Mackenzie Woods is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Carl Hayden Community High School for AZPreps365.com.

GILBERT — The top-ranked Highland Hawks defeated the No. 9 Casteel Colts, 24-7, on Friday in the 6A state championship quarterfinal at Highland High School. This marks Highland's third victory of the past 12 months over the Colts, whom they beat, 38-14, two Fridays ago and 30-20 in the first round of last year's 6A playoffs.

In a dominant first half, the Hawks' special teams shined while the Colts' were instantly deleterious to their winning chances. On the opening kickoff, Highland senior Tautua Pauga fielded the ball at the goal line and ran to the 35-yard line, almost fumbling on the way with an attempted lateral pass that was recoved by Highland. This long kickoff return would be the theme of the game for the Hawks, with their specials teams consistently placing them in good position to score. In fact, Highland's opening drive resulted in a touchdown, with a six-yard run to the endzone by running back Chance Cauthen to put the Hawks up 7-0 only 2:03 in to the first quarter.

"Special teams and defense always travel," Highland head coach Brock Farrel said. "If you can stop people from scoring and you can change the field and/or score on special teams you got a real good chance of winning."

Highland High School head coach Brock Farrel speaking to the team after their win. (Mackenzie Woods / AZPreps365).

The Hawks were able to get the ball back after a quick and unproductive Colt drive. Their next possession resulted in a 40-yard field goal by Crew Crockett to push the lead to 10-0 with 5:59 left in the first quarter.

Highland would continue to dominate in the second quarter. A four-play drive ended with a five-yard scoring pass from quarterback Gage Dayley to tight end Cooper Scott, pushing the lead to 17-0 at 9:18 left in the half.

Just before the half would close, at 1:02 remaining, Dayley completed a stellar 28-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Kaimana Hanohano. The Hawks would take a 24-0 lead into halftime. Dayley would finish the first half with 83 passing yards.

The only scoring play of the second half would come off an interception for the Colts, with defensive back Jeremiah Newcombe picking Dayley off at the 10-yard line and crossing the goal line to bring the score to 24-7.

The Highland Hawks are set to take on the Red Mountain Mountain Lions next Friday at Highland High School for the 6A state championship semifinals.