Kyle Krikorian is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Horizon High School for AZPreps365.com

The Horizon Huskies (3-0) will host the Pinnacle Pioneers (3-0) at 7 p.m. September 14 in Scottsdale.

In the past five yearly matchups between these two programs, the Pioneers have won four.

The Huskies have come out of the gates roaring this season, scoring 177 points in three games while only surrendering 17.

In the Huskies’ most recent bout, they played at the home of the Willow Canyon Wildcats. The Huskies had their way in that matchup, winning 59-0.

Junior quarterback Zack Jones took the starting position under center after junior quarterback Jase Ashley, who started the season, had an early exit in the week two matchup in Oro Valley facing Mountain View (Marana). Jones fit well as the starter for the Huskies. He threw 7 for 8 for 200 yards and four touchdowns in the shutout victory.

Along with Jones throwing the ball, the Huskies’ run game has been dominant due to the senior-heavy offensive line and sophomore tailback Bodie Zamorano.

”It’s really our O-Line,” Zamorano said. ”They open up the gaps so well, they pick me up after every play. They’re amazing dudes.”

Zamorano currently ranks second in the 5A conference with 386 rushing yards, most notably his 213-yard performance in the Huskies’ matchup in Oro Valley.

Before his exit, Ashley showed off his running ability in the season opener, hosting Canyon View, rushing for 81 yards and three touchdowns.

”I give thanks to my O-Linemen,” Ashley said. ”They give me good windows and I make the play in the open field.”

The matchup with Pinnacle will be the toughest for Horizon as Pinnacle is the only 6A matchup on the regular season schedule for the Huskies. It is coming off a 57-27 victory over 6A conference opponent Corona Del Sol.

Junior quarterback Wyatt Horton, who threw for 215 yards Friday night, is leading Pinnacle’s air attack. Horton has 498 yards through the season’s first three games, ranking 12th in 6A.

Pinnacle will face a significant challenge facing the defensive unit from the Huskies, which has allowed only 17 points thus far.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Huskies have six interceptions and 20 tackles-for-loss.

The Huskies have yet to allow their opponent to find the endzone since their first game hosting Canyon View.

“Early on, [Canyon View] was moving down the field," head coach Andy Litten said. “We were able to condition and weather that storm and get into the motion.”

Since then, the Huskies polished their defense and shut out two opponents, both being 5A conference opponents.

The last time Horizon came out on top of Pinnacle was in 2021, with a score of 17-16. Similar to this victory, Horizon will have the home-field advantage.