After a 4-6 season that ended just short of a playoff berth, Valley Christian football is back – healthy, reloaded, and hungrier than ever. With returning stars, emerging leaders, and a renewed focus on unity, the Trojans are ready to flip the script in the 2025 season.

Building on Last Year's Lessons

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster. The Trojans opened strong, dominating Tempe 48-0 in their home opener and routing back-to-back 2A state champion Scottsdale Christian 41-6. But road struggles proved costly – including a double-overtime loss to Paradise Honors and a heartbreaking defeat to Benjamin Franklin that dashed playoff hopes.

Still, the highs showed flashes of what this group is capable of.

"Coming off a subpar season last year, it has only been motivation to get better day in and day out," senior Linebacker Hudson Pickett said. "After a long, hardworking summer, this upcoming football season will bring Valley back to its roots in winning"

Star Power and Returning Weapons

Healthy again, senior Wide Receiver Asher Hanzal headlines the Trojans' offense. Last season, Hanzal totaled 516 yards and 9 touchdowns in just six games, averaging 86 yards per game. Now, he's fewer than 300 yards away from breaking his brother's all-time school receiving record.

First-year starter Austin Schuder ('27) will lead the offense at quarterback, looking to build on his 240 passing yards from last season. The run game will again feature senior Caleb Goldman, who rushed for 327 yards on 64 carries (5.1 yards per carry).

Defensively, the Trojans are anchored by senior defensive end Ethan Hodgson and Senior Linebackers Lorden and Hudson Pickett. Hodgson led the defense with three sacks in five games, bringing relentless pressure off the edge.

In the secondary, junior Defensive Back Noah Lewis is a name to watch. As a sophomore, Lewis ranked 15th in the state in interceptions with four, racking up 62 return yards and providing game-changing coverage. Returning starters Corner Kris Schoenhals ('26) and Safety Ryan Richards ('26) round out a solid backfield.

A Team Built on Leadership and Chemistry

Leadership and chemistry have been the off-season's biggest themes. Sophomore Caden Palmquest has turned heads in the off-season, and junior Justin Bradford has been working tirelessly to secure a starting spot on defense.

Head Coach Jake Petersen, entering his sixth season leading the Trojans, says this year is about more than talent:

"I'm a relationship guy. Stronger connections lead to better communication," Petersen said. "We focus on four core values – commitment, service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Those don't just create better athletes; they create better men."

That mindset resonated deeply with the players.

"Everyone has stepped up to lead," said Hanzal, "We're closer than ever – more like family this year."

Key Matchups and Season Outlook

The Trojans open the season at home on August 22 against the 2023 state champions, Sabino, a tough early test for the program's new identity. Road games at Show Low (Aug. 29) and Dysart (Sept. 11) will test Valley's ability to find consistency away from Benson field, while late season matchups with Benjamin Franklin (Sept. 25) and Gilbert Christian (Oct. 24) carry added weight after last year's heartbreak.

Ranked No. 8 in 3A by early preseason polls, the Trojans see themselves as underdogs – but dangerous ones. With Hanzal chasing a school record, a balanced offense, and a defense anchored by Hodgson, Lewis and the Picketts, the pieces are there for a breakout season.

"We have the talent," Petersen said. "Now it's about unity – playing for each other and for God. If we do that, the wins will take care of themselves."

The Road Ahead

With a reloader roster, improved depth, and a summer of relentless preparation, Valley Christian football enters 2025 with one goal: to return to its winning roots. The message is simple – build together, play for His glory, and let the scoreboard take care of itself.

After a 4-6 season that ended just short of a playoff berth, Valley Christian football is back – healthy, reloaded, and hungrier than ever. With returning stars, emerging leaders, and a renewed focus on unity, the Trojans are ready to flip the script in the 2025 season.

Building on Last Year's Lessons

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster. The Trojans opened strong, dominating Tempe 48-0 in their home opener and routing back-to-back 2A state champion Scottsdale Christian 41-6. But road struggles proved costly – including a double-overtime loss to Paradise Honors and a heartbreaking defeat to Benjamin Franklin that dashed playoff hopes.

Still, the highs showed flashes of what this group is capable of.

"Coming off a subpar season last year, it has only been motivation to get better day in and day out," senior Linebacker Hudson Pickett said. "After a long, hardworking summer, this upcoming football season will bring Valley back to its roots in winning"

Star Power and Returning Weapons

Healthy again, senior Wide Receiver Asher Hanzal headlines the Trojans' offense. Last season, Hanzal totaled 516 yards and 9 touchdowns in just six games, averaging 86 yards per game. Now, he's fewer than 300 yards away from breaking his brother's all-time school receiving record.

First-year starter Austin Schuder ('27) will lead the offense at quarterback, looking to build on his 240 passing yards from last season. The run game will again feature senior Caleb Goldman, who rushed for 327 yards on 64 carries (5.1 yards per carry).

Defensively, the Trojans are anchored by senior defensive end Ethan Hodgson and Senior Linebackers Lorden and Hudson Pickett. Hodgson led the defense with three sacks in five games, bringing relentless pressure off the edge.

In the secondary, junior Defensive Back Noah Lewis is a name to watch. As a sophomore, Lewis ranked 15th in the state in interceptions with four, racking up 62 return yards and providing game-changing coverage. Returning starters Corner Kris Schoenhals ('26) and Safety Ryan Richards ('26) round out a solid backfield.

A Team Built on Leadership and Chemistry

Leadership and chemistry have been the off-season's biggest themes. Sophomore Caden Palmquest has turned heads in the off-season, and junior Justin Bradford has been working tirelessly to secure a starting spot on defense.

Head Coach Jake Petersen, entering his sixth season leading the Trojans, says this year is about more than talent:

"I'm a relationship guy. Stronger connections lead to better communication," Petersen said. "We focus on four core values – commitment, service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Those don't just create better athletes; they create better men."

That mindset resonated deeply with the players.

"Everyone has stepped up to lead," said Hanzal, "We're closer than ever – more like family this year."

Key Matchups and Season Outlook

The Trojans open the season at home on August 22 against the 2023 state champions, Sabino, a tough early test for the program's new identity. Road games at Show Low (Aug. 29) and Dysart (Sept. 11) will test Valley's ability to find consistency away from Benson field, while late season matchups with Benjamin Franklin (Sept. 25) and Gilbert Christian (Oct. 24) carry added weight after last year's heartbreak.

Ranked No. 8 in 3A by early preseason polls, the Trojans see themselves as underdogs – but dangerous ones. With Hanzal chasing a school record, a balanced offense, and a defense anchored by Hodgson, Lewis and the Picketts, the pieces are there for a breakout season.

"We have the talent," Petersen said. "Now it's about unity – playing for each other and for God. If we do that, the wins will take care of themselves."

The Road Ahead

With a reloader roster, improved depth, and a summer of relentless preparation, Valley Christian football enters 2025 with one goal: to return to its winning roots. The message is simple – build together, play for His glory, and let the scoreboard take care of itself.