Northwest Christian is preparing for their first region matchup of the season on Friday. They will be playing at home against the Thunderbird Titans at 7:00 p.m. The two teams might be coming in a bit winded given these two teams combined for 875 yards in their previous games.
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 breezed past Moon Valley to the tune of 38-6. That 32 point margin sets a new team best for the Crusaders this season.
Nathan Johannes
| 09/26/25 vs Moon Valley | 178 |
| 09/19/25 @ Gila Ridge | 59 |
| 09/12/25 @ Prescott | 93 |
| 09/05/25 @ Poston Butte | 99 |
| 08/29/25 vs Independence | 90 |
Northwest Christian got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Nathan Johannes out in front who rushed for 178 yards and a pair of scores while picking up 9.4 yards per carry. With that strong performance, Johannes is now averaging an impressive 103.8 rushing yards per game. Laki Wallwork was another key signal caller, throwing for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Northwest Christian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 293 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Northwest Christian didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Colton Ederer, Chopper Penzkover, and Debo Vitale picked up one apiece.
Meanwhile, Thunderbird strolled into their game on Saturday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They walked away with a 27-14 win over Deer Valley. Those 27 points were actually the fewest the Titans have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Thunderbird found their leader in sophomore Daryl Little, who picked up 170 receiving yards, and also punched in one TD on the ground. What's more, he's the matchup marked his fourth straight with at least 120. Melakye Little was in the mix too, providing Thunderbird with two scores.
Thunderbird's victory bumped their record up to 6-0. As for Northwest Christian, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Northwest Christian has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 167.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Thunderbird struggles in that department as they've been averaging 164.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Northwest Christian suffered a grim 34-10 defeat to Thunderbird in their previous matchup back in November of 2024. Thankfully for the Crusaders, Elijah Little (who rushed for 198 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 8.3 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
