Colin McAdams is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cesar Chavez High School for AZPreps365.com.

Cesar Chavez closed out its regular season Friday by blowing out conference foe Alhambra, 55-0, at the Lions' home stadium.

It was the third consecutive shutout for the Champions (8-2, 5-0),ffffffdfe5 who have outscored their last three opponents, 175-0.

The Champions did not wait long to show their dominance, scoring their first touchdown a minute into the game behind a 50-yard run from senior wide receiver Deavon Crawford.

Crawford had a big night, putting his team on his back in the first two quarters. Along with the touchdown run, Crawford also scored his second touchdown six minutes later, hauling in a 45-yard throw from senior quarterback Lucas Arnds.

Crawford was not finished. While playing cornerback in the second quarter, the dual-position player scooped up a fumble, returning it for a 20-yard touchdown for Chavez.

“He is just a competitor, man. He will do whatever you ask. He does not complain," Champions coach Manuel Alcantar said. "He gets the job done. He is just the kid you want. We are so blessed to have him.

"He is a great kid, great leader. We are so proud of him, and I think he has barely just tapped his potential. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

The rest of the offense fed off of the leadership from Crawford, putting up 55 points before the first half ended. Arnds continued to find mismatches with his receivers, passing for five touchdowns before halftime.

Arnds finished with 206 passing yards for the game plus 49 rushing yards before being replaced by his back up to start the third quarter.

Once the Champions went up 21-0 after Crawford’s touchdown, Chavez went to the ground game. Running backs Tyraill Carrethers and Linwood Crawford each scored a touchdown to help boost the Champions' lead to 35-0 with nine minutes still remaining in the first half.

While the offense was scoring, the defense did its job behind senior Antwan Winfield and the defensive line, which constantly pressured the Lions quarterback and finished with five sacks and two turnovers.

Winfield, the leader of the defensive line, showed the Lions early that the Champions were there to make a statement, sacking  Alhambra quarterback Jaden chico Crockett on a third-and-10, causing the Lions to punt on their first drive of the game.

With Friday's win, Cesar Chavez finished its regular season with an 8-2 record and was 5-0 in its region to advance to the Arizona high school football playoffs, 

Alcantar and the Champions feel confident heading into the playoffs.

“It has been awesome," Alcantar said. "We have been on a roll right now. We know what we have to get done and we know what’s coming up right now. So, momentum and streak, everything has been great, but we got to get ready for the playoffs. It’s a brand-new season. Everyone is 0-0 right now, and it is one and done if you are not ready to go.  So, we are going to get ready and start the season over.”

The next opponent for the Champions is up in air as they wait for their ranking for the Arizona playoffs.

Alhambra finished its season with a 1-9 overall record, and the Lions were 1-4 in their region.