#1 Benjamin Franklin continues dominant season with 35-6 win over #5 Valley Christian

Benjamin Franklin remained undefeated after taking down previously undefeated Valley Christian in what was a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

From just the start of the game, the Chargers made their presence known. 

On their first drive, it only took one minute and three plays to find the endzone.

The very first play of the game was a deep pass from junior QB Gavin Wyler, who found his number one target, senior WR Talan Speir, for a 35-yard gain. 

Two plays later, the drive was capped off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by senior RB Landon Stetka.

Their offense wasn’t perfect, though, as on their next drive, there was a miscommunication with the snap that led to a fumble. The fumble was recovered by Valley Christian sophomore DE Caden Palmquest. 

Valley Christian was able to drive down the field, but the drive ultimately ended when Benjamin Franklin senior DB Ty Sather snagged an interception. 

The Chargers were able to look past their previous turnover on the last drive and march their way down the field.

They scored their second touchdown of the night when Wyler connected with Speir for a 22-yard touchdown reception.

The next drive for Valley Christian, they responded, and it only took one play.

Valley Christian’s junior QB Austin Schuder threw a quick screen pass to senior WR Asher Hanzel, who did the rest and used his speed to score a 60-yard touchdown. 

Early in the second quarter, Benjamin Franklin was able to put up more points on the board.

For the second time in the game, Wyler found Speir for a touchdown. This time it was for 13 yards.

The connection between Speir and his QB Wyler was dominant in this game, and it all relied on trusting one another.

“We trust each other so much,” Speir said. “Even if I don’t look open, he knows I’m trying to get open, we trust each other so much he can throw the ball to me every way.” 

The chemistry between those two wasn’t the only thing that was clicking; so was their defense.

Once again, the Chargers' defense stepped up and secured another interception.

Junior DB Christian Sorenson caught the interception, and he was able to set up his offense in the red zone. 

Just like before, Benjamin Franklin was able to capitalize on the turnover and find the endzone. 

Stetka was the one to score for the Chargers, again from one yard out, making it his second rushing touchdown of the game.

At halftime, Benjamin Franklin was rolling. 

While some teams may apply less pressure on the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers made it clear they were going to have the same intensity. 

Valley Christian once again turned over the ball after a strip sack was forced by Benjamin Franklin. The fumble was recovered by junior LB Ashton Goddard. 

Benjamin Franklin head coach Danny Norris says this is one of, if not the best, defenses he has ever coached.

“They’re 100% aggressive 100% of the time,” Norris said. “They just trust the game plan. This is one of the best defenses I’ve been around.” 

It didn’t matter what situation they faced; the Chargers' defense just always seemed to be near the ball. 

The fourth quarter was much of the same, as they got yet another turnover. 

After dominating the first half on the offensive side, Speir was able to snag an interception on the defensive side.

Then, to make the game even better for Speir, he found the endzone for a third time. Wyler connected with him again, this time for a 25-yard touchdown. 

If the game wasn’t already out of reach, Benjamin Franklin’s defense made their 5th and final statement of the game as Sorenson was able to get his second interception of the contest. 

Six games into the season, the Chargers' defense is only allowing just 9.83 points per game. Sorenson thinks his team can compete with anyone in Arizona. 

“I think we can play any team in the state,” Sorenson said. “Valley is one of the best teams we’re going to face all year, and we held them to six.”

Benjamin Franklin is putting together one of the most dominant seasons not just in 3A but in the whole state in general. Norris thinks their toughest opponent will be themselves. 

“We have faceless opponents,” Norris said. “We're our worst opponent on days that we don't show up, and we're our best opponent on days that we do show up.”

Next up: 6-0 Benjamin Franklin will host 5-0 in Gilbert Christian next week. 5-1 Valley Christian will look to bounce back as they visit 2-3 Seton Catholic.