Travis Whittaker
ASU Student Journalist

Highland silences Desert Vista 45-24

September 22, 2018 by Travis Whittaker, Arizona State University


Quarterback Kaleb Herbert reads the defense in the second quarter against Desert Vista. (Photo by Travis David V Whittaker/AZPreps365)

Highland used a balanced attack to unbalance previously undefeated Desert Vista 45-24 Friday.

The Hawks remained unbeaten at 6-0 with an air attack after their vaunted running game was slowed down.

“We just really balanced, and we will take whatever you want to give us,” said coach Brock Farrel. “If you're going to take the run game away by adding more people, we're going to throw. If you are going to try to stop the pass game by taking a guy out of the box and trying to cover us, we are going to run. That’s the definition of balanced and dangerous.”

When Desrt Vista focused on Highland's run game, the Hawks turned to the arm of senior quarterback Kaleb Herbert.

“If they want to stuff the box we will go throw the ball,” said Herbert. “These teams try to take away our run which is our strong suit. We are just gonna go pass on them.”

Entering the game, Highland averaged 247.5 rushing yards. Through the air, it sat at 205.3 yards per game.

Highland has now won two weeks in a row over previously unbeaten teams. Last week it was Basha (5-1). The Hawks are ranked fifth in MaxPreps 6A standings.

Senior running back and free safety Kohner Cullimore knows his team is deadly but still hungry for more.

“We are here to play with the best and we want to be the best,” said Cullimore.

Highland is earning its respect each wee but it will see another bull in the ring when it hosts third-ranked Mountain Pointe next Friday.

“People need to take Highland serious,” said Herbert. “Normally it’s like we are going to blow through these guys. It’s an easy win on the schedule. Not this year.”

Highland has outscored the opposition 260-92.

“A lot of people slept on us in the beginning of the season,” said placekicker Austin McNamara.

Added Farrel: “We are trending in the right direction. We want to play us at our best. We have been playing really well, I still don’t know that we have played our very best football game yet.”