By Lonnie Stevenson
The 14th ranked lady Knights hosted the 16th ranked Falcons from Carl Hayden Thursday night, in the final home game of the season, and a celebration of the senior players.
Five senior players, along with their family and friends were recognized prior to the game; Reese Beacham, Faith Johnson, Brooklyn Schnore, Vivian Velazquez and Irene Rodriguez, along with manager Trinity Kramer.
But the celebration didn’t last long as the visitors, on their opening drive, were able to convert a third down screen pass to Emari Hobson, who weaved through the Havasu defense and raced 95-yards to put the Falcons up 6-0.
Later, in the first quarter, the Havasu offense put a nice drive together capped by a 1-yard run by junior Jurzie Krown and Havasu led 7-6.
Havasu offense had a couple of drives stall out in the second quarter and was unable to convert on two field goal attempts leaving the score 7 – 6 going into halftime.
Neither team was able to score in the third quarter. But early in the fourth, Carl Hayden’s Hobson returned a Havasu punt 72 yards for a touchdown and a 12-7 lead after the extra point was no good.
Neither team was able to generate much offense after that until, with just under two minutes left in the game, Havasu was able to put one last drive together, getting all the way down to the 6-yard line with 20 seconds left in the game.
But the Havasu story book ending would turn into a nightmare when Carl Hayden’s Hobson, who had score the go-ahead touchdown, was able to intercept a Nutt pass in the endzone securing the win for Carl Hayden.
“We had one last chance there with under a minute left and inside the 10-yard line but they, (Carl Hayden) got an interception on us and the rest is history,” said Coach Charlie Stickney after the game. “But you know, every game has a winner, and every game has a loser. How we respond is what matters.”
Havasu will find out on Tuesday, just how they respond after 5A playoff seedings were released Saturday morning and the Knights made the cut, claiming the 16th and final playoff spot.
Senior night was also an opportunity for Coach Stickney to reflect on the program he’s been building since debuting it three years ago in 2024.
“I’m honored that they chose flag football,” said Stickney. “They could have chosen anything else to do but instead, whether its year three, two or year one, these seniors made a choice to be part of this team.”
“I’m just blown away by the amount of dedication and commitment that they’ve shown every single day,” Stickney continued. “They’re just a very special group and I’m going to miss the heck out of them.”
The lady knights have been able to make the playoffs each of these first three years but are still looking for that first playoff win.
Tuesday’s game won’t be easy. First is a four-plus hour bus ride to Campo Verde High School in Gilbert. Then they get to face the 15-2 Coyotes and the first-seed team in the 2026 5A playoffs.
The scenario, however, was one Stickney was already anticipating Thursday night after the game.
“We’re anticipating that we are going to be facing the No. 1 seed and we’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Stickney. “But we’re going to do the best we can to prepare and give it all we’ve got.”
Leave a Comment
Keep it helpful, local, and respectful.