Big plays made for a big win Thursday night in Ahwatukee. 
Host Mountain Pointe used a slew of early turnovers and opportune plays en route to a 42-14 victory over Cesar Chavez in a 6A non-region contest. 
"This was our most rounded game as a team this season," Mountain Pointe quarterback Robert Knorr said of the win. 
"Our defense and special stepped up big time and gave us great field position all night."
The Pride jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead thanks to a pair of forced turnovers by the defense. 
Sophomore Ray Pruitt intercepted a pass near midfield on Cesar Chavez’s first drive, nearly returning it for a score. Tailback Christian Clark punched it in from three yards for Mountain Pointe on the next play. 
Cesar Chavez’s next drive didn’t last three plays before defensive tackle Kaleb Jones recovered a fumble deep inside Chavez territory. Clark punched the touchdown ticket again a few plays later. 
Emon Carter also picked off a pass in the second quarter for the Pride. 
Knorr threw for a touchdown and ran for another.
"Our offense is continuing to get better every week," Knorr added.

Mt. Pointe has built a 24-0 lead as the game nears halftime. QB Robert Knorr hit Javier Jones on this 25 yard pass before Francisco Orduno added a field goal. pic.twitter.com/VEF0r5EI9O

— Ben Stapley (@AZpreps365Ben) September 22, 2023

The biggest blow for Cesar Chavez (3-2) probably came on the opening kick off of the second half. Trailing 24-0 and kicking to Mountain Pointe, junior Zeke Rodriguez took it from his own seven yard line and made a few moves before breaking free down the right sideline all the way to the endzone. 
Entering the second half of the season, Mountain Pointe (4-1) will look to make a run at an Open Division playoff berth with the help of a contingent of significant transfers who will now be eligible to play. 
The Pride will host American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek next week. Cesar Chavez will travel to Desert Ridge in Mesa.