Hannah Flanagan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert Highland for AZpreps365.com

No. 6 Queen Creek defeated No. 8 Highland Hawks 23-20 on Friday night.

Highland entered the game with significant momentum on their senior night, but the Bulldogs (8-1) quickly seized control, putting up nine points in the first quarter.

It started with a field goal at 1:40 in the first quarter followed by a touchdown putting them at a 9-0 advantage. They missed the extra point.

The Hawks (6-3) saw Hayden Daugherty (committed to Northern Arizona University) play a huge role putting up six before halftime with numerous receptions for first downs.

“Yeah, the touchdown definitely got the blood flowing,” Hayden Daugherty said. “We were all excited”

The Hawks tried to keep the energy up during half-time.

“We gotta finish drives, let’s go get a stop and take the lead,” Hawks head coach Brock Farrel said. “If we don’t turn the ball over, I think everything we’re doing is good.”

Spencer Heath had a huge sack on Bulldogs star quarterback Tait Reynolds.

Reynolds, a multi-sport quarterback who is committed to Clemson University in both football and baseball, was a key factor in the win.

“I think they were chanting ‘overrated’ today, which I find kind of funny,” Reynolds said. “I mean, it’s a privilege, right? They know me and everything. I have a great team around me, and they make it easy to play.”

He led the Bulldogs’ offense with multiple rushes, keeping Highland’s defense on edge and setting up Queen Creek’s early scoring drives.

“Run fast, try to score,” Reynolds said. “We balled out and found a way to win.”

With Highland trailing, the second half became crucial as they aimed to mount a comeback to keep their undefeated home record.

Receiver Anthony Martin delivered the play of the game for Highland with a 65-yard touchdown pass from Kalen Fisher, sparking some hope for the Hawks.

With a 1-yard touchdown run, Greyson Sparks managed to make it a three-point game. 

Martin then made a pivotal interception with 40.6 seconds left in the third, giving Highland a shot at their first lead of the game.

“It’s fine, we're doing good, ramp up the intensity a little bit and we’ll make it there” Daugherty said of the moment.

With the score 23-20, with 4:45 left in the fourth quarter, the Hawks needed a defensive stop on the Bulldogs’ next drive to stay in the game and have a chance to at least tie it.

Facing a crucial third down the defense couldn’t make the stop it needed.

“We just needed two or three more plays and they made them and we didn’t.” Farrell said.

Looking ahead the Hawks will be in the 6A playoffs despite this loss.

“It’s gonna be another long five weeks but we just gotta finish; I think this group is great enough to finish 6A,” Daugherty said.

With lots of football ahead, the team is working hard and staying positive.

“We’ll just see where the rankings put us,” Farrel said. “We’ll play the next person in front of us, hopefully it’s a home game.”