Marshall Brown is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School.

The Phoenix Christian Cougars were handed a 35-15 tough loss by Camp Verde Cowboys in their third 2A Agua Fria regional matchup on Friday.

Initially, it appeared to be an offensive shootout, but Camp Verde senior quarterback Tyson Buckley and senior receiver Christian Sanabria led the way all game.

"That was a tough team, and I hope we see them again in playoffs," said senior running back Javien Willis.

The Cougars (4-2) began the game strong with senior RB Brandon Scroggins breaking out with several impressive runs during their first drive. In the red zone, quarterback Syras Renteria connected with senior wide receiver Dominic Harris in the back of the end zone for a touchdown, consuming over five minutes of game time.

The Cowboys (5-2) quickly responded as quarterback Tyson Buckley efficiently led them down the field to tie the game.

Camp Verde scored two more times before entering halftime on a 21-7 lead.

As Camp Verde started the second half with the ball, the Cougars did not give up. They stopped Camp Verde on a crucial fourth down in the red zone, and held the Cowboys scoreless in the third quarter. 

Camp Verde scored twice in the fourth on TD passes from Buckley, who threw four total. The Cougars were not looking to walk away as Renteria again caught Harris on a deep ball, giving him two TDs, and increased the final margin to 20. 

"It sucks to lose. We just have to get better at this point. Wwe have to improve from this week, remember this feeling and just make sure we never feel this again," said Harris.

Next Friday, the Cougars look to get back on track hosting Benson (3-3) in a non-conference game on. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.