Jake Iovine is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Glendale High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

Glendale High School head football coach Robert York had a bad taste in his mouth following his side's defeat to Independence. 

The Cardinals outscored their rivals 21-6 after halftime, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to 1-4 going into league play in two weeks.

“I’m not happy with this loss,” York said after the game. “It’s been a while since we’ve had the Pride Cup here. It hurts a little bit.”

Glendale's second-half comeback fell short as Independence won its first Pride Cup since 2016 in a 33-28 victory on Thursday, September 26.

Independence was looking to snap a five-game losing streak against Glendale in another edition of the Pride Cup. Both sides were deadlocked in the all-time series, winning five games each.

The first four minutes of the game saw both sides score. Independence took the lead on its first drive, drilling a field goal through the goal posts. Glendale responded straight away as sophomore quarterback Michael Anguiano completed a long pass to junior wide receiver Santiago Navarrette to take a 7-3 lead.

Independence took another drive down the field but Glendale once again held the Patriots out of the end zone. York’s side ended the first quarter with a 7-6 lead but Independence pulled away in the second quarter. The Patriots completed three unanswered touchdowns going into the break.

Minutes before halftime, Anguiano’s pass was intercepted inside the Cardinals’ own 10-yard line for the first turnover of the half. Independence led the game 27-7 at halftime.

A pair of touchdowns in the third quarter from senior outside linebacker Michael Woods brough the Cardinals within one score. Glendale also blocked a field goal as York’s team tried to ignite a comeback.

Despite the final score, York said Thursday’s game was the best overall performance of the season.

“It’s the best all-around performance we’ve had all year, in terms of offensively and defensively,” York said. “Earlier in the year, our guys would’ve folded [after halftime]. We let them know the game’s not over.”

The Patriots reestablished a two-score lead in the fourth quarter as senior running back Chance Ogle rushed for the endzone. Following a failed two-point conversion, it was Woods who brought the Cardinals back within reaching distance. Woods ended the game with three touchdowns.

Glendale didn’t get another chance to possess the ball as Independence converted a 3rd-and-20 in the final two minutes to seal the game. Without timeouts, Glendale’s chances of a late winner were drained out.

Thursday’s game was another chance for Glendale bookstore manager of 18 years, Emilia Preston, to see the team play. Preston works near the field gate during home games and said it makes her happy, regardless of the outcome.

“This is what the kids come to school for: the extracurricular activities,” Emilia said. “It’s not for math or language arts. It’s fun to see them coming in and enjoying something like this.”

926 students made their way into the bleachers to support the Cardinals during the match. Glendale Student Body president Madalyn Preston said she was proud of the performance shown by York’s side.

“[The team] got some energy and motivation from the crowd,” Madalyn said. “I know the Pride Cup was on the line, but they had a good outcome.”