a 63-yard bomb to receiver, Lilian “Dakota” Chazaro which gave the Vipers an early 7-0 lead.

Chazaro described the feeling of being there for her team as great.

“Doing the best for my team, it felt good for myself and my team,” Chazaro stated.

The Saints, however, would answer back in a drive of their own led by quarterback, Lily McCracken as she was able to not only break off for a big touchdown run but also a key fourth down conversion on that same drive.

Verrado had been in an unfamiliar situation as they had not allowed a touchdown in the past five games and had not allowed any more than seven points since week one. The Viper's defense would ultimately respond by not allowing Notre Dame Prep any more points in the first half.

Verrado would head into the half with a 14-7 lead led by Williams's two touchdown passes and a staggering defense proving to show another great game.

Coming into Thursday’s game, Verrado had been outscoring opponents 243-10 during their nine-game win streak and were led by their dual rushing threat in Greenlee Henderson and Simone Pfitzer as the two combined for over 15 tackles.

Verrado head coach Terry Barnes talked about his defense and how they have stepped up for the team this year.

“Overall, our defense has held it together for us,” Barnes stated.

Verrado would come out from the half right back on the gas pedal as kick returner, Jaidyn Goins returned a 74-yard kickoff for a touchdown giving Verrado a 21-7 lead, 18 seconds into the second half.

The return ultimately kickstarted the Vipers in all three phases as they continued to make stops not allowing a single play inside of their red zone in the second half and the offense scored two more times led by Williams and her over four touchdown and 200-yard passing night and Chazaro going for well over 100 yards receiving.

Verrado added a late touchdown to Sanaa Holliday to bring her to two on the night and ultimately bring home the win.

Barnes discussed the team's success coming off of their week one loss against Canyon View to now winning nine consecutive after the loss.

“It showed us what work needed to be done,” Barnes stated. “Each week we’ve gotten better and better.”

Vipers receiver, Kelsie Zavala also touched on the team mentality and what changed for the team to bounce back after a bad week one loss and how far they have come as a team to today at 9-1.

“The commitment level from everybody on the team,” Zavala stated. “Everyone does their part.”

Verrado (9-1) will head on the road looking to extend its win streak against La Joya Community(3-5), next Tuesday at 6 p.m. as Notre Dame Prep(2-9) will head to Desert Mountain (2-6), next Tuesday at 5 p.m.