Alex Wakefield is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Higley for AZPreps365.com

Higley quarterback Jamar Malone II went 28-for-41 with 326 yards and five touchdowns, two of which were passes to running back Daxen Hall, in a 57-35 win over Sunnyslope Friday night in North Phoenix.

Hall rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns and added another 109 yards through the air to go with his two receiving touchdowns.

The duo have been known for strong individual performances, but on Friday night they proved their chemistry. Malone II was quick to give praise to his partner in the backfield.

“That’s my guy, you know,” Malone II said. “Since he was moved up to varsity this offseason, we’ve been connecting and getting him mixed in with the passing plays. We try to show that he’s versatile. He’s not just a running back. He also can catch the ball.”

Malone II did most of his damage in the first quarter. Along with his two touchdown passes to Hall, he connected with wide receiver Carter Hancock six times for 84 yards and a touchdown, and threw another touchdown to Caleb Botticello.

“I really appreciate the guys around me,” Malone II said. “If it wasn’t for my linemen blocking and my wide receivers catching passes and getting yards after the catch, I couldn’t ever be in the end zone.”

Higley coach Eddy Zubey was pleased with the way his offense executed, but was especially happy with how his team’s defense improved throughout the game. The Knights, after giving up 28 points in the first half, held Sunnyslope’s offense to just seven points in the second half.

“We made plays and were opportunistic on the defensive side of the ball,” Zubey said. “We got some turnovers, guys made big plays, and we got some big tackles.”

Higley’s defense was pushed in the first half. Sunnyslope quarterback Luke Moga finished the half with 167 passing yards and two touchdown passes to wide receiver Kenyon Clark. He also ran for 53 yards and a touchdown.

It was a stout defensive second half from the Knights that ultimately slowed Sunnyslope’s offense, which registered only 113 second-half yards.

Sunnyslope coach Sam Jacobs thought Moga and the Vikings offense did what they could to stay in the game.

“Luke did a great job using his legs to extend plays,” Jacobs said. “He made some great decisions, for the most part. The receivers caught and blocked, and the running backs ran hard.”

Moga finished the game with 337 total yards and four touchdowns, including one on the ground.

Jacobs emphasized that although his group lost steam down the stretch Friday, it is still early in the season and the team still has time to settle into a rhythm defensively.

“We’re just not there yet,” Jacobs said. “Higley is a top-tier team, and if we want to compete with the top-tier teams we have to be able to match their level of physicality. We did not tackle well. I think they beat us up for most of the night.”

Higley has a bye next week before beginning section play the following Friday. Zubey, however, did not seem rushed to look that far ahead.

“We’re going to enjoy this win,” Zubey said. “We’re taking Monday off. The kids deserve it.”

Sunnyslope (2-1) will visit Corona del Sol (2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.

Higley (3-0) will visit reigning 4A division state champions Casa Grande (3-0) at 7 p.m. on  Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.