Football Game Preview: Northwest Christian Crusaders vs. Peoria Panthers + Official Tickets

The Northwest Christian Crusaders will head out on the road to take on the Peoria Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Northwest Christian took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They managed a 24-20 victory over St. Mary's. The win continues a trend for the Crusaders in their matchups with the Knights: they've now won three in a row.

Conner Main

Rushing Yards (Career)

10/17/25 vs St. Mary's	63
10/03/25 vs Thunderbird	37
09/06/24 vs Sahuaro	34
09/19/25 @ Gila Ridge	20
09/05/25 @ Poston Butte	17

Northwest Christian's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Conner Main, who rushed for 63 yards and one TD on only six carries, and also picked up 43 receiving yards. Those 63 rushing yards gave Main a new career-high. Another signal caller making a difference was Laki Wallwork, who threw for 230 yards and one touchdown while completing 81.5% of his passes.

Meanwhile, Peoria beat ALA - West Foothills 26-19 on Friday.

Northwest Christian better keep an eye on Dominic Kramer. He was instrumental in Peoria's win, throwing for 152 yards and three TDs. Cristian Zarate handled things on the ground, rushing for 90 yards.

Peoria didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Marcell Colenberg and Carlos Nunez.

Peoria's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Northwest Christian, their win bumped their record up to an identical 5-3.

Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Northwest Christian has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 153.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Peoria struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 180.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Northwest Christian came out on top in a nail-biter against Peoria when the teams last played back in September of 2024, sneaking past 31-28. Will the Crusaders repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.