Abrielle Jarles is a student at Valley Christian and is a member of the AIA Student SID Program.

Valley Christian took on the Gilbert Christian Knights in a rivalry game filled with intensity and emotion on Friday, October 4th. Despite a strong effort from the Trojans, Valley ultimately fell 13-35 in a game that highlighted not only fierce competition, but also the shared faith between the two Christian schools. 

The game began with an unfortunate turnover for Valley Christian when Gilbert Christian Freshman Alijah Jarles forced an early fumble, quickly converting it into a touchdown. An unexpected onside kick and a 49-yard pass soon put the Knights up 14-0. Valley Christian rallied when freshman Caden Palmquest received the team's first pass of the night, beginning to shift the momentum. However, the game took an unexpected pause as Gilbert Christian's Linebacker Jarles went down with an injury, prompting an almost hour-long delay. 

In a powerful moment that transcended the rivalry, players and fans from both schools gathered to pray for Jarles. Later updates confirmed that he is recovering well, a relief to both teams and the fans. 

Once play resumed, Valley Christian showed resilience, responding with two touchdowns in the second quarter to close the gap to 13-14. The Trojans ran 58 plays, with 108 passing yards and 176 rushing yards over the course of the game. Their defense, led by key performances from Ethan Gomez (12) and Hudson Pickett (11), recorded 45 tackles, keeping Gilbert Christian on their toes and forcing them to earn every yard.  

Despite Valley's best efforts, they struggled to convert their strong play into additional points. The Knights defense went all out for their teammate Jarles, ultimately boasting an almost impenetrable collective effort. The Knights offense, motivated by an exiting fist pump from Jarles, ultimately held onto and even extended their lead to 20-13 at the end of the first half. 

The second half saw Gilbert Christian score one touchdown in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, bringing the final score to 34-13 in favor of the Knights. The final score may not have favored Valley Christian, but the game showcased their character. From their response during the intermission to their determination on the field, the Trojans dedication was clear.  

Though the Trojans move to 3-4 on the season after this showdown, they carry forward a spirit of resilience and unity that will guide them in future matchups.