Football Recap: Notre Dame Prep Falls Despite Big Games from Decker Haskins-Smith and Gunnar Perry + How To Watch

If Notre Dame Prep was riding high fresh off their 62-34 takedown of Gilbert last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Saints took a 30-17 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Campo Verde Coyotes on Thursday. The Saints were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Coyotes apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in October of 2021.

Despite the loss, Notre Dame Prep had strong showings from Gunnar Perry, who rushed for 80 yards and two scores on only seven carries, and Decker Haskins-Smith, who rushed for 105 yards. Perry's longest rush was for an impressive 56 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total.

While Notre Dame Prep came up short, they sure didn't make it easy for Campo Verde: they limited their QB to completion percentage of just 50%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Haskins-Smith and Landon Stych, who each logged one passes deflected. Notre Dame Prep hasn't an opponent to post a completion percentage of 0.48 or higher in four consecutive matchups.

Notre Dame Prep's defense didn't let Jonah Lubno., get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for five sacks. Nate Jones was especially locked on to Campo Verde's QB and sacked him three times.

Drake Bradley had an outrageously good game for Campo Verde as he rushed for 112 yards and one TD. Those 112 rushing yards gave Bradley a new career-high. Wyatt Rauch was in the mix too, providing Campo Verde with one touchdown.

Notre Dame Prep now has a losing record of 2-3. As for Campo Verde, they pushed their record up to 4-1 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame Prep will take on Horizon at 7:00 p.m. on October 3. The Huskies' defense has only allowed 9.4 points per game this season, so the Saints' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Campo Verde, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Gilbert at 7:00 p.m. on October 3. The Coyotes will need to watch out since the Tigers have now posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.