Charlie Cohen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Camelback High School for AZPreps365.com.

PHOENIX – Camelback's defense stood tall on Friday night, forcing three turnovers in enemy territory, and a dominant game from the defensive line spoiled rival North’s Senior Night 33-14.

Senior lineman Mannix Butler Jr. recorded six tackles-for-loss and a crucial sack to force a turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter. Spartans coach Dante Foster said Butler got the defense going early, grabbing three tackles-for-loss in the first quarter to make up for offensive miscues, and is only improving.

“Butler should have an ‘offer’ at this point,” Foster said. “He’s played amazing all year long, and he’s getting better by the game. The defense really showed up tonight, and he is leading the way. I don’t understand how he hasn’t been offered.”

The Spartan offense was stagnant to start the game, where three penalties and an interception led them to go scoreless in the first quarter. Senior running back Christian Lee and senior quarterback Angel Neria got it going in the second quarter, where the rushing attack got the offense in a rhythm. 

Neria rushed for 109 yards on five attempts and threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He made a big throw at the end of the second quarter, finding senior receiver Cezaire Yates on a long throw down the sideline for a 43-yard touchdown, extending the lead to seven before going into the half. 

Lee controlled the tempo with two touchdowns on the ground and rushed for 130 yards on 20 attempts. He sealed the game with a 20-yard touchdown run towards the end of the game, putting the Spartans up three scores.

“I’m excited to get back on track and do my own thing,” Lee said, giving credit to the offensive line. “They got me in a zone and let me make explosive plays. They want me to get 1,000 yards, and I know they got my back.” 

The Mustangs had trouble getting rhythm on offense. Without senior quarterback Eli Manzanares, who was out with a knee injury, they started junior running back Aidan Galaviz behind center. North relied on Galaviz and senior running back Mareon Davis, who accounted for 90 of the team's 178 total yards. 

Butler Jr. said the defensive line prepared for the Mustangs' ground game and said it’s been a blessing to see the hard work pay off.

“We all pulled through tonight,” Butler Jr. said. “We all pulled through together and dominated the game. It’s great to see our team come out with this different energy.”

The defense allowed North to reach the red zone six times, but allowed only two scores. A blocked field goal, turnover on downs, and multiple fumbles killed the Mustangs' drives, leading to Camelback controlling the tempo. 

The Spartans won their fourth straight after starting the season 0-5. They look to move to .500 next week, where they play at home on Halloween night against Central in their last regular-season game.