In a game where the temperature never dipped below 100 degrees and the humidity felt like it was through the roof, neither Valley Christian nor Sabino was able to replicate the same heat that was in the air on the field.
Although there were plenty of opportunities, Sabino failed to capitalize on the most important one of them all in their first loss of the season to Valley Christian, 18-14.
After an interception by 2027 ATH Anthony Dimas, which marked the seventh combined turnover between both teams in the game, the Sabercats were handed an opportunity to drive down the field and score to take the lead with just under eight minutes to go in the game.
With no timeouts and a chance to win the game, one may have assumed the Sabercats pushed forward with a sense of urgency. Instead, Sabino went backwards.
The Sabercats’ drive was plagued by penalties, which inevitably put them in a fourth-and-29 situation with just above a minute to go in the game.
Heavy under pressure, 2028 quarterback Bodhi Sanford shuffled a quick pass to his 2026 running back Zachari Haley as he was already dropped 10 yards deep into the pocket. Haley impressively moved sideline-to-sideline and was able to move at least 20 yards up the field.
But in the end, it wasn’t enough to move the chains and maybe win the game.
“Guys came up and made big plays when it mattered,” Valley Christian head coach Jake Petersen said. “One-on-one matchups, whether it’s the defensive line of linebackers, is really what ended up winning the game.”
Below is a breakdown of Valley Christian’s 18-14 win over Sabino.
Scoring Plays/Box Score
NOTE: You can see the highlight of each score by clicking on any bullet point.
First Quarter:
Second Quarter:
- 2028 QB Bodhi Sanford (Sabino) pass complete to 2026 RB Zachari Haley (Sabino) for a 5-yard touchdown. 2-point conversion attempt is good. (6-8, 10:55)
- 2026 RB Caleb Goldman (VC) rushed for a 40-yard touchdown. 2-point conversion attempt is no good. (12-8, 7:13)
- 2026 RB Zachari Haley (Sabino) rushed for a 2-yard touchdown. 2-point conversion attempt is no good. (12-14, 0:22)
Third Quarter:
Fourth Quarter:
- N/A
| Valley Christian | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 18 |
| Sabino | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
The Standouts
2026 Valley Christian WR Asher Hanzal
- Hanzal was about as reliable as a starting wide receiver as a first-time starting quarterback could ask for. Hanzal was an immediate key target for 2027 quarterback Austin Schuder right from the start of the game. Hanzal’s veteran experience and leadership, paired with his new quarterback, will be a key dynamic to watch for Valley Christian this season. Hanzal finished the game with three receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
2026 Sabino RB Zachari Haley
- Haley was running around the field looking like he was Derek Henry. He didn’t seem scared to take any contact and was bouncing off shoulder pads left and right. Scored both of the Sabercats’ touchdowns and broke free for several big runs. Haley is going to be a problem this season for opposing defenses.
Sound Off
Valley Christian head coach Jake Petersen on 2027 quarterback Austin Schuder: “I mean, he’s an athlete back there. I mean, he’s back there because he’s a dude, and he makes plays. That’s why we have him playing quarterback, is because the guys look up to the stuff that he can do.”
Valley Christian head coach Jake Petersen on playing Show Low next week: “I mean, it’s hard to go up to the White Mountains and play, so we’ve always struggled up there a little bit, and it’ll be a true test for us because they’re a good team. So I’m interested to see how things went for them tonight, and look forward to watching the film.”
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