There were bigger football games across the Valley and state on Friday night (Oct. 22).

You would have a hard time convincing the players from Phoenix Trevor Browne and host Phoenix Alhambra.

Every yard gained, every point scored was earned with pride.

The two are among a group of Phoenix Union High School District schools that have struggled in football for quite some time. There was a day when the district ruled the roost, had all the best players. But that was before people started fleeing for the suburbs.

Trevor Browne can enjoy its 31-7 victory, but Alhambra will be around to fight another day. Trevor Browne is 3-5, Alhambra 0-8.

These kids in the district deserve to be recognized for their hard work, even though it might not always show on the field.

A handful of Alhambra players couldn’t play due to injuries. One of them sat on the bench while wearing his scarlet-and-white jersey and wished he could have been out there.

“We’re all about playing together as a team, having fun, even though we struggle,’’ he said.

Frank Lautt and his coaching staff have instilled that in the players. So has Randy Gross, coaching at his alma mater, Trevor Browne.

Alhambra warmed up before the game, and a supporter yelled, “Viva los Leones.’’

Viva, indeed.