After a tough loss a week earlier, the Phoenix football team rallied in a big way on Friday night.

The Pirates scored early and often, finding the end zone seven times in the first half on the way to a 48-0 shutout of Hidden Valley in a Skyline Conference game in Murphy.

Phoenix (1-1 Skyline, 3-2 overall) led 13-0 after one quarter before exploding for 35 points in the second quarter. The Pirates used younger players throughout a brief second half as the clock ran through the final two quarters due to the 45-point rule.

Four different players caught touchdown passes (Jonathan Halligan, Dalton Samis, Jacky Hawkins and Chase Courtney) from Javan Gail in the second quarter. Dylan Knudson, Mikey Walker and Gail all ran for scores. Gail threw for 292 yards in the game, Courtney caught seven balls for 129 yards and Knudson ran for 102 yards.

The defensive shutout was led by Mason Firestone's five solo tackles as well as interceptions by Nik Goff and Hawkins.

The Pirates return to action Friday, hosting North Valley in the annual Homecoming Game. Kickoff is set for 7 pm at Jack Woodward Stadium.