6A #4 Highland Blanks 5A #1 Campo Verde in Season Opener

Flag football is officially underway for the 2025 season, and it opened up with one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Highland made a statement with a 21-0 win.

The first drive of the game would be a foreshadowing of what was to come for the rest of the game. Campo Verde got the ball first, and immediately, Highland senior defensive back Kayitlyn Saunders snagged an interception. 

One of the main causes for the interception was that the pass rush for Highland kept getting to Campo Verde’s senior quarterback Izzy Pap. 

Highland HC Kenny Golladay knows the importance of providing pressure every snap. 

“We emphasize that the rushing team is extremely important,” Golladay said. “We try to push all of them to go.”

After grabbing the interception, it didn’t take long for the Hawks to score right away. Senior quarterback Alexis Eley of Highland kept the ball herself and was able to score a 1-yard touchdown. Highland would never give away their lead. 

At the start of the second quarter, Highland put together another complete drive. Eley connected with senior wide receiver Emilee Searle for 31 yards, which set up Eley to have her second rushing touchdown of the game, this time it was from four yards out.

The start of the second half was shaky for both sides as Eley threw an interception, which was caught by Campo Verde freshman defensive back Jaiyana Bogan.

It didn’t take long, however, for the Hawks to get another defensive stop and get the ball back. 

Highland senior rusher Bella Cruz provided pressure and got a sack for Highland. Her pass rushing continued to come up big as just a few plays later, senior defensive back Kenzie Egan got an interception and the ball back for the Hawks. 

Cruz was all over the field against Campo Verde, having four total sacks, and just seemed to be in the backfield every play. 

“I’m just always going for the ball and never giving up,” Cruz said. “It’s about going hard every single play.” 

Highland’s defense continued to flourish while its offense stalled a little bit in the third quarter. 

In the middle of the fourth quarter, Highland put together its best offensive series yet. Plays included Searle having another big catch and run, and Eley using her legs to scamper near the goal line. 

The drive was capped off with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Eley to freshman wide receiver Hadley Wine.

The drive helped seal the victory for the Hawks.

Eley is one of the leaders of the team and cherishes how special her team is and what they could accomplish.

“We make sure we’re giving 100% every play and working together,” Eley said. “We’re all here for each other, we’re basically sisters at the end of the day.”

Even after an impressive win for Highland, Golladay keeps it simple for his team and only expects one thing from them. 

“Any situation to me doesn't really matter. You know, 40-0 or 7-7 doesn't matter,” Golladay said. “The girls on my side just don’t quit.”

Next up: 1-0 Highland will travel to take on Williams Field. 0-1 Campo Verde will take on McClintock in their home opener.