Connor Prazak attends Arizona Lutheran Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

Coming into this electric playoff game, Tonopah Valley had an undefeated record at 11-0 beating ALA in a previous regular season game that came down to the wire 30-24. ALA entered this game 8-3 after a powerful win over Miami 80-20. This high-energy game included unexpected and long offensive plays. 

To start off the first quarter, Arizona Lutheran Academy got a touchdown after great multiple defensive stops on tonopah. Senior Owen Beilke runs it in for a touchdown to make it 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.Coyotes #7 Owen Beilke snapping the ball

Once the second quarter began, this was Tonopah's time to show their great offense and defense. They got their own touchdown and succeeded with a 2 point conversion by Junior Thomas Foilefutu. Now the score was 8-6. Tonopah Valley would make great defensive stops and end up scoring 4 touchdowns in a row with only getting two 2 point conversions. This brought it to the end of the first half with the score at 28-6.Phoenix's #8 Thomas Foilefutu scoring a touchdown

Now the second half began, and ALA needed to make a comeback in order to make it winnable for them. ALA started off strong on defense forcing a punt and driving up some big plays up on the field by Coyote senior #3 Ethan Kayenda. ALA scored first in the 2nd half (28-14). Tonopah responded (34-14). ALA drove to within the 5-yard line before being denied. Then Tonopah drove the other way for a score (42-14) which sealed the game. ALA would try to make a comeback but Tonopah's overpowering offense and defense would bring the 3rd quarter to an end at 14-42. Senior #3 Ethan Kayenda connects with a long pass

Tonopah started off the 4th quarter with a touchdown and a two point conversion to drag their lead all the way up to 14-50. ALA responded with a touchdown and a 2 point conversion of their own to make it 22-50. Then Tonopah got the ball and finished ALA off with their last touchdown and a failed 2 point conversion making it 56-22. ALA ended up scoring a touchdown and a 2 point conversion to finish the game, with Tonopah Valley winning 56-30.

Tonopah Valley looked strong and are a potential 2A State champion team, led by their quarterback who threw four 4 touchdowns in this game. They will have to prove their potential by facing off against Pima on Saturday, 11/23, at 1:30pm.

 

Tonopah Valley Players pouring water bucket on coach

Photos and article by Connor Prazak, ALA class of 2028.