Keion Russell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Estrella Foothills High School for AZPreps365.com

Senior running back AJ Horne rushed 24 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns to help propel the Wolves to a 32-14 victory over Buckeye at Estrella Foothills Field on Friday night.

Estrella Foothills secured its first win over the Hawks since 2020 after losing four straight times.

“It feels great,” Wolves senior defensive back Landyn DeBoard said. “It’s a good get-back win. To defeat a rival school that has beat us up for the last four years, it feels really good.”

DeBoard’s 36-yard interception for a touchdown with 1:32 remaining in the game sealed the win for Estrella Foothills.

The offense for the Wolves was red-hot coming out of the gates. Estrella jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the first quarter after senior quarterback Hone Wray capped off a 90-yard drive with a rushing touchdown from the 1-yard line. 

Buckeye responded quickly as quarterback Valentine Antillon connected with wideout Dayvon Standard on a back-shoulder throw for a 17-yard touchdown to trim the deficit to 20-14 before halftime.

Estrella came out of the break looking to establish the run, and they did just that. 

The Wolves rushed 18 times for 111 yards and one touchdown in the second half, dominating Buckeye’s defensive front. 

Horne thanked his offensive line for creating running lanes in his breakout performance over non-district rivals. 

“Shoutout to my team, but most importantly to the offensive line,” Horne said. We were able to stick to our game plan and executed it well. I am proud of the way we played tonight.”

Defense for the Wolves showed its toughness as well, shutting out the Hawks in the second half. 

On a windy night where it was evident passing was going to be difficult, the Hawks  saw success running the ball in the first half, but it just wasn't enough. 

Ali Mohammadi led the Hawks’ rushing attack with 16 carries for 93 yards and one touchdown.

“I felt we did some really good things out there,” Buckeye coach Puni Ellis said. “We have a lot to work on with a very young team. We have to prepare better. Credit to them tonight for getting a win.”

“Very proud of these seniors,” Estrella Foothills coach Michael Spencer said. “They had lost the last couple years to these guys so it was good to get a little redemption and back to our winning ways.”

Buckeye (2-2) will host Canyon View (2-2) next Friday at 7 p.m.

Estrella Foothills (3-1) will host Seton Catholic (3-1) next Friday at 7 p.m.