Cole Linyard led the way for the Horizon Huskies, accounting for 189 yards and a touchdown Friday night. Photo by Bailey Warren/azpreps365.com

Junior wide receiver Cole Linyard is only 5-9, 155-pounds but helped carry the weight of the entire Horizon Huskie football program Friday night.

Linyard’s big performance helped Horizon win its first state championship in 27 years after defeating Salpointe 38-28 at Sun Devil Stadium in the 5A Conference championship game.

Linyard posted highs in receptions and yards in the biggest game of his high school career, tallying 15 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown came in the first play of the second quarter when senior quarterback Skyler Partridge threw a bubble screen out wide to Linyard. Linyard took care of the rest on the way to a 66-yard touchdown to put the Huskies up 14.

“That play was because of the guys blocking for me,” Linyard said. “Our starting receiver had to come out for a play so the backup came in and set the edge block for me. That allowed me to take off down the sideline. That moment is something I will never forget but most importantly we got it and we are bringing that trophy home.”

A dual sport athlete, Linyard showed his underrated track speed and reliability, accounting for five third down conversions on the night to help extend drives for Horizon.

“It gives me the motivation to keep going,” Linyard said when asked about flying under the radar. “I have to keep pursuing my dreams by getting faster, strengthening my hands and sharpening my routes. Tonight keeps my drive going even though I have been flying under the radar.”

Linyard finished the season with 948 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns and a crown to accompany Horizon's 1994 trophy.

Horizon ended its season 12-2.

“This is all euphoric to me,” Horizon first-year coach Andy Litten said. “We found something special with this group of seniors and all these kids worked their tails off. This coaching staff had to learn on the fly and we all had to work through some kinks on the way too, but we found a way to finish the job together. Once we had everyone buy in, that was the moment I knew a state championship was possible. Now that the season is over I am going to take that trophy home and a nice Saturday afternoon nap is in order.”