Surprise, Ariz. -With today's home opener versus Wayland Baptist, the Coach Murphy regime in Surprise officially got underway, marking the end of summer. Following a dominant offensive display in the game last year, the Spirit once again came out on top 49 to 7. The team starts its 2025 campaign on the right note before heading into a tough stretch with 5 straight road games.

The Spirit offense last year was likely a top 10 offense led by superstar quarterback Luke Giron. Giron was a first-team all conference player last season and has been one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the NAIA since taking over as starter. The senior in a new offensive scheme thrived once again tonight throwing for 262 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also led all rushers with 85 yards. The dual-threat quarterback put on a clinic once again even when facing duress. His ability to escape the pocket and extend plays proved pivotal in an offensive masterclass. Saint Mary of the Woods transfer Marques Reese led all receivers with 70 yards on 2 catches and a touchdown. Reese delivered the game's biggest play after burning his defender on a beautifully placed 68 yard catch and score. The sophomore receiver is an amazing example that you simply can't teach speed as he easily blew past his corner in tight coverage. Graduate student Mason Dionne was a key contributor in the backfield for the Spirit, pushing the chains forward on every carry and reception he got. Dionne had 2 touchdowns both in the red zone in heavy set formations as he was able to bulldoze defenders on his way to score. 

The defense, as expected, remains disciplined under long-time defensive coordinator Coach Dominguez. Senior Corey Floyd Jr., who returns from a stellar defensive line last year, had himself a day. The Cleveland native, 10 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Floyd Jr. was able to get into the backfield multiple times tonight and get 1.5 sacks thanks to his variety of pass rush moves, quickness, and power. Returning linebacker Justice Sosnicki, had an early interception along with 6 tackles. Brayden Faber and Ryan Guerrero also returners from last year's star studded defense had solid individual performances both notching 5 tackles. The defense as a whole was an immovable force allowing only 104 passing yards and only one conversion on 4th down. Wayland could not find an answer on 3rd or 4th down as they were a total of 2-17 on such opportunities. The defense kept Wayland out of the red zone allowing them to only reach once in a possession that led to a blocked field goal then another stop.

In the first quarter the big plays came immediately, Justice Sosnicki had an impressive interception on Wayland's first drive. Sosnicki dropped back in a zone coverage scheme, read the quarterback's eyes and made an impressive step into the passing lane picking it off in Wayland territory. Following a short punt, the Spirit offense started to click after two 3 and outs. Luke Giron connected with Junior Matthew Hicks courtesy of a 30 yard catch and run on a slant route. After going up 14-0, Giron and company started orchestrating consecutive drives. The biggest came early in the 2nd after a 21 yard run by Dionne and a 19 yard sideline grab by Tarvarius Garland. After finding their way to the redzone, Giron had a wild scramble where he juked the defensive end by faking going outside then spin moving to the one-yard line. Mason Dionne was finally able to punch it in to make it 21-0. On the following Wayland Baptist drive, the pass rush stepped up big with a strip sack that led to a fumble recovered by Corey Floyd Jr. This set up the offense in Wayland territory, allowing them to score before the half to go up 28-0.

In the second half, the offense slowed down, but the defense overwhelmed Wayland's offense. On several occasions throughout the half, we saw Coach Dominguez dial up the blitz speeding up the quarterback's reads causing several inaccurate errand throws. Late in the 3rd quarter following a missed field goal, Luke Giron and Marques Reese connected on the play of the game, a 68 yard bomb to put the team up 35-7. Then on Wayland's next possession deep in their own territory, the defense forced a fumble and recovered in the endzone, likely putting the game out of reach.

Congratulations to Coach Murphy, the staff, and players on an amazing start to the year. Your #18th ranked OUAZ Spirit will return to action next Saturday, September 13th in Waxahachie, Texas against Nelson University at 9am (MST). This game will be the first of 5 straight road trips before the biggest game of the season against crosstown rival Arizona Christian.