Zach Dworaczyk is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chaparral High School for AZPreps365.com.

SCOTTSDALE— As Chaparral junior running back Jayce Wilson strutted towards the endzone following an electric kickoff return, it was evident that he was in for a big night under the lights. 

Wilson’s kickoff return jump-started Chaparral's (3-3) night, giving the Firebirds the life they needed Oct. 3 to pick up a much-needed victory heading into Northeast Valley Region play, winning 45-21 against Deer Valley (3-3) in front of a rowdy homecoming crowd. 

“I think what really sparked us was Jayce Wilson’s kick return,” Chaparral coach Trace Carroll said. 

The first of Wilson's three touchdowns came following a strip sack returned for a touchdown by the Skyhawks, which put the Firebirds in a tough position early. 

“I’m happy that happened in the right moment,” Wilson said on the timing of his touchdown.

Wilson followed the return up with a pair of touchdowns on the ground in the second and third quarters, helping Chaparral to extend its lead. 

“It’s just regular for me,” Wilson said. “Trying to put the team on my back in those big moments in those big moments when they need me; It’s just another game for me.” 

While Wilson had a huge night, it could have been even better if it weren’t for the penalties that hurt the Firebirds' offense. 

“I’m just gonna encourage my teammates, get them right,” Wilson said. “It worked because later in the game I was getting big plays and they weren’t getting called back.” 

Carroll echoed this sentiment, speaking to how penalties are just a part of the game. 

“We kind of plan for that stuff,” Carroll said. “They’re (penalties) going to come eventually; we’re not going to play a perfect game.”

Despite the penalties, Chaparral's offense had a huge night, putting up more than 40 points in freshman quarterback Ryan Trocki’s' second-ever start under center. 

In spite of the huge nights from Wilson and Trocki, it was the Firebirds' defense that really stepped up, forcing four turnovers and setting up the offense with advantageous field positioning.  

“It really gets us rolling, especially with the short field,” Trocki said. 

Chaparral's defense not only set up the offense with premier field positioning but also limited Deer Valley's time of possession and even came away with a touchdown on an interception thrown by the Skyhawks deep in their own territory. 

“It's fantastic,” coach Carroll said. “Coach (Sal) Colletto, our defensive coordinator, does a fantastic job with those guys.” 

Going into a region play and a crucial stretch of their season, coach Carroll and the Firebirds view it as essential to have their defense performing at this level. 

“I think it's the toughest (region) in 5A,” Carroll said. “Having a defense like that is always going to keep us in the game.” 

Trocki shared the same sentiment regarding Chaparral's upcoming region stretch of games.

“We’ve got to get to work next week because our gauntlet of games starts now,” Trocki said.