Gabby Rivas
ASU Student Journalist

Norte Dame stays undefeated with 37-14 win over North Canyon

October 13, 2017 by Gabby Rivas , Arizona State University


Norte Dame Prep continued their undefeated season on Friday night in a Class 5A region home victory against North Canyon.

The Saints, who are currently ranked 13th in the state of Arizona, improved to 8-0 after defeating the Rattlers (4-4) by a score of 37-14.

Vincent Elrod, the Saints middle linebacker, believes playing both a strong offense and defense helped the team to victory.

“We played solid on both sides of the ball, which was key in winning this game,” said Elrod, who has had 64 tackles this season.

Norte Dame did not allow North Canyon to score until the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. The Saints scored 30 of their 37 points in the first half.

The Saints seized a lead in the first quarter with help from senior wide receiver Blake Storey, senior running back Cole Fisher and junior running back Jake Smith, who all scored touchdowns. Smith tallied two scores.

The Saints also had help defensively in the first quarter, with senior free safety Ricky Manning picking up two sacks, and senior linebacker Quinn Stanton added an interception and fumble recovery.

George Prelock, Norte Dame’s coach, believes that working together, staying strong and healthy, and challenging each other at practice is what has helped the Saints stay undefeated so far.

“We try and make things as competitive as possible. Nothing is given. Everything is earned,” said Prelock.

The only scores for the Rattlers came late in the fourth quarter from sophomore wide receiver Mareon Keith and senior wide receiver Alex Morgan.

Rattlers coach Airabin Justin says his team’s mistakes helped the Saints take the lead early, which hurt the Rattlers' momentum moving forward.

“We did not finish plays, offensively and defensively,” said Justin. “We didn’t capitalize.”

The Rattlers will play their homecoming game against the Chaparral Firebirds on Friday night at 7:00 p.m, and the Saints will play their fifth home game against the Arcadia Titans on Friday at 7:00 p.m.