They earned the playoff game and region title they had played four years for, even playing the home playoff game in more than a decade.

Eloy Santa Cruz Valley relentlessly crashed the gates of that home Oct. 31 with its single wing offense. Eventually Glendale Prep fell at its tiny, tree-lined home stadium, losing a 66-50 shootout in the first round of the 2A playoffs.

The Griffins and their 10 seniors, many of whom started for a 3-6 team in 2022, still made major strides for the program. Before this season, Glendale Prep qualified for one playoff game since starting to play 11-man football in 2016.

“They execute on the field offensively and have a lot of freedom. Josh can check out of things and they can work together. We try to coach them to see what the defense is doing and take what

See Full Page