Cheers were overwhelming and the excitement was evident as Sonoraville kicked off its season before a packed house Friday night.

Fans filled the stadium to see the Phoenix take on the Heritage Generals at home, and they went home happy after Sonoraville’s 22-8 victory.

Both of the teams are fairly young in their collective football careers with Sonoraville playing its fourth season and Heritage beginning its second.

Seven minutes into the first quarter, the Generals scored the first touchdown after quarterback Jake Sampson snuck into the end zone. The Generals failed to score a point after the touchdown.

An interception by Phoenix defensive back Shamarie McAfee was followed by several penalties by an overly eager Heritage defense. The first quarter ended 0-6.

The second quarter started with an immediate field goal by Phoenix kicker, Edgar.

Later, a punt by General Scott Rickard was returned by Phoenix sophomore, Shaqeal McAfee to the 50 yard line. The Phoenix turned the ball over when General Jared McDade intercepted a pass by Phoe-nix quarterback Ryan Bess.

A quick drive by the Phoenix resulted in a red zone tackle by the Generals. A Phoenix touchdown followed and a PAT (point after touchdown), bringing the first half score to 10-6 with Sonoraville at the lead.

The second half started with a short kickoff, leaving the Phoenix to start with good field position and possession of the ball on their own 39-yard line. After their first fourth down was kept alive by an offside by the Generals, the Phoenix scored on their second fourth down of the drive with a pass to tight end Landon Ralston. Bringing the score to 16-6 in favor of the Phoenix.

The Generals started their first possession of the second half with a big return to the Phoenix 43 yard line; only to be stifled by two consecutive sacks on QB Sampson by Phoenix outside linebacker Andrew Bingiel and then by Mcafee. The Generals then pinned the Phoenix deep in their own territory with a punt by Giaconni. The punt by Gi-aconni later led to a safety by the Generals. Bringing the third quarter score to 16-8 in favor of Sonoraville.

The final quarter of the game gave the Generals another solid field position after a good return to their own 48-yard line. After a near interception by the Phoenix, the Generals drive was stopped by a fourth down sack by the Phoenix. Sonoraville then took over on downs only to be forced to punt when a pass by Bess completed to wide receiver Tyler Brookshire came up short of the first down.

Ralston scored his second touchdown of the night after a long drive down the field, and the Phoenix at-tempted a failed two-point conversion.

The Phoenix finished the game with a big defensive stand and ended the game by taking a knee.

The fans loved every minute.