Traver Cox is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover North High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX — North flag football routed Willow Canyon at home Tuesday night 50-0, extending its undefeated season through defensive dominance. Most notably, Tahjie “TT” Freeman showed out in the match, recording five interceptions and three receiving touchdowns in the emphatic victory. 

Freeman actually ranked third on her own team in terms of interceptions heading into the game, although that is bound to change. On top of the defensive dominance, Freeman added an explosive element to the Mustangs’ offense, hauling in three touchdown grabs and multiple long receptions as well.

"I’m happy, having fun and that’s all that matters,” Freeman said after the win. This sentiment seems to encompass the whole team and school as a whole, as there was nothing but smiles on the sidelines following the game. 

Although Freeman was certainly a catalyst to victory for North, the defense also prevailed in the victory as it has all year long. The unit managed to turn over its opponent seven separate times on the way to another shutout. 

The Mustangs were generating pressure on the quarterback all night, forcing her to make quick decisions. Willow Canyon even briefly made a quarterback switch in the third quarter in an effort to spark a comeback. 

Coach Guy Fennell said blitzing is a part of the team’s identity, as it has helped his team only allow two points all year. Funnily enough, the two points allowed came on a safety, meaning that the defense did not technically surrender them. 

"We blitz from everywhere," Fennell said. "We have one-man, we have two-man, three and a four man blitz . . .  We still didn’t show everything tonight." 

The Wildcats could not get anything going through the air all night, as has been a theme for North’s opponents throughout the year. On top of the slow night passing the ball, Willow Canyon was unable to run the ball as well against the constant blitzes. 

Another key player in the win was quarterback and cornerback Xxylina “X” Flores, who posted five touchdowns, with three coming through the air and two rushing.

The offense was unstoppable all night, as it has been all year, posting 50 points behind Flores’ performance. In fact, the offense had to punt for the first time all year in the second half of the game.

Flores’ dual-threat ability fueled the offense's success, as she was evading pressure or rolling out on nearly every drop back she had Tuesday. The chemistry she has with the receivers on the team also plays a vital role in the operation.

"I just have really high confidence," Flores said. "I have confidence in my team. I have confidence in myself."

This was on display all night for the Mustangs as the team played with an incredible amount of composure from the moment the clock started.

Additionally, the environment was also that of a playoff game, with emotions running high on both sidelines. The student section was relatively full, on top of the parent section filling up. The cheer squad and band also added a lot of school spirit to the fired-up crowd.

North will hope to continue the success of its season as it heads on the road to play Horizon this Saturday at 2 p.m. in the state quarterfinals.