WSSARIZONA

CHANDLER, AZ – 5A Arizona College Prep clinched their second win of the season in a 28-27 hosting Chaparral in a week 3 back and forth matchup.

In a game with 3 lead changes and over 900 yards of total offense, both teams were efficient and had their respective successes in this matchup.

The Knights victory was largely aided by a massive rushing performance from ‘27 RB Jcory (JJ) Horne Jr who posted 174 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 22 carries. After coming off of a record breaking 300 yard 3 touchdown performance, Horne shows no signs of slowing down and continues to prove why he’s one of the best backs in the state.

Along with the rushing attack, the Knights had a dominant special teams performance, totaling 164 return yards off kickoffs. ‘27 DB Amane Breedlove and ‘29 ATH Kayden Chaves respectively averaged over 30 yards a return, with each having a return over 40 yards on the night.

Strong quarterback play from ‘27 QB Gunnar Schmidt allowed the Knights to move the ball in more than just one way, passing for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns.

For Chaparral, the offense was wildly efficient as well with standouts coming from both the rush and the pass. ‘27 RB Jayce Wilson led the way on the ground for the Firebirds with 105 yards and a touchdown paired with 61 yards receiving on just 28 total touches. Alongside Wilson, ‘29 QB Ryan Trocki dominated in the air with 287 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. Leading receiver for the firebirds, ‘27 WR Jax Breslo, had a big game as well, leading the game with 109 receiving yards and a touchdown on just 7 receptions.

With both offenses firing at a high level, the game came down to the special teams and the remarkable returns out of the Knights. The great field positions allowed them to go down and score 4 touchdowns in the first 3 quarters before both teams were shut out in the fourth. A couple defensive stops by the Knights forced the Firebirds to settle for a field goal in the first and the third quarter, rather than being close enough to punch it in the end zone.