Bobby Hurley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert High School for AZPreps365.com

Gilbert spoiled Mesquite’s Homecoming game behind Carter Dickie’s three touchdowns as the Tigers beat the Wildcats 28-27 on Friday night at Mesquite High School.

The fans, players and coaches were ready from the start as it was rivalry night at Mesquite. The rain delay did not affect the excitement because it was a lively atmosphere with beach balls flying and Hawaiian leis being handed out to fans. The stage was set for Mesquite to party the night away but Gilbert had other plans.

The first half set the tone for a game defined by explosive plays. On the opening drive, running back Cooper Zellner had a 37-yard rushing play that set the Tigers up to score the first touchdown. The Tigers added to their lead when Parker Bryce got a strip sack that led to a 75-yard fumble recovery touchdown for Carter Dickie.

“I didn’t see that ball until the last minute but I saw Parker there and I saw that ball come out and I saw that green. I was scoring, I knew that,” Dickie said. 

That play put Gilbert up 14-0 but Mesquite roared back behind the dynamic playmaking of quarterback PJ Jones. Jones threw a perfect ball to his receiver for a 58-yard touchdown and then ran in for a touchdown himself to tie it up at 14. Jones threw for two touchdowns and ran in two more.

It was back and forth throughout the second half as Gilbert tried to protect its lead. Ultimately, it came down to the final drive of the game as Mesquite trailed 28-21. Jones led a drive down the field and threw a touchdown pass to cut the Gilbert lead to one.

On the point-after attempt, the Gilbert special teams made a remarkable play, forcing the kicker into a miss with their pressure. The Tigers knocked off Mesquite for the first time since 2018. 

Gilbert performed at a high level in all areas but most importantly the playmakers had an immense impact. Cooper Zellner rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown. Dickie had four receptions for 66 yards to go along with a rushing touchdown and a fumble recovery touchdown.

On the defensive side, Gilbert had seven sacks, four by defensive end Parker Bryce.

“Coach Zellner makes me realize I have to get the ball to the playmakers,” quarterback Danny Hesse said. “If I get the ball to the people that make plays, that helps our whole team.” 

Emotions were palpable as the clock struck zero for the Gilbert Tigers. Defensive coordinator Quenton Magg embraced a colleague and gave him a big hug. "That one felt good,'' Coach Q said to his fellow coach.

“Two years in a row we felt like we should have beat them and we came out on the losing end. To be able to come into their home stadium and win felt really good,” Coach Q said. “Rivalry games are special. They played a great game and they had a great game plan but we were able to come out on top. Really proud of our guys.”

Mesquite fell to 1-3 and plays at Perry on Friday. Gilbert improved to 3-1 and has a quick turnaround, playing at Campo Verde on Thursday.