Christian Jarmark is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover ALA Queen Creek High School for AZPreps365.com

ALA-Queen Creek entered Friday's game having not forced a single interception the entire season. With 2:52 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Patriots' public address announcer exclaimed, “That’s six, seven interceptions” after Queen Creek quarterback Sawyer Hales' sixth pick of the game.

A defense that has struggled all year against stiff competition finally showed up to the party, limiting a Queen Creek offense that was averaging 26.5 points per game to just eight on the night.

The Patriots absolutely dominated the 6A Fiesta Region matchup from start to finish, securing a 41-8 victory.

ALA-Queen Creek scored touchdowns on all four of its drives in the first half, backed by the connection between senior quarterback Britton Dewitt and senior wide receiver Khalil Bender, who had to sit out the first half of the seaon after transferring from McClintock.

“I came in December, and we got right to work on working on our connection. We were working all offseason and then it’s translated into the season now,” said Bender on his blossoming connection with Dewitt.

Dewitt threw for four touchdowns along with two interceptions, although one of which was on the last play of the first half. He carved up an impressive Bulldog defense that has been allowing only 22.5 points per game, including a game against Basha, the No. 1 team in the state.

“Having Khalil on the offensive side of the ball, it’s just a game changer, honestly,” said Dewitt.

Bender took home the Fiesta Bowl Player of the Game after his dominant two-touchdown and over 100-yard performance. He was greeted by Fiesta Bowl representatives, surrounded by his teammates chanting his name.

The offense was obviously not the only story of the game, with ALA-Queen Creek’s six interceptions, the most for any defense in a single game in 6A this season.

The highlight of the game was when senior defensive tackle Rex Curtis intercepted a screen pass for a 42-yard Pick-6, and the public address announcer started calling him “Mr. Uncrustable."

“That’s a dream come true,” said Curtis. “I’ve been hoping that for my whole life, but yeah, just trying to run as fast as I can to get to that end zone. First Pick-6, baby, and interception. I had a few in practice, but finally it came true."

The “Battle for Queen Creek” was another dominant win for the Patriots following back-to-back blowouts in 2024 and 2023, improving their all-time record against the Bulldogs to 3-1.

“Something that beating Queen Creek Bulldogs does is it give you a confidence because you know that’s a good team,” said Patriots coach Rich Edwards. “You know they're going to finish strong and do well, and so that’s really as much as anything gives us confidence going to the next three.”

ALA-Queen Creek now heads down the final stretch against Mountain View, Corona del Sol, and Casteel, who are ranked at No. 7, No. 5, and No. 21 in 6A by AZPreps365.

“Yeah, without a doubt run the table … there’s no doubt in my mind that we can go win the ring in 6A,” said Dewitt.

Next up, ALA-Queen Creek (2-5) will host Mountain View (4-2) in a 6A non-regional matchup on Friday, Oct. 24, in its toughest remaining game left on the schedule.