The Highland Hawks (4-2) face the #5 nationally ranked Chandler Wolves (5-0) in our GameTime Arizona featured matchup – Friday, November 13 at 7:00 pm MT/8:00 pm CT.
How to Watch: Highland vs Chandler
The last time these two teams met was in the 2018 6A State Semis. In an OT thriller, Chandler pulled out the win 36-35.
Highland head coach Brock Farrel said this year’s Hawks closely resemble that 2018 team.
“We’re going to have to have something go our way, block a punt or get a defensive touchdown, early,” Farrel said. “But if we do something like that and we improve our defense from last week, especially our pass defense, and we figure out ways to score a few touchdowns it could be a lot like that semi-final game.”
Read More: Chandler’s Hank Pepper epitomizes practice makes perfect
Last week Highland played a tough game against another top ranked opponent in Hamilton. The Hawks lost 46-26.
“The score is not indicative of the game,” Farrel said. “It was a great game. Highland is never afraid to play anybody.
“I think we’ll give Chandler their toughest go yet. The Wolf on the side of the helmet doesn’t intimidate us. Our kids are excited. They love that we are playing in big games against big time opponents.”
Chandler is coming off of a bye week after last week’s scheduled game against Desert Vista (0-5) was cancelled due to COVID.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sr. DE/LB Brandon Buckner, 6’1” 236 – Chandler
Buckner is rated as the No. 16 overall athlete in Arizona by 247Sports. The site also has him rated as the No. 80 linebacker in the nation.
Beat him with one hand! 😩 RT @azc_obert: Chandler DL Brandon Buckner is a beast pic.twitter.com/9iaFOOhuCA
— ♛Chandler Jones (@chanjones55) June 2, 2019
“He’s way beyond his years in football IQ and hand to hand combat,” Chandler head coach Rick Garretson said. “He has a relentless motor. Brandon brings that relentless power and technique.
“He’s also athletic enough to drop into coverage as a linebacker. When you have guys like that, you don’t have to blitz a lot.”
Buckner had offers from several Division I schools including Arizona, ASU, Iowa State, Maryland, Oregon State, Colorado.
In May, he made his commitment to play at Oregon.
Sr. S/WR Ammon Allen, 6’3” 205 – Highland
This season defensively, Allen has 33 tackles, 19 solo. Offensively the wide receiver has 218 receiving yards, one touchdown.
On Oct. 9 against Desert Vista, Allen had an interception return for a touchdown.
Last week against top ranked Hamilton, Allen had 10 tackles, 174 receiving yards.
Week 1-6 Highlights – Week 6 against national powerhouse Hamilton: 174 yards receiving, 10 tackles… https://t.co/D9Vt3fr26E pic.twitter.com/A3M0deyprR
— ammonjallen (@ammonjallen) November 10, 2020
“He’s always consistent,” Farrel said. “He’s got to play out of his mind (this week), if he does, I think we have a good chance. When I say out of his mind, he’s got to play like he’s everywhere.”
Allen has offers from all three service academies, New Mexico and NAU.
Jr. WR Kyion Grayes, 6’1” 175 – Chandler
Grayes is rated as the No. 3 overall athlete in Arizona and the No. 46 wide receiver in the nation in the 2022 class.
This season Grayes has tallied 383 yards, seven touchdowns.
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future“. Let’s get it done #BearDown🐻⬇️ @CoachSumlin @TaylorMazzone1 @GarretsonRick @HIT4ATHLETES @NzoneFootball pic.twitter.com/a9nPMWjlG6
— Kyion Grayes II (@KyiongrayesII) August 12, 2020
In August, Grayes committed to staying in state to play at Arizona.
The 6’1” 175 pound junior has collected a few offers since his commitment including Ohio State and Oregon. His other offers include ASU, Kansas, Michigan State and Oregon State.
Sr. RB Max Davis, 5’11” 195 – Highland
Davis is tied for first in the state in rushing touchdowns with 15 and is second in total touchdowns with 17.
The running back is fifth in the state in rushing yards with 908. He is averaging 151.3 yards per game.
Read more: Highland Linebacker spreading positivity through YouTube channel
“Right now, he is the offense,” Highland head coach Brock Farrel said. “We’ll give him the ball 30 times, then he comes in on Saturday and you would never know he played a football game. He’s so durable, it’s unreal.”
Sr. QB Mikey Keene, 5’11” 165 – Chandler
Keene has 4,063 yards, 37 passing touchdowns in his career with the Wolves.
This season he has totaled 1,043 yards, 12 touchdowns.
The quarterback is rated as No. 19 overall in the state and No. 39 dual threat quarterback in the nation by 247Sports.
C O M M 1 T T E D#ChargeOn 🌴🖤 pic.twitter.com/dVEiLRpQbb
— Mikey Keene (@MikeyKeene1) September 4, 2020
Keene committed to play at Central Florida in September.
Sr. WR Logan Kingsford, 6’0” 160 – Highland
Kingsford has 208 receiving yards and one touchdown on the year.
Hawks are in buisness‼️ @HighlandHawksFB Junior QB @gage17dayley throws a strike to @LoganKingsford for a nice gain. pic.twitter.com/3WTpRa2EoP
— Cody Cameron (@CodyTCameron) October 31, 2020
“The kid is consistent and makes tough catches,” Farrel said. “He’s probably our most consistent receiver. If we need it, Logan’s getting the ball. He’ll catch it in traffic, we’ll throw it on the sideline and he’ll toe tap it. He’s got great body control and really good hands.”
Kingsford does not have any offers as of yet.
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