Dylan Kane is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert Christian for AZPreps365.com

GILBERT– With senior quarterback Tyler Burr injured, the Gilbert Christian Knights leaned on the ground game Friday night against the Fountain Hills Falcons. Senior running back Sam Webb responded with his best game of the season, rushing for 222 yards and four touchdowns on only nine carries.

His longest run came on a 59-yard touchdown dash on the game’s third play, giving the Knights an early lead they never relinquished.

“We knew with our quarterback out we had to run the ball well,” Webb said. “We knew that if we blocked well and knew our assignments that I would have a good game.” 

Junior Caleb Ely, usually a wide receiver and safety, filled in for Burr at quarterback. Although he only attempted four passes, two of his three completions went for long touchdowns.

On the receiving end of both of those touchdowns was Bennett Juve, a junior wide receiver who made his season debut after sitting out the first five games due to AIA transfer rules.

“It felt so good,” Juve said. “(Ely) did great. We’ve been working on it all week, and he balled out.”

The change in game plan was dramatic for the Knights under coach John Carlson. Up to this game, they were a more balanced offense, passing the ball 107 times and running the ball 100 times.

On Friday they passed only four times, and had 25 rushing attempts.

“I’m really happy with how (Ely and Juve) played,” Carlson said. “Our offensive line did a great job up front which allowed our run game to really flourish.”

The Knights controlled field position and had big plays all night. They scored all 49 of their points in the first half in which they didn’t have a single drive that lasted more than four plays.

Webb averaged 24.6 yards per carry, while Ely averaged 41.3 yards per completion. 

Six of the seven Knights’ touchdowns came on plays that gained at least 29 yards or more. The Knights’ first possession that didn’t culminate in a touchdown happened well into the third quarter after a missed field goal attempt. They didn’t punt the ball once.

On defense, the Knights held the Falcons to only seven points and only had to defend three plays on their own side of the field. Falcons senior quarterback Logan Ledrew, who averaged 261.3 yards per game coming into the game, was held to only 108 yards. 

Late in the first quarter, Ledrew connected with senior receiver Sam Barnard for a 41-yard pass, which set up a 12-yard passing touchdown for the same duo that accounted for the Falcons’ only points of the night. 

The lopsided win was a much needed performance for the Knights after losing a stunner the previous week against Crismon.

“It’s great to have this going into our next game against our rivals,” Webb said. “It’s cool to have Bennett Juve back and we’re going to be good from this.”

Gilbert Christian (3-3, 0-0) plays their first regional matchup against Valley Christian (3-3, 2-0) at home next Friday at 7 p.m.

Fountain Hills (2-4, 0-1) play at Blue Ridge (6-0, 0-0) next Friday at 7 p.m.