Jack McKinnie is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Ben Franklin High School for AZPreps365.com.

Benjamin Franklin dominated ALA-Ironwood 35-7 Friday night, staying at undefeated 8-0, while the Warriors dropped to 2-6.

The 3A conference leaders stayed in rhythm coming off its bye week, making Senior Night one to remember.

Midway through the first quarter, the Chargers special teams blocked a punt that set up a Preston Gomez's 2-yard touchdown rush.

They kept the gas on with back to back 60- and 41-yard Gavin Wyler touchdown passes to break it open at 21-0 with 2:37 left in the first half.

A 80-yard punt return led to a touchdown and a quick second-half strike made the game 35-0 before letting ALA-Ironwood Shawn Hinchcliff's to break loose for a 79-yard run, and trading turnover on downs and punts from there. 

Senior brothers Landon Stetka and Carson Stetka were the entire ground game as they both dominated the Warriors front seven all night.

In his first game back from injury, Carson scored early in the third quarter on a 19-yard run. 

Ben Franklin coach Danny Norris is excited about what Carson’s return to the team is going to bring to the team.

 “Both of those guys leading the way for us in the backfield is going to add another dimension to our offense, and we are ready for it,” Norris said.

Wyler threw for three touchdown passes and over 170 yards as the Ben Franklin offense continued to dominate in the air. Ty Sather hauled in two and Talan Speir caught one of Wyler’s three touchdown passes. 

“Coaches pushed us during the bye week, so we came ready,” Wyler said.

Norris also praised his coaches, saying “our offensive coordinator Aaron Malaela does a great job of planning things.”

The Chargers defense had another stellar game as the only score was on the Hinchcliff scamper.

Time after time the defense stalled ALA-Ironwood offense on promising drives that ended in punts, blocked punts, and no turnovers.

The only thing you did not see from the Chargers this time, was a turnover, but who is keeping track.

In spite of Senior Night, it was junior Ashton Goddard who claimed two sacks and three tackles for a loss to that lead the defense on the night. The passing game was almost nonexistent for Kash Castaneda and the Warriors offense.

Hinchcliff had well over 175 yards on the ground for the ALA-Ironwood and was the only person to score for the team.

Hinchcliff was the thorn in Ben Franklin's side all night. He was the only thing that made defensive coordinator Jeremy Sather know there is area for improvement, but he is otherwise happy with his guys performance.

“There is a lot to polish up, but they did a phenomenal job," the elder Sather said. "The game plan was great. Tillman Grant is really good, Ashton Goddard has been unbelievable, and (Christian) Sorenson’s been unbelievable.”

He was really pleased with his teams ability to stall AlA-Ironwood’s drives and is excited for what is to come in the following weeks leading up to the playoffs.

Next week Benjamin Franklin plays against Crismon next week as it is looking to go undefeated in 3A Metro Region games.