Evan Oscherwitz is a student journalist at the Walter Cronkite school at Arizona State University assigned to cover the Bourgade Catholic football team.

The Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles (2-1) cruised to their second consecutive win Friday night, defeating the visiting Coronado Dons 54-6.

Louie Lopez’s 30-yard strike to Josh Dreher midway through the first quarter secured the lead for the Golden Eagles for the remainder of the game.

After a three-and-out on their first possession, Bourgade Catholic’s offense made up for lost time and found the end zone on seven of its eight ensuing drives.

As impressive as Bourgade Catholic’s offense was, the defense shone just as brightly, recording three takeaways and stopping Coronado on fourth down on three different occasions.

The Golden Eagles did not allow a completed pass until the final minute of the first quarter, and they held a 28-0 lead at the half.

Coronado’s Daijon Stafford put an end to the Golden Eagles’ six-quarter shutout streak with a 60-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Still, Bourgade Catholic was able to keep the Dons out of the end zone for the remainder of the contest.

“They get after it,” head coach Marcel Lopez said of his defense. “The biggest part is just being physical.”

The Golden Eagles have outscored opponents 96-6 in their last two games, benefiting not only from their stout defense but also from quarterback Louie Lopez’s stellar play.

Lopez completed 19 of his 22 pass attempts for 262 yards and four touchdowns, before exiting late in the third quarter with Bourgade Catholic leading 40-6.

He also showed a knack for extending plays when necessary, rushing for 56 yards and picking up several key first downs.

“I just try to make plays, sir,” he said with a grin.

Backup quarterback Matthew Espinosa performed admirably in relief, adding a rushing touchdown of his own on the Golden Eagles’ final drive.

Coach Lopez offered high praise for his starter, highlighting Louie Lopez's leadership ability and football knowledge.

“He’s another coach on the field,” coach Lopez said. “He’s a three-year starter so he’s able to make a lot of decisions.”

Lopez threw touchdown passes to three different receivers, including two to Dreher, who tallied 135 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.

Backup running back Ismael Alvizo was just as effective, rushing for 134 yards on just six carries, including an 80-yard scamper in the fourth quarter where he eluded several tackles.

Dreher quipped that he was not worried about Alvizo stealing carries from him, instead taking the opportunity to commend his teammate’s performance.

“He’s a great running back,” Dreher said. “We’re like brothers, so if he gets a hundred-yard carry, I applaud him.”

Dreher credited his close bond between with Lopez for Bourgade Catholic’s offensive explosion in the recent going.

“We hang out with each other every other day to talk film and talk about football,” he said. “We’re able to communicate with each other on and off the field, in the classroom, and we’re able to have that type of relationship.”

Bourgade Catholic will host the Tuba City Warriors (1-2) next Friday in search of their third consecutive win.