Matt Weisker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Northwest Christian High School for AZPreps365.com.

The stakes are high in the West Valley as the 5-3 Northwest Christian Crusaders continue regional play, traveling to Peoria to face the 5-3 Panthers Friday night.

The 4A Division ninth-ranked Panthers stand at the top of the Skyline Region, thanks to an undefeated regional record along with a four-game winning streak. The Panthers’ fifth win on the year came against a 26-19 outing against ALA-West Foothills on October 17, where the defense forced two Guardian turnovers.  

The 18th-ranked Crusaders, meanwhile, could move to the top of the standings with a win, tied with Paradise Honors. The Crusaders are coming off of a 24-20 win against St. Mary’s that saw the team maintain the lead while only scoring three points in the second half.

“Our league is probably the second toughest league in the state for 4A … you got to execute,” head coach Dave Inness said after practice Wednesday. “[Peoria’s] the leader. We know we’re going to be in a dogfight, but we know we can play with them.”

Laki Wallwork, senior quarterback for the Crusaders, went 22 of 27 – good for an 80% completion percentage – for 230 yards in the air with a touchdown and an interception on October 17 against St. Mary’s.

“I need to get the ball out quicker,” Wallwork said. “I held onto the ball a little bit too long last week. I also need to keep my completion percentage up.”

He praised the players around him, noting how critical every individual is to the Crusaders team.

“[Wide receiver and defensive back] Luke Maguire and [wide receiver, defensive back and kicker] Malachi Chavez have stepped into big roles this week,” Wallwork said. “They haven’t missed a beat or missed any reps.”

Since beginning 4A play in the 2020-2021 school year, the Crusaders have earned a 3-1 record against the Panthers. The lone loss came from a 29-28 outing away from home where the Panthers converted a two-point conversion in overtime. The Panthers are poised to prevent a three-game winning streak for the Crusaders.

Nathan Johannes, senior running back and safety for the Crusaders, is the player to watch for the Crusaders. While being a running back, his pass-catching and ability to find space in the secondary makes him a threat to opposing defenses. He has seven receiving touchdowns on the year so far.

“I know they have some good players, but we overcome. I have trust in my boys,” Johannes said. “I’m always trying to improve and get the same numbers as the Thunderbird game. I take everything lightheartedly. I always try to look to the future, but you always have to look back on your mistakes.”

On the opposing sideline, look out for Panthers sophomore running back Cristian Zarete to disrupt the Crusaders defense. He had 18 carries for 90 yards on October 17, averaging five yards a carry. He has had multiple 100-yard plus games this season.

Kickoff for the penultimate regular-season matchup for both teams is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Peoria High School.