Derek Rivera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Deer Valley High School for AZPreps365.com

Deer valley senior quarterback Tori Wefel-Hayes accounted for four touchdowns in Thursday night's 43-12 road win over Agua Fria.

The Skyhawks’ season high was 27 points before Thursday night. Their 43 total is the most the program has scored in their two-year history. 

“The offense was clicking tonight. Everybody was on the same page,” Deer Valley coach Andrew Alejandro said. “Our defense stepped up and really played a good game today. They were aggressive.”

The Skyhawks’ defense helped with scoring when senior Makedha Smith returned a 48-yard interception for a touchdown with 3:44 remaining in the second quarter.   

Wefel-Hayes completed 15 of 31 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Her night was highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown pass to junior Deja Ayers for the first score of the game with 3:58 left in the first quarter. 

Senior Sanaya Gibson led the Skyhawks with six receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. After two of its touchdowns, the Skyhawks went right back to Gibson as she was able to haul in two successful two-point conversions. 

The Skyhawks were able to make a quick turnaround after a shutout loss to St. Mary’s on Tuesday.  

“We had really good energy and we came in ready to fight,” Wefel-Hayes said. “Last game we got punched in the face.”

The Skyhawks’ defense made it tough on the Owls’ offense, surrendering just two touchdowns, one in each half.

Coming into Thursday's game Agua Fria had scored one offensive touchdown, a run by freshman quarterback Evelina Montez in their first game. Coach Sheldon Borders said going into this game that his team was going to try something new on offense and he saw improvement.  

“Our second game we had a few good drives,” Borders said. “In this game, almost every drive we were able to move the ball. It's just a matter of putting it in the end zone.”    

The Owls were led by Montez who completed 11 of 29 passes for 162 yards and threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to freshman Brenaeya Hardge. The freshman quarterback also led her team on a 12-play drive in the third quarter that resulted in a Montez 1-yard touchdown run.   

Montez and Hardge are two of the Owls’ six freshmen that make up the 12-player roster. 

“We have a lot of work to do. We’re a really young team,” Borders said. “Overall, it was a great game for us as we grow.” 

The Skyhawks (2-2) are still looking for consecutives wins for the first time this season. 

“With this win tonight I can really see us taking that step forward, the step that we need to keep moving” Alejandro said.

Deer Valley (2-2) will travel to Lead Edge Academy (1-1) next Tuesday at 6 p.m. Agua Fria (1-2) will host Crismon (2-0) next Tuesday at 6 p.m.