Lauren Hiller is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Higley High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

Homecoming game for the Higley Knights was buzzing with electricity as the crowd roared in colors of red, white and blue once the Knights took the field to play Notre Dame Preparatory on October 18, 2024. 

The Knights and Notre Dame were both 4-2 all season, until tonight when the final score favored Higley, 34-0. 

Going into the game, Higley sat its starting running back, Justin Bender, out in place of sophomore, Jaxon Watkins, subbing in. 

The game started off with a touchdown drive completed by Gatling Drake Walton, a senior slotback and center back. As the game continued, Jaden Taylor, senior wide receiver, completed two touchdowns with 93.6 receiving yards. 

Varsity football head coach Eddy Zubey was able to maintain control of the game for many reasons. 

“This is the first game we were able to have our five starting offensive linemen available on the defensive side of the ball," Zubey said. “Our emphasis this week was to stop the run, which we were mainly able to do.” 

Luke Huago, senior quarterback, threw for 138 yards and had his own touchdown rush.

Gunner Fagrell, junior quarterback, scored two additional touchdowns in the second half, throwing for 32 yards. 

Fagrell has played in two games this season and has been able to showcase his abilities in both.

The Knights came off of a loss in the previous week against ALA Gilbert and looked to lock in and were fired up to win this game, Fagrell said.

“Going into every game, you must have a strong mentality because this is our Super Bowl, playing Higley football is everyone’s Super Bowl,” Fagrell said.

In light of the 34-0 win, Higley celebrated its homecoming and Coach Zubey's 100th win with the Higley Knights, which occurred a few weeks ago. Zubey celebrated at home this week with fans holding numerous cut out signs of his face with 100th win plastered over it. 

After every game, Zubey and his players talk about their culture and how to cultivate a winning team. 

“When you come off a loss, sometimes you can put your tail in between your legs, and we challenge the boys to not do that and to push forward,”  Zubey said. “We have our goals and this is what allowed us to come out on top today.”