Hamilton Holds Off Perry Rally to Stay Undefeated

September 11, 2026

Hamilton survived a second half comeback attempt from Perry on Friday night, holding on for a 30-22 victory at Jerry Loper Stadium in Chandler.

The win moved the Huskies to 3-0 on the season and kept them undefeated against a Perry team that entered the matchup at 2-0. Hamilton entered the game ranked No. 1 in Arizona 6A, while Perry was ranked No. 8 by The Arizona Republic.

Hamilton controlled much of the first half and built a strong lead, but Perry responded after halftime and turned the game into a late fourth quarter battle. Perry eventually cut the deficit to 24-22 with 8:49 remaining, putting pressure on the Hamilton defense to close out the game.

Hamilton answered with an 80 yard scoring drive that took more than six minutes off the clock. Jeremiah Jones was part of the offense that helped Hamilton move the ball and extend its lead to 30-22.

Jones made a major transition heading into the matchup, moving from defensive back to running back. When asked how the coaching staff helped him adjust to his new role, Jones credited both the coaches and his offensive line.

“I want to start of thanking God for giving me the ability to play football. The coaching staff I have around me is phenomenal. They have gave me practice reps with 1’s and 2’s getting me more comfortable with reading blocks and tendencies. The line we have makes my job easier providing gaps for me to hit,” said Jeremiah Jones, Hamilton running back, in a postgame interview with Sharp Shooter Media.

While the offense came through late, Hamilton’s defense delivered the final statement.

Senior defensive lineman Derrick Leblanc Jr. recorded four sacks during the game, including the sack that ended Perry’s final opportunity to complete its comeback. His fourth sack came on fourth down and 14 from the Perry 27 yard line, securing the Hamilton victory.

After the game, Leblanc credited the secondary for giving him enough time to reach the quarterback.

“I was glad that my secondary gave me plenty of time to get home to get the win,” said Derrick Leblanc, Hamilton defensive lineman, in a postgame interview with Sharp Shooter Media.

The victory continued a strong opening stretch for Hamilton. The Huskies opened the season with a 25-6 win over Brophy Prep before shutting out Arbor View 44-0 on September 4.

Perry also entered Friday night playing strong football. The Pumas opened the season with a 55-14 win over Centennial in Las Vegas, but Hamilton became their first loss of the season.

Hamilton now turns its attention toward Casteel, with the Huskies scheduled to host the Colts on September 18 at 7:00 p.m. Perry will return home to face Boulder Creek.

Hamilton did not finish Friday night with its easiest victory, but the Huskies showed the ability to respond when Perry made its run. With the offense producing when it mattered and Leblanc leading the defense in the closing moments, Hamilton left the field still undefeated.