In Queen Creek Friday Night, Casteel hosted Salpointe Catholic in a 6A Semifinal loaded with storylines, postseason pressure and two programs chasing a championship opportunity. A matchup that gained hype immediately after brackets were released turned into a physical, momentum-swapping battle that ended with Casteel defending its home turf and advancing to the 6A State Championship after a 37-28 victory.

Casteel fans packed the home stands early, creating a loud, playoff-ready environment for their Colts as they welcomed one of Southern Arizona’s most historic programs.

Casteel entered the matchup coming off strong postseason performances, carried by an offense that had found its rhythm behind quarterback Tee Smith and a defense that had stepped up in key moments. Salpointe, meanwhile, arrived in Queen Creek with confidence, powered by its ground game and the toughness that has defined their runs through the state playoffs.

Salpointe opened the scoring late in the first quarter when running back Chris Chaney broke through the middle and fought his way into the end zone from four yards out, putting the Lancers ahead 7-0. After early defensive exchanges from both sides, Casteel answered to start the second quarter. Quarterback Tee Smith connected with wide receiver Brody Smith for a 34-yard touchdown that ignited the Colts sideline and tied the game.

Minutes later, Casteel grabbed its first lead of the night when kicker Jack Demmelmaier drilled a 24-yard field goal to make it 10-7. But Salpointe quickly bounced back. A punishing drive highlighted by physical runs from Alon Deon ended with a 12-yard touchdown that pushed the Lancers in front again, 14-10.

Both offenses traded long drives and both defenses delivered timely stops as the half continued. Casteel capitalized on one more scoring opportunity before halftime, giving the Colts momentum heading into the break with a narrow lead at home.

The second half belonged to Casteel. The Colts defense adjusted and began winning at the line of scrimmage, limiting Salpointe’s rushing lanes and forcing the Lancers into uncomfortable situations. Offensively, Casteel leaned into its balance, extending drives and wearing down Salpointe’s D. Demmelmaier added another field goal, and the Colts offense continued to click and deliver results.

Salpointe kept fighting, but the rhythm they had early never fully returned. Casteel’s defense delivered key stops when the game tightened, and the offense responded each time the Lancers attempted to shift momentum back their way.

As the clock wound down, the Colts controlled possession late, protected the football and closed out a 37-28 win in front of a home crowd that watched their team punch its ticket to their first State Championship game since 2017.

For Casteel, the victory means a trip to the 6A State Championship and one of the biggest wins in program history. The Colts will play for a State Title for the first time since 2017, an undefeated season in which the Colts went 14-0 in 3A.

For Salpointe, it is a difficult end to a strong season in which they once against represented the best of Southern Arizona Football. The Lancers battled throughout the night and showed the toughness that has defined their program, but the challenge of slowing Casteel at home became too much in the second half.