NAU Update: Valley Christian survives last-second FG try by Knights, win 14-12

September 3, 2022 by Brian M. Bergner Jr., AZPreps365


Valley Christian players and coaches celebrate after Arizona College Prep. kicker Logan Woodruff-Hubler missed a 24-yard field goal as time expired Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at the NAU Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. (Video screenshot, Brian M. Bergner Jr./AzPreps365)

FLAGSTAFF — Hunter Heeringa was 13 of 17 for 220 yards, finding Valley Christian teammate Ethan Heinrich for two scores in the third quarter to give the Trojans a 14-12 win over Arizona College Prep. on Saturday at the NAU Walkup Skydome.

A missed 24-yard field goal by Knights kicker Logan Woodruff-Hubler as time expired gave the Trojans (2-1, 1-0 3A Metro East) reason to celebrate.

It wasn’t so exciting for Knights (0-1, 0-0 4A Desert Sky) players, who watched their 6-0 halftime lead evaporate on back-to-back touchdown pass plays from Heeringa to Heinrich in the beginning of the third quarter.

At the 9:47 mark, Heeringa hooked up with Heinrich on a 19-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing drive, Valley Christian’s defense forced the Knights to their first 3-and-out of the day, then partially blocked a punt.

The blocked punt setup a 31-yard strike to Heinrich on the very next play, which was the same exact flag route as he ran on the previous score.

Heinrich had four catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans, which have won two straight since losing the opener in Week 1 to Show Low, 42-28.

Later in the third quarter, Knights quarterback Jaxon Castro found wideout Lincoln Chapman on a 12-yard touchdown pass, but after failing the two-point conversion, still trailed Valley Christian 14-12.

Castro completed 25 of 37 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Ravi Bushanam had 23 carries for 127 yards, but lost two fumbles.

UP NEXT

Valley Christian is scheduled to host Seton Catholic Prep. on Friday, Sept. 9, in Week 4 action. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Arizona College Prep. will travel to play the Gilbert Tigers on Sept. 9. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.