Notre Dame Prep Extends Winning Streak to Four with 34-14 Victory Over Chaparral

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Notre Dame Prep Saints continued their impressive run through the 2026 football season Thursday night, defeating the Chaparral Firebirds 34-14 in a 5A Northeast Valley region matchup at Chaparral High School.

The victory improved Notre Dame Prep's record to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in region play, while Chaparral dropped to 4-3 overall and 0-1 in the region.

Entering Thursday's matchup riding a three-game winning streak, the Saints were looking to continue their momentum against a Chaparral team that had found success on both sides of the football throughout the season.

Notre Dame Prep did exactly that, securing its fourth consecutive victory while handing the Firebirds their first home loss of the year.

For the Saints, Thursday's performance was another example of the consistency they have developed since suffering their only loss of the season against Desert Edge on September 10.

After that 46-7 defeat, Notre Dame Prep has responded with four straight wins, defeating Gilbert 59-14, Campo Verde 33-10, Horizon 24-3,, and now Chaparral 34-14.

During that stretch, the Saints have outscored their opponents 150-41, highlighting improvements made on both sides of the football as the regular season approaches its final weeks.

One of the biggest storylines entering Thursday's contest was the matchup between Notre Dame Prep's defense and Chaparral's explosive offense.

The Firebirds entered the game averaging 46.8 points per contest, having scored at least 49 points in four of their first six games.

However, the Saints held Chaparral to just 14 points, marking the Firebirds' lowest-scoring performance of the season.

For a Notre Dame Prep defense that had already held Horizon to three points and Campo Verde to 10 in its previous two games, Thursday's performance was another encouraging sign.

The Saints have allowed just 31 points across their first three region games and recent matchups, continuing to demonstrate their ability to limit opposing offenses.

Notre Dame Prep's offensive success has also played a significant role in the team's strong start to the season.

Senior running back Decker Haskins-Smith has been one of the program's most productive offensive weapons, leading the team's rushing attack throughout the year.

According to MaxPreps' available season statistics, Haskins-Smith has averaged 217 rushing yards per game, giving the Saints a reliable backfield option.

Senior quarterback Hunter Stine has also contributed to Notre Dame Prep's offensive production, working alongside a receiving group that includes junior wide receiver Ryder Ashcraft and senior Jace Wright.

A productive rushing attack and multiple receiving threats have allowed Notre Dame Prep to establish an offensive identity capable of challenging opposing defenses in different ways.

That offensive production has been especially important during the Saints' current winning streak, with Notre Dame Prep averaging 37.5 points per game over its last four contests.

For Chaparral, Thursday's defeat marked a disappointing result following consecutive dominant performances against Apollo and Deer Valley.

The Firebirds had defeated Apollo 56-6 on September 25 before shutting out Deer Valley 49-0 the following week.

Those victories appeared to signal that Chaparral had regained its early-season momentum after suffering back-to-back losses against Arizona College Prep and Canyon View.

However, the Firebirds struggled to maintain that success against a Notre Dame Prep team that has quickly established itself as one of the stronger programs in the 5A Northeast Valley region.

Chaparral entered Thursday's contest with one of the region's more productive passing attacks in the region.

Sophomore quarterback Ryan Trocki has played a major role in the Firebirds' offensive success, averaging 226.8 passing yards per game in the team's available season statistics.

Senior wide receiver Jax Breslo has been one of Trocki's leading targets, averaging 105.6 receiving yards per game.

The Firebirds have also relied on senior running back Jayce Wilson, who has provided another offensive threat throughout the season.

Despite that collection of offensive talent, Chaparral was unable to match its usual scoring production against Notre Dame Prep.

The defeat also marked the first time this season the Firebirds had been held below 20 points.

With the regular season entering its final stretch, Thursday's outcome could have significant implications for both programs.

For Notre Dame Prep, the victory provided another important region win and strengthened its position near the top of the 5A Northeast Valley standings.

The Saints have now won six of their first seven games, with their only defeat coming against a Desert Edge program that has also established itself as a strong opponent this season.

After opening the season with victories over Yuma Catholic and Sunnyslope, Notre Dame Prep faced adversity following its loss to Desert Edge.

Rather than allowing that defeat to derail their season, the Saints have responded by putting together their longest winning streak of the year.

That response has helped Notre Dame Prep emerge as a serious contender in the 5A playoff picture, with several important games still remaining on the schedule.

Chaparral, meanwhile, will look to regroup after dropping its third game of the season.

Although the Firebirds have shown the ability to put up significant offensive numbers, their losses against Arizona College Prep, Canyon View, and Notre Dame Prep have created additional pressure entering the final weeks of the regular season.

With three games remaining, Chaparral will need to find more consistency against its region opponents as the program looks to strengthen its postseason chances.

Both teams will return to action Friday, October 16.

Notre Dame Prep will return home to face Cactus Shadows in another 5A Northeast Valley region matchup before hosting Arizona College Prep on October 23.

The Saints will then close out their regular season on the road against Desert Mountain on October 30.

Chaparral will host Desert Mountain next Friday before traveling to Cactus Shadows on October 23. The Firebirds will conclude their regular season at home against Horizon on October 30.

With the postseason approaching, the importance of each remaining matchup continues to grow.

For Notre Dame Prep, Thursday's 34-14 victory was another step toward establishing itself as one of the region's top teams.

For Chaparral, the loss serves as another challenge as the Firebirds look to finish their season on a stronger note.

With four consecutive victories and an undefeated start to region play, Notre Dame Prep has positioned itself for what could become a memorable finish to the 2026 football season.