prep varsity football games summaries

Game 10 vs Canyon State
In the final game of their inaugural season in the AIA 2A, North Pointe converted the school's first field goal with
seconds left on the clock to beat Canyon State 23-22. The victory brought the Prep's record to 4-6 and within
.7875 points of making the playoffs in only their first year. All six Falcons losses were to teams that are headed to
the playoffs. Junior Ryan Ward had a huge night on offense and defense scoring two touchdowns on 160 yards
receiving and managing 11 tackles at defensive end (8 unassisted). James Goshow (13 tackles) Ian Morris (12
tackles), Brad Barber (12 tackles), Parker Johnson (11 tackles) and John Tesch (10 tackles) led the Falcons'
defensive attack. In addition to 7 tackles, Josh Fitch also had a big night on offense with 138 yards receiving and
one touchdown.

Game 9 vs Scottsdale Christian
In what appeared to be a re-play of several other games this season, the Falcons went up against another 2A
powerhouse, Scottsdale Christian (7-1), and were defeated 36-13. There were times in the game when it appeared
an upset was possible, then the stronger, deeper, and more experienced program kicked it into another gear. The
fact that North Pointe, in only its first season in the 2A could even stay competitive with yet another of the 25+ year
programs is a testament to the passion the Falcons bring to each game and their unwillingness to give up. Leading
the way on offense and defense, as he has all season, was the Prep's Josh Fitch. He finished with 9 tackles (6
unassisted) and 160 total yards on offense. Fitch and teammate John Tesch (8 tackles) scored the Falcon's two
touchdowns.

Game 8 vs Valley Christian
When the schedule for this season was officially published, there was one game that immediately jumped out at
North Pointe fans as a "wish that wasn't there" game. Valley Christian has been to the AIA 2A State Championship
game the past three seasons. Two years ago they won the State Title. The Trojan's returning seniors have only
lost six games over the past three years, have always made it to the final championship game, and came into the
North Pointe game with a 5-1 record. The Trojans left with a 6-1 record defeating the Prep 63-21.

Game 7 vs Camp Verde
Even the most gifted of spinners could not spin a positive perspective on what happened when the Cowboys of
Camp Verde defeated the Falcons 53-6. The game was supposed to be a close contest with both teams appearing
to be evenly matched. The Cowboys scored touchdowns on all 7 of their first half possessions before graciously
putting in the JV squad for the remainder of the first half and rest of the game. As for Falcon highlights, there were
none. Even the Prep's only score, which came late in the game, was ugly and only occurred because of the shear
determination of Seniors Tony Orona (running) and Josh Fitch (receiving).

Game 6 vs Northwest Christian
In only their sixth game playing AIA 2A football, the Falcons took on one of the best teams in the State - the
Crusaders from Northwest Christian. North Pointe showed early signs of a potential upset scoring first but the
number four ranked team in the State recovered quickly and handed the Prep their third loss of the season, 29-6.
The Falcon's defense performed well against the Crusader's high powered offense but could not overcome
turnovers by the Prep's inconsistent offense.

Game 5 vs Williams
After two weeks of trying to carry the offense, the Prep's defense finally got a breather as the Falcons passing and
running games combined for a much need Homecoming win against Williams, 20-0. "We just practiced executing all
week in practice," said North Pointe's running back and defensive lineman John Tesch. "It took a while to click but
once we did, we executed perfectly." "That's a good football team over there and they played an outstanding
game," said Williams Coach Phillip Echeverria. "It was all about defense and our kids got a little run down." The
Falcon's, who contributed greatly to their recent two losses with multiple turnovers, were able to protect the ball and
stay away from the interceptions and fumbles that have plagued them. "We had to take care of the football," said
the Prep's Coach David Meredith. "That was the biggest thing. We can't have turnovers - we can't kill ourselves."

Game 4 vs Hayden
The school's first kicked extra-point was possibly the only positive thing that Falcon fans can take from North
Pointe's 32-15 loss to Hayden. The Lobo's dominated the Falcons with a relentless ground game that included a
6:42 drive that was capped by a 38 yard touchdown pass. The Prep's offense continued to struggle giving up an
interception deep in Hayden territory just before the half and three fumbles in the third quarter.

Game 3 vs Tonopah
After two weeks of dominating opponents with an offensive that seemed unstoppable, the Falcons gave Tonopah a
win by throwing multiple interceptions and fumbling away the victory 20-12. The Prep's offense was silent for the
first three quarters as turnover after turnover stopped drives that were in the red zone and headed for scores. The
Falcons two successful drives came from Josh Fitch who had to fight for every reception and John Tesch and Tony
Orona who ran for big gains while protecting the ball.

Game 2 vs Ray
North Pointe's Josh Fitch recovered two fumbles, had two interceptions, scored on a 33 yd pass reception and
added an extra point reception as the Prep defeated the Ray High School Bearcats 46-24 in game 2 of the 2007
Varsity Football season. Fitch's first points came on a two point conversion attempt in the first quarter that followed
a 46 yard pass play from quarterback Taylor Pubins to running back Ian Morris. The touchdown was Morris' third of
the quarter. His first one came on the Prep's opening play which was set up by a Ryan Ward blocked punt. Morris'
second touchdown was a 73 yard run after receiving a short pass. Fitch's first interception came in the second
quarter after the Bearcats had advanced the ball into Falcon territory with a long pass play. On the next play Fitch
stepped in front of the receiver and grabbed the ball. The Falcon's fourth touchdown came on a 7 yard pass play
from Pubins to Ward which was set up by an offensive fumble recovery by Fitch. The Bearcats looked like they
were going to finally get into the end zone late in the second quarter after a solid kick off return and three big pass
plays. On the fourth play of the series Ray went to the air again only this time Russell Alvarado intercepted the ball
in the end zone. After the Falcons had to punt on their following series Alvarado got his second interception of the
night and set up a Fitch 33 yard pass from Pubins at the end of the half for the Falcon's fifth touchdown. North
Pointe came out very sluggish in the 2nd half. Their first two series resulted in punts. "We played some younger
guys and sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to get in there and be in a game and see how they respond and
we were able to see that tonight," said the Prep's Coach Meredith. "We're going to improve on that and I think
these guys got some valuable experience tonight." On that second punt, Fitch recovered a fumble and advanced
the ball to the 3 yard line. "Ian (Morris) came up with a big hit on the punt and I just came up with it," said Fitch.
John Tesch ran the ball in for the Falcons sixth touchdown and a 38-0 lead. After a series of penalties, missed
tackles, and players out of position, Ray got on the scoreboard midway through the third quarter and began to
mount a comeback and on the following series they stopped the Prep and forced the Falcons to punt from their end
zone. In a matter of a few seconds the Bearcats were once again poised to score. They went to their air for a
touchdown pass only to find Fitch stepping in front of the receiver for his second interception of the night. The
Falcons took the ball on the 20 yard line and went the length of the field for their final touchdown on a 5 yard
Alvarado run. Levi Guererro caught a pass for the two-point conversion. That offensive series was the only bright
spot for the Falcons in the second half. Ray shut North Pointe down for the remainder of the fourth quarter as the
Bearcat offense found the end zone two more times. Ray's final two scores came on a 76 yard run and a four-play
offensive series. "We did a few things well and we have a lot to work on next week," said Bearcat Coach Cude.
"They came out and executed better then we did and we just had some break downs that hurt us."
webcast of game 2 vs Ray
first half highlights
second half highlights

Game 1 vs Westwind
North Pointe's senior running back Ian Morris had a huge night scoring three touchdowns as the Falcons defeated
the Westwind Warriors in game one of the 2007 Varsity Football season. The game was also the Prep's debut in
the Arizona Interscholastic Association's 2A Central Region. Morris' first touchdown came on the opening play of
the game as he ran 47 yards for the Prep's historic first touchdown. "The line just opened up a hole," said Morris,
"and I ran behind the hole and got into the end zone." Morris also scored touchdowns off a punt return and
interception. "They've got a good football team and a great running back," said Westwind's Coach Belshe. "Ian's
going to be our featured back, we make no bones about that," said Coach Meredith. "The guys got talent
unbelievable. We're going to keep doing the right things. If you look at that play - that's the offensive line pancaking
about four of those guys." The Falcon's other five touchdowns came from backs John Tesch (2), Russell Alvarado,
and Tony Orona and receiver Josh Fitch.
webcast of game 1 vs Westwind
Channel 3's Skylights feature
Pregame with Westwind's Coach Belshe
Pregame with North Pointe's Coach Meredith
Photo Gallery
Pregame
First Half Highlights
Second Half Highlights
Fan Interviews
Post Game Interviews

Pre-Season
Prep impressive in scrimmage
webcast summer workouts