Higley stuns Pinnacle late in Open Division first-round game
The Higley Knights were down two scores in the fourth quarter before surging back to defeat Pinnacle Nov. 13.
In a dramatic first-round Open Division playoff game on Friday, November 13, Gilbert Higley pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Phoenix Pinnacle, 33-32. The Knights battled back from a 9-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure their first lead of the game with just 55.3 seconds remaining on the clock. Quarterback Anthony Palka connected with senior receiver Kam Richardson on a 22-yard touchdown pass, giving Higley the lead.
Despite Pinnacle's last-gasp effort to tie the game, they fell short as the clock expired. Senior free safety Braxton Lowe's key fumble recovery set the tone for Higley's comeback, followed by a touchdown run by Jaxon Watkins. The Knights' defense also made a crucial stand, intercepting Pinnacle's quarterback and subsequently scoring a 4-yard touchdown.
Higley senior quarterback Anthony Palka completed 11 of 16 passes for 134 yards, including two touchdowns and an interception, while running for 63 yards on six carries. Head coach Eddy Zubey praised his team's resilience, stating, "We never give up, no matter the score or the situation. That's what Higley is all about." Pinnacle's head coach Dana Zupke acknowledged the Knights' tenacity, saying, "We relied on the brotherhood and our culture and our continued fight to eventually turn this game around."
Higley will face No. 2 Chandler in the Open Division quarterfinals on November 20, while Pinnacle will play as the No. 2 seed against Mesa in the same round later that day.
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