Giuliano Moller is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com

The Hamilton Huskies continue their hot start to the season after they rolled the Gilbert Tigers 41-0 on Tuesday in a 6A matchup that saw junior Samaya Taylor-Jenkins put up a career high five receiving touchdowns. 

This was the first time these two teams met on the field as the Tigers came into the game 3-2 so far this season, winning their last two games. All three of Gilbert's wins this season have come from shutouts from the defense, something the Tigers were not able to do tonight against Hamilton as they gave up a season high in points. 

Coming into the game, it would have seemed to be a battle of the defenses resulting in a low scoring game, as both teams have shut out their opponents in at least half of their games early through the season. That held true for the Huskies who completed their third shutout of the season, but the Tigers defense fell well short. 

“It’s the emphasis on this team, the core,” said Hamilton head coach Matt Stone about his team's defense. “Whenever we make a personnel or practice choice we always prefer what's most important to defense first.” 

Hamilton came into this game 4-0 this season having not given up more than 14 points in a game including two shutouts in their games against Campo Verde and Williams Field. 

Hamilton came out pass heavy as freshman quarterback Marlie Phillps went 13/18(unofficial) with three touchdown passes in the first half, all going to junior wide receiver Samaya Taylor-Jenkins who also tied her career high in the first half with three touchdowns before finishing the game with five.

“What helped me put on a show was my coach's speech, they always say don't turn into a trap game. We knew we could come into this game and win,” said Taylor-Jenkins. “Knowing we didn't turn into a trap game lit a fire under by butt.”

This is the first game in which the offense has been a problem for the Gilbert Tigers as they have put up at least 21 points in all five previous games this season before being shut out tonight. However, they have yet to win when allowing a single point as they are now 0-3 when the defense doesn't hold a shutout. 

The success on defense helps the offense stay calm as they feel like they do not have to do as much to win these games. “It's a great feeling knowing you only need to put up two or three scores a game, that really gives you a sense of security, I'm really grateful for that defense, they work really hard,” said Phillips.

If needed the Huskies shouldn't have a problem scoring more than three times as they have scored 21 in three of five games so far this season. 

The Huskies will look to carry the momentum forward and stay rested as they have three games in four days next week as they look to take on a solid Red Mountain team who is 6-3 this season.