Keion Russell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Estrella Foothills High School for AZPreps365.com

MARYVALE – Hone Wray ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as Estrella Foothills dominated Maryvale, 41-6, in their region opener on Friday night.

The Wolves came out motivated after a disappointing 37-21 loss at home versus Seton Catholic last week. 

“We did what we were supposed to do,” Wray said. “I think we just flushed that Seton game down the toilet and got back to work. We had a great week of practice. Everyone was focused and ready for tonight’s matchup against Maryvale.”

Wray finished the game 19 of 28 for 265 passing yards and one touchdown. He also ran the ball six times for 73 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by an impressive 27-yard touchdown run up the middle to extend the Wolves lead to 20-0 with 11 seconds remaining before halftime. 

Estrella Foothills coach Mike Spencer said it was important to get his quarterback in a rhythm early in the game by running and throwing the football. 

“It was crucial for us to get him going right out of the gates,” Spencer said. “We wanted to start fast on the offensive side of the ball and I feel he did that here in tonight’s game.”

Wolves senior wide receiver PJ Bailey hauled in seven catches for 127 yards, including a 35-yard catch and run to ignite an AJ Horne touchdown run from the 2-yard line on the opening drive of the game. 

The Estrella Foothills defense forced the Panthers into three turnovers, including an interception at the goal line by Landyn DeBoard, returned up the left sideline for 30 yards to end the half. 

Defense continued to shine for the Wolves in the second half. After a scoreless third quarter, junior linebacker Xander Teeter forced a fumble and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to stretch Estrella Foothills’ lead to 33-0 with 11:30 remaining in the game. 

Maryvale quickly responded with a Jose Lozano 67-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Devin Murphy to cut the deficit to 33-6 with 11:16 left in the game. 

Murphy, a Northern Arizona University commit, was the focal point of the Panthers’ offense. He finished the game with 17 touches for 155 all-purpose yards and one touchdown.

“He’s an outstanding player,” Maryvale coach Shannon Carter said. “He’s a great kid and we love to lean on him. But we also have other kids that we want to use so we don't tire him out. He’s been a three-year starter on varsity and we’re happy to see his growth over the years.”

Maryvale (1-5) will next play at  Copper Canyon (1-5 ) on Oct. 18. 

“We talked about just taking it one game at a time,” Spencer said. “We took care of business tonight and it’s important we carry that mindset over to next week as well.”

Estrella Foothills (4-2) will host Alhambra (0-5) next Friday at 7 p.m.