Higley Holds Off Perry’s Fourth-Quarter Rally for 45-42 Victory

Higley survived a furious fourth-quarter rally from Perry on Thursday night, holding on for a 45-42 victory in a 6A Southern varsity football matchup at Higley High School.

The Knights struck first in the opening quarter when No. 1 broke free for a 21-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point gave Higley a 7-0 advantage, which remained the score through the end of the first quarter.

Perry moved into Higley territory early in the second quarter and reached the red zone, but a missed field goal kept the Pumas off the scoreboard. Higley answered with a long run that moved the Knights deep into Perry territory before No. 99 connected on a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-0.

Perry immediately responded on special teams. No. 8 returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, cutting Higley’s advantage to 10-7 after the extra point.

Higley answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass to No. 1, pushing the lead back to 17-7. Later in the quarter, the Knights added another passing score, this time a 20-yard touchdown to No. 16, to take a 24-7 lead.

Perry responded before halftime with a 70-yard touchdown pass to No. 11. The extra point cut the deficit to 24-14 heading into the break.

The Pumas continued their comeback in the third quarter. Perry recovered a Higley fumble and eventually moved into the red zone, where No. 12 Kael Snyder scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point brought Perry within three at 24-21.

Higley entered the fourth quarter protecting that three-point advantage and quickly created some breathing room. No. 1 scored on a 12-yard run, and the extra point extended the Knights’ lead to 31-21.

After forcing Perry to punt, Higley added another touchdown when No. 5 scored on a 6-yard run. The extra point pushed the Knights ahead 38-21.

Perry refused to go away.

Snyder connected with No. 8 Amos Augustine for a 38-yard touchdown pass, cutting Higley’s lead to 38-28. Perry then regained possession and struck again with a 35-yard touchdown pass to No. 19. The extra point suddenly made it a three-point game at 38-35.

Perry attempted an onside kick, but Higley recovered at the Perry 38-yard line. The Knights capitalized on the field position when No. 5 broke loose for a 24-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point gave Higley a 45-35 advantage.

Perry mounted one final charge. The Pumas drove into Higley territory and connected with No. 11 for a touchdown, trimming the Knights’ lead to 45-42 after the extra point.

Perry attempted another onside kick with the game hanging in the balance, but Higley recovered at its own 45-yard line. The Knights maintained possession and closed out the 45-42 victory.

Both teams scored 21 points during a wild fourth quarter, but Higley’s early advantage and two late onside-kick recoveries helped the Knights withstand Perry’s comeback attempt.