Jordan SpurgeonFor the first time in program history, the Horizon Huskies beat the Pinnacle Pioneers.
For the 1st time, @HorizonFootball beats @GoBigBlue_PHS
Here’s the kneel and the celebration for a 17-16 victory #FridayNight360AZ @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/xlvk4tSbIZ
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) September 4, 2021
It was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. The biggest play of the game came with three minutes remaining when Horizon quarterback Skyler Partridge unleashed a 70 yard bullet to Cole Linyard to put the Huskies up 17-16. The moment meant more to Linyard than he could ever imagine.
“All I’m thinking is just catch that ball, make my uncle proud,” Linyard said. “He passed away a couple years ago and I always looked up to him in football and guidance. That was the first thing in my head was just catch this ball and make him proud.”
It’s a new page for the program. Head coach Andy Litten took the reigns this year, after stints at Marana and as an offensive coordinator at Hamilton. His message to his team was simple.
“We talked about it since we came here in March,” Litten said. “This game kept us motivated all throughout the summer. We talked about weathering the storm tonight.”
Defense is what stood out for the Huskies. The pinnacle offense led by quarterback Zach Wren and tight end Duce Robinson is no joke. They were held scoreless on offense in the first half, often times only being on the field for three plays. Litten credits his defenses’ ferociousness and heart.
