By Mason Byers
Staff Writer
The Highland Hawks flag football team is proving to be a legitimate contender in the 6A conference.
They faced the Skyline Coyotes on Wednesday and dominated both sides of the ball all four quarters. They went home with a 35-0 win and will be entering their fall break.
Nothing could get past the stout Highland defense, as they were able to grab four interceptions -- two of those going back for six. Head coach Kenny Golladay prides himself and his team on having a talented defense.
“It’s a lot of high energy, the girls just love being out there,” Golladay said. “Every girl we send out there loves playing defense. Nothing bigger than getting a pick-six for us.”
A big factor on that defense against the Coyotes was junior Kaitlyn Saunders, who had two of the four interceptions for the Hawks. She loves going out there with the defense and making big plays when her team needs her to.
“I love playing with the defense, it’s super fun,” Saunders said. “Our defense is a big community.”
The high-level play was not just on defense, though, as the Hawks’ offense got things rolling early for their team and never let up. Highland started its first drive with a 45-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Emilee Searle. Searle ended up with two receiving touchdowns against Skyline and has continued to prove to be a great weapon for the Hawks' offense.
“Every game we try to come in all gas no brakes,” Searle said. “This game we did just that and it was really fun.”
Highland led 21-0 at halftime and made sure to take care of business in the second half. In the third quarter, sophomore Addy Lowe got a pick-six. Then in the fourth quarter, junior Addi Riggs got a receiving touchdown to wrap up the game.
The Hawks now move into a 4-1 record overall for their season. Their only loss came from the reigning 6A champions Mountain View, in which they only lost by five points.
They are now entering their mid-season break, however, the road to the playoffs does not get easier. They still have Hamilton and Higley on their remaining schedule and are hoping to prove they are legit.
Golladay understands this is just the first half of the season, and knows his team has what it takes to make that last push in the 6A conference.
“Our team has been informed we still have tough teams on our schedule, they know it’s not over,” Golladay said. “I don’t think anything is going to change, we’re gonna come back locked in.”
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