The Highland Hawks made like their namesake and took to the air Friday night against the Skyline Coyotes. Highland defeated Skyline 31-13, moving to 4-0 on the season.

Despite a run-heavy offensive scheme in its first three games, Highland switched things up and shifted to its passing game this time. Highland coach Brock Farrel said the team knew they would have to change things up for this game.

“Skyline’s run defense is probably the best we’ve seen all year,” Farrel said.

The Highland coach found another offensive option. Farrel said, “We saw some film that [showed] our receivers were better than their secondary.”

Highland quarterback senior Kaleb Herbert took advantage of that. Herbert threw for two touchdowns while gaining 302 total yards.

Herbert was confident in his offense no matter the circumstance. “Whatever our team is going to do, run or pass, we’re going to be great at it,” he said. “We decided to throw today, and you saw the results.”

Herbert and his coach, gave credit to the offensive line for stepping up to the challenge of blocking a strong Skyline defensive front.

“We protected our quarterback long enough against a really good [defensive line] to get the ball down the field,” Farrel said.

There was only one blemish.

After driving down the field and threatening to score on its second consecutive possession, Highland’s march ceased when Skyline safety Garrett Lindley intercepted the ball at the 1-yard line. It did not take long for Skyline to strike back.

On the first play after the interception, Skyline senior running back Aaron Wood broke away for a 93-yard run. The run set up Steven Castle scampering in for a 7-yard touchdown.

Wood proved to be Skyline’s primary source of offense throughout the game. Wood recorded 149 yards of total offense including one touchdown.

Highland continuously slung the ball down the field, possession after possession. Skyline just couldn’t figure out its passing defense.

Three Highland receivers recorded more than 50 yards. Tanner Crandall led with 131 yards. Senior Noah Burdick had 81 and senior Kyle Hester added 63.

By the end of the third quarter, Highland had a convincing 31-7 lead. Skyline was able to score with under five minutes in the game to make the score 31-13.

With the victory, Highland moves to an impressive 4-0 and are outscoring opponents 195-68 in the process. Winning in dominating fashion the first four weeks, Highland football believes it is a force to be reckoned with.

“[The team] believes they belong with the best of the best in Arizona,” coach Farrel said. “They are all in with what we are doing.”

Herbert said the team’s chemistry is a key to its success. “We all play as one and that’s why I think we come out and dominate every game.”

“We stay composed and we just play our game,” receiver Crandall said. “We try not to fall to the level of anyone else.”

Highland will look to remain unbeaten as it takes on the undefeated Basha Bears in its matchup next week.

Skyline will attempt to get back in the win column next week when it travels to Queen Creek to take on the 3-1 Bulldogs.