Anna De La Cruz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com

 

GILBERT -- Battle of the eights. Both Hamilton's and Higley's quarterbacks wore the number eight Friday night, but the Huskies’ number eight came out on top. Hamilton carried on with its perfect season, beating Higley, 58-17.

For the first time since 2015, the Huskies are off to a 9-0 start. “It just means that we’ve played our part,” said Hamilton coach Michael Zdebski. 

The Huskies scored first off a punt block with 8:43 remaining in the first quarter. Middle linebacker Aaron Loughran was able to recover the ball and take it to the endzone himself. “It was spectacular,” said Loughran. “It was a feeling like no other. We’ve been working so hard. We’ve been working all week to get that blocked punt.”

After that blocked punt, touchdowns seemed to keep pouring on the Higley field for the Huskies. The Husky defense has played a huge role in helping maintain their perfect season.  “As a defense as a whole, we push each other every single day,” said Loughran. “We ride behind each other, we’re a band of brothers.”

Hamilton senior quarterback Nicco Marchiol, who broke the school record for touchdown passes last week, added to his total on the year with three more Friday night. “I think what helped with that was my receivers'play, obviously,” said Marchiol. “And getting open and finding windows.” 

Marchiol finished the game 16 of 20 passing for 279 yards. “I think when you play the system like ours,” said Marchiol, "we’re going to extend the ball downfield and take some shots.”

Christian Anaya, a senior wide receiver, played an all-around game. Anaya contributed to the Huskies' big night with a five-yard rushing touchdown, a nine-yard catch and a 38-yard punt return. 

Christian Anaya brings a touchdown to the endzone. (Alex McKinley/AZPreps365)

“We have so many guys out there that can make plays,” said Marchiol. “We do a really good job.”

Penalties are the only weak spot for the Huskies as they continue to hurt them. The Huskies had total of nine flags which accounted for 90 yards against Higley. They'll need to reduce that number for their showdown matchup next Friday against No. 1 Chandler High Schooll, their rival. Chandler will capitalize on small mistakes like those and use them to its advantage. “If we can clean those up (penalties),” said Marchiol, “then we’ll be a lot more successful.”

The 58 points Hamilton put up tonight was a good showing for next week's game. Their final regular-season matchup of the year will be played against the best of the best. Hamilton will enter that game with a 9-0 record and the Chandler Wolves will as well. “It makes it a very big game,” said Zdebski, "which I think should be the number one game in the country next week.”

It may not be a playoff game but it sure will feel like one. “It’s such an important game,” said Zdebski. “It means everything.” 

If the offense continues its spark, the Huskies have a solid chance of defeating the Wolves, who have won 45 in a row. “I’m really thankful for the kind of offense I’m in and the players I have around me,” said Marchiol.  “We will carry this on next week the same way,” said Loughran. “Play hard, play physical, focus, lock in and execute. Get it done.”

“Beat Chandler,” was heard from the Husky football team as they were getting off the field after their win.