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

The rivalry between Valley Christian and Gilbert Christian has always been fierce, with these two teams clashing an impressive 83 times across all sports over the past decade. Valley Christian currently holds the edge with 57 victories to Gilbert Christian’s 26. However, in recent years, the Knights have stepped up their game, turning every matchup into a must-see event that fans simply can’t afford to miss. 

This rivalry kicked off in 2008, when Gilbert Christian emerged as a player in the Christian school landscape, losing to our Boys Basketball team big-time. Initially, it had that "big brother, little brother" feel, reminiscent of Valley's long-standing rivalry with Phoenix Christian. But as the seasons have rolled on, the dynamics have shifted. What once felt like a series of routine victories for the Trojans has morphed into a fiercely competitive clash where pride is on the line. Each matchup crackles with intensity, with both teams hungry to prove their merit. 

Memorable moments have become the heartbeat of this rivalry: who can forget the heartache of 2021 when Gilbert sent our boys basketball team packing from the state tournament? Redemption arrived in 2022 when our girls volleyball squad avenged that loss and as well as their only loss to GCS in a decade, knocking Gilbert out of the tournament and restoring some pride. And let’s not overlook the Trojan victories in 2024, when our boys basketball team captured the state championship, and our baseball team sent the Knights home early from the semifinals. These encounters have crafted a narrative filled with highs and lows, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. 

As we gear up for this Friday’s showdown, Valley Christian football enters with a 2-3 record, while Gilbert stands at 3-3. The Trojans' offense averages 27.2 points per game, just shy of the Knights’ 28.8. However, Valley’s secret weapon lies in their pass game, boasting a solid 190.5 passing yards per game—better than Gilbert's 181.7. Keep an eye on JR Gill (QB), who’s navigating the season with a 57 percent completion rate and six touchdowns. On the other side, Gilbert’s Tyler Burr (QB) has nine touchdowns but has faced challenges with four interceptions. 

Defensively, Valley allows 20.8 points per game while Gilbert concedes 22.8. Key players like Ethan Hodgson (DE) for Valley and Hyatt Lang (DE) for Gilbert are primed to make significant impacts in what promises to be a hard-hitting contest. 

Valley’s Asher Hanzal (WR) and Jake Rockafellow (RB) will test Gilbert’s Bennett Juve (WR) and Sam Webb (RB). The Trojan defense is prepped and ready for one of the biggest games of the season, prepared to shut down the Knights’ seemingly explosive offense. Star defensive players Kristian Schoenhals (CB), Ethan Gomez (CB), and Hudson Pickett (DE) are prepared to stop the Knights in their tracks.  

As both teams emerge from homecoming week, Gilbert is riding high after a confidence-boosting win, while Valley had to regroup after their opponent forfeited a varsity game. However, inspiration came when the junior high team stepped up and brought home a victory, showcasing the strength and spirit of our community. 

With contrasting momentum on the line, this game could swing either way. Gilbert’s confidence will be tested against Valley’s fierce determination to assert themselves in this pivotal rivalry clash. 

 

*Stats have not yet been obtained from the Thatcher game.