Hamilton Defeats Canyon View 28-10 Behind Strong First Half

Hamilton jumped out to a three-touchdown lead and held off Canyon View for a 28-10 victory Thursday night in girls varsity flag football at Hamilton High School.

The Huskies established control early behind No. 4, who scored two rushing touchdowns in the opening quarter. Hamilton converted both extra points to build a 14-0 advantage after the first.

Hamilton's defense added to the lead in the second quarter. No. 2 intercepted a Canyon View pass and returned it for a touchdown, pushing the Huskies ahead 21-0 entering halftime.

The Jaguars responded in the third quarter. Canyon View's No. 2 broke through for a rushing touchdown to make it 21-7 before No. 10 connected on a 30-yard field goal, cutting Hamilton's advantage to 21-10.

Hamilton answered in the fourth. No. 10 hauled in a receiving touchdown, and the Huskies converted the extra point to extend the lead to 28-10 and close out the victory.

The performance came while Hamilton continued adjusting to significant changes on its roster.

Head coach Matt Stone said Athena Vasquez, who moved from center to quarterback this season, suffered an injury late in Hamilton's first game against Gilbert. That forced the Huskies to make another change at quarterback, moving Kia from receiver to the position despite her having no previous experience playing quarterback.

Stone said Kia learned she would be playing quarterback just one day before facing Canyon View.

“I didn't need her to be perfect. I just needed her to make a few plays,” Stone said. “She made a few more than I expected.”

Stone said Kia also injured her hand early in the third quarter but continued playing and remained on the field defensively.

Hamilton is navigating more than injuries. Stone said the Huskies lost 12 seniors to graduation and several players to transfers, leaving a young roster with players taking on new positions. Of the team's 14 offensive and defensive positions, Stone said only one returning starter remains in the same position from last season.

Despite those changes, Stone said the Huskies aren't focused on extending accomplishments belonging to previous Hamilton teams.

“That's last year's team and the year before that team, and that's their accomplishment. That's not ours,” Stone said. “Our accomplishment is that we went 1-0 tonight.”

Stone also highlighted Harmony Cosby's development. Cosby began last season as a freshman on junior varsity before earning varsity opportunities and eventually starting in the state championship game. This season, Hamilton has placed increased responsibility on her on both sides of the ball.

Stone said Cosby's impact extends beyond her performance on the field.

“You fall in love with her as a person the moment you meet her,” Stone said. “She picks up her team, and that's the infectious attitude that makes us better every day.”

For a Hamilton roster adjusting to new roles, injuries and significant turnover, Thursday's victory represented another opportunity for the Huskies to establish the identity of this year's team.