It's been a year defined by grit, growth, and grit again. The Valley Christian Trojans have stormed through the 2025 season with a 9-1 record and the #2 seed heading into the 3A state playoffs. They've been labeled as balanced, explosive, and resilient – but what really defines this team is how they've learned to finish. Every drive, every tackle, every second has built toward this moment.

The Trojans' road to November started under a sweltering Chandler sunset when they scraped out an 18-14 win over Sabino on August 22. That night, in the heat and humidity, something shifted. The game wasn't perfect – small mistakes left doors open – but it was a test of who they were becoming. "The opening game of the season is always tough. It's basically a starting point of how we need to improve," said Head Coach Jake Petersen. "We learned who Sabino was as a team. They are pretty dependent on a singular player and if we can stop him we can be successful."  It was the kind of opening statement that hinted this season would be different.

And different it was. The following weeks told the story of a team finding its identity. They shut out Show Low 6-0 in a defensive clinic, outlasted Blue Ridge in a 38-24 shootout where senior running back Caleb Goldman scored five touchdowns, and dominated Dysart 38-13 behind a 191-yard passing night from junior quarterback Austin Schuder. When they faced Crismon, they dug in again, pulling away 28-14 in another example of their versatility. Even in their only loss – to top-ranked Benjamin Franklin – they walked away knowing they could compete with anyone in the conference.

Now, those early tests have molded a team that's playoff-ready. The numbers tell part of the story: 1,959 rushing yards, 1,685 passing yards, and 43 total touchdowns. But the real difference is chemistry. Behind an offensive line that has anchored everything from Goldman's 1,107 rushing yards to Schuder's 23 touchdown passes, Valley's offense has become a machine built for cold November nights.

 "Me and my offense have been working hard on and off the field said Schuder, "we have battled through adversity thorough out the entire season." This team is built for November.

Senior wide receiver Asher Hanzal, who broke the school record for career receiving yards, has been one of the most reliable targets in Arizona. His connection with Schuder – 665 yards and 11 touchdowns – has stretched defenses thin and opened lanes for Valley's run game. Sophomore playmaker Caden Palmquest and senior Ethan Hodgson have added depth to a passing attack that keeps defensive coordinators guessing. On the ground, Goldman has been unstoppable, a king first in 3A in rushing yards and third in the state overall. When asked what's behind his breakout year, Goldman said, "having great discipline and grit to persevere through hard times."

Defensively, the Trojans have been equally dangerous. Senior linebacker Hudson Pickett leads the team with 70 tackles, while defensive backs Kristian Schoenhals and Noah Lewis have combined for eight interceptions. Their ability to take the ball way has turned tight games into comfortable wins. "Our defense thrives on trust – each position group focuses on its job, knowing the others will do theirs," Pickett said.  

This Friday, the postseason begins where it all started – with Sabino, this time in November. The rematch feels poetic: the team that began Valley's rise will now face the version built from everything learned since. Kickoff is set for 7:00PM on November 7 at Valley Christian High School. A win would set up a quarterfinal clash with either Payton or Gilbert Christian – both familiar, both fierce. The semifinals are slated for November 22, and if the Trojans keep doing what they've done all year – dominate in the trenches, protect the football, and trust the brotherhood – they'll have a date at Mountain Pointe High School on November 29, playing for the 3A State Championship.

For the seniors who've been through seasons of rebuilding, heartbreak, and growth, this year feels like the one everything was leading toward. The Trojans, through every practice, every locker-room prayer, have been built for glory. Built for November.