Claudia CollinsHighland and Chaparral went head-to-head for the 6A State Title for the second year in a row. This year it was the Hawks that came out on top, 31-10, earning Highland their first State Championship in school history.
Hawks head coach Brock Farrel has led his team to the playoffs every year since he was named head coach in 2017 and had been on the hunt for his first State Championship.
“I’m so happy for coach Farrel after he turned the whole program around,” Dayley said. “I’m just so happy we could finally get him [a State Championship].”
Fans from both teams formed student sections at Sun Devil Stadium and Hawks head coach Brock Farrel praised the community for showing up to support the team.
Fans are pumped up for this 6A Championship rematch! @HighlandHawksFB taking on @ChapfootballAZ for the 6A title game🏈 @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/uW8myETJjm
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) December 11, 2021
“We’ve got the best student section and best community in the state of Arizona,” said Farrel.
Along with the perfect student section came the perfect game.
“I just think this game was perfect for us,” said Hawks linebacker, Carson Allen. “It was a tough game, we came out and we were physical, we were ready and we were prepared.”
Caught up with 6A champion @carsonallen_34
FT. some teammate cameos 🤣 @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/GMlqSi2urL
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) December 11, 2021
Last year Chaparral defeated Highland 24-14, but this year the Hawks won by an even bigger margin, 31-10. Both squads were looking forward to the title game rematch but when it was time to shake hands at the end of the game there was no bad blood between the teams.
“We both knew how much work it took to get here so we just respect each other,” Dayley said. “We both deserve to be here.”
Farrel praised his seniors for performing at their best ability in the Championships, led by senior quarterback Gage Dayley.
🚨TD @HighlandHawksFB🚨
The Hawks get the first touchdown of the game with 11:55 left in the first half.Highland leads @ChapfootballAZ 7-0. @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/hyf7oTYZIe
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) December 11, 2021
“Last year I think he tried too hard so he ended up doing things he doesn’t do all year,” Farrel said. “This one he was just himself, he’s Gage Dayley. Vintage Gage Dayley.”
Caught up with @HighlandHawksFB senior QB @gage17dayley following their 6A State Championship win over @ChapfootballAZ 🏈 @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/SCH1pE3PMq
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) December 11, 2021
The Hawks secured a 14-point lead in the third quarter before Joseph Allen got the interception that gave Highland the assurance they would be the State Champs this time around.
Big day for @JosephAllenFB1 who had a wild pick to cement a Highland 'ship. @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/xTInPkTTc4
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) December 11, 2021
“I’m just so happy for the community and for all of the coaches,” said Dayley.
6A CHAMPIONSHIP. @HighlandHawksFB beats @ChapfootballAZ 31-10 🏈 🏆 https://t.co/zfBFrZZiDU
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) December 11, 2021
*(ignore my face…thumbnails aren’t my friend)*
The Hawks close out the 2021 season 11-3 under five-year head coach Brock Farrel.
