Never count out Highland and never count out its coach Brock Farrel.

Friday night in Gilbert, the Hawks showed why they are once again an Open title contender, as they handed perennial power Centennial a 24-17 loss thanks to a stout defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack in a non-region 6A battle.

After giving up 10 quick points to Centennial, Highland's defense clamped down, got a huge play from Cooper Camac, and gave up only seven points during the remainder of the game.

"We knew it was gonna be a dogfight," Highland quarterback Kalen Fisher said after the game. "We knew what we were gonna have to do. Coach told us at halftime, 'this is your game to take'."

In the second half Fisher threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Max Brown, and Kash Allen scored on a 25-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave the Hawks a 24-17 lead.

The defense took over from there. 
"These kids fight hard," Highland coach Brock Farrel said. 
The play of the game may have come late in the 2nd quarter. 
Highland was struggling offensively and only had a Grady Crandall  field goal to show for the 10-3 game. 
That's when Centennial was backed up deep in its own territory, and quarterback Kainan Manna dropped back to pass, but lost control of the ball.

Highland's Cooper Camac came up with the ball and ran it into the endzone.

It was a confusing play that required an official meeting of the minds, but it stood, and tied the score at 10.

Centennial's offense never quite recovered. Manna threw a third quarter touchdown to freshman Tajj Brown, but the Coyote offense was shut down after that.