Noah Lopez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Willow Canyon High School for AZPreps365.com

Willow Canyon conceded its first regional game Friday, losing 38-20 to Apollo, and the Wildcats put their destiny out of their control.

Miscues on offense and a lack of discipline cost Willow Canyon a much-needed win.

The Wildcats had high hopes heading into this crucial regional matchup, and coming off a 24-6 victory over Aqua Fria, were looking to continue that momentum against the Hawks.

However, the outcome of this game would be an ugly one, and it ensued from the start. In the first quarter, Apollo scored three touchdowns in its first three drives, two of them by running-back Jayden Colter and one on a 93-yard kick return by wide-receiver Elijah White.

Willow Canyon would strike back in the second quarter with a touchdown caught by wide receiver Quinn Nichols, but made a controversial move when it opted to go for a 2-point conversion after an illegal formation penalty against the Wildcats.

"We should've kicked the field goal to be honest," Nichols said, "but at the moment it looked to be a good idea because we were down big early. We just couldn't execute."

Wildcats quarterback Roman Thuyns had two interceptions in the game, both of them leading to two Apollo touchdowns.

 Defensive miscues also didn't help as the Wildcats' failed pass rush led to multiple short gains by Apollo quarterback Sylus Stevenson.

"We didn't execute on the second level, our defensive-backs didn't do well," Nichols said. "We underestimated his arm and he went short and made us pay."

The Hawks were up 31-6 at one point, but resilience was shown by Thuyns and running back Joel Cooper, who would still move through big drives late in the game. This effort allowed wide reciever Tyus Dragon to score his two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Dragon said he simply ignored the score.

"I stayed locked in and kept a winning mentality," Dragon said. "I just kept my focus and made sure our team was in check."

Despite Dragon's efforts, it was too late as the damage had already been done.

Safety Thomas Gilbert pointed to the bad first quarter along with a lack of discipline that resulted in the loss.

"When a team starts off hot and you don't, it's hard to bounce back from that," Gilbert said. He added that the defense "got in their own heads," which resulted in multiple failed attempts at adjusting to Stevenson's short passes.

Despite the loss, the team remains hopeful and is keeping its focus on winning the region.

"Coach told us we still have a chance if we win out," Dragon said. "It really depends because we need some help,  but all we can really do is win out and hope for the best."

The loss puts the Wildcats at a 3-5 record overall, 1-1 in region play. Region leader Barry Goldwater won its game against Agua Fria, 54-12, putting Willow Canyon in a win-or-go-home situation. Apollo keeps its season alive with the victory, though region play might be out of reach for the Hawks because of Barry Goldwater's win.

Willow Canyon will travel to Peoria to face Ironwood on Friday, Nov. 1, setting up a possible elimination game between the two schools still fighting for the region title.

Apollo will try to keep pace, traveling to Avondale to take on Agua Fria, also on Nov. 1.