Valley Christian's public address announcer urged Trojan fans to "make some noise" early in their game Friday.

But it was Northwest Christian (4-1) that made all the noise in a 33-10 victory.

“They are one of the greatest established programs in our state,'' Valley Christian coach Kirk Sundberg said. "Their guys play hard, they play physical and do some things schematically on defense that we struggled with.”

Quarterback Peyton Hanzal was equally impressed, especially with the Crusaders defense.

“They have very good communication and definitely a great game plan where they keyed in on certain guys that we depend on,” said Hanzal. “The play calling is really good and they also did a good job of running the ball.”

Valley Christian trailed at half 16-3 but Sundberg thought the Trojans stood toe to toe with a top team in Arizona for the final 30 minutes.

“I am really proud of the way our guys came out and responded. I really am just so proud,” Sundberg said. “Our theme all week was to come out swinging and our kids 100 per cent did that.”

Linebacker and running back Gage Summers, who recovered a fumble, said the Trojans can take their fight into next week's game.

“We didn’t stop fighting, and that is really all that matters.” Summers said.

Valley Christian cut the lead to 16-10 midway through the third quarter but failed to capitalize on a fumble in Crusaders territory. Northwest Christian answered with 17 straight points,  including 14 in the last quarter to put the game away.

“We had some mental errors that really cost us, but we have to keep executing and trusting our system and culture,'' said Hanzal. "We need to keep playing as a team. We have a lot of positive energy right now. We just are not getting the wins, but they will come.”

The Trojans (2-3) look to snap their three-game losing streak when they travel to Yuma Catholic Friday at 7 p.m.