Week 5 Game Recap: Chandler vs Highland

<p>The Fiesta Bowl Game of the Week had two top-tier teams clash under the state's brightest lights. The Chandler Wolves traveled to Gilbert to take on the Highland Hawks as two of the top teams in the state competing for utter dominance. We will recap the Chandler vs Highland Week 5 game in this article and highlight some of the standout performances from Friday's contest.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Summary:</h2>   <p>Highland's rushing attack controlled the tempo early as they punched it into the endzone with WR Grady Crandell for the rushing TD to make it 7-0. Later in the second quarter, it would be Highland running the ball in again with RB Kruz Cullimore on jet sweep run from 2 yards out to make it 14-0. Chandler's defense would step up with DL Jaylon Robertson causing a forced fumble and DB [player_tooltip player_id='739445' first='Hamisi' last='Juma'] recovering for about a 60-yard fumble return touchdown, closing the gap to 14-7 before halftime. Late stages of the 3rd quarter, it would be RB Tristian Halsana punching it from about 11 yards out, tying the game at 14-14. Beginning of the 4th quarter, injuries to Highland's offensive line would cause for their drive to stale, punting it back to Chandler inside their own 20. However, Highland's defense would come up big as DL Logan Bonham would pick off a intended running back screen play and take it to the house from 16 yards out to retake the lead despite a block extra point by DB [player_tooltip player_id='739445' first='Hamisi' last='Juma'] for the score to be 20-14. Chandler's offense would come up short on their late game drive as they would turn it over on downs. Highland's offense would gamble going for it twice on 4th down but converting it both times with RB Kruz Cullimore to ice away the game. Final Score: Highland 20-Chandler 14</p>   <p>This game was a physical contest, especially in the trenches, as it would be won by Highland's offensive line and rushing attack for the Hawks. One of the biggest stories is about the Fiesta Bowl Player of the Game, who emerged as a new exciting weapon to propel Highland to new heights. Let's share some of the stand-out performances from Friday's game.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Standouts:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The Fiesta Bowl Player of the Game, 2027 Running Back Kruz Cullimore was absolutely unbelievable in his first varsity start for the Hawks tonight. With the Hawks leading rusher unable to go last night, Kruz emerged as a star in this game putting up ridiculous numbers. He easily had over 150 rushing yards on the ground last night, seeming like every time he touched the ball, it was going for a first down or more. He also had a few catches out of the backfield to add to his scrimmage yard total, flashing his hands and insane elusiveness in open field, like his spin move to make multiple defenders miss. He controlled the game in all aspects on offense, and now will be another dangerous weapon for this Highland offense to utilize.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Fiesta_Bowl/status/1839898901165334758 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Part of the reason for the big night from Kruz was his offensive line, and one of the critical pieces to that rushing attack getting going was 2026 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1682182' first='Jake' last='Inglis']. This Highland offense really leaned on the right side of this offensive line all night, and Inglis got plenty of push on that side. Able to wash down interior defensive linemen and provide gaps for the ball carrier to burst through or give the runner room to bounce outside. He held up very well in pass pro with sturdy hands and a good base to anchor down to hold his ground. On a very talented offensive line, Inglis had a great night to help lead his team to victory.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Running Back Tristan Halsana has really shined so far this season for the Chandler offense. Halsana was able to find the endzone last night in order to tie the ball game for his 12 Rushing TD on the year. Chandler was running outside zone a lot this game to stretch the Highland defense and get him in the open field. He displays nice speed and a low center of gravity when in open field, making it very difficult for defenders to tackle him. While the Highland defense had a game plan to shut down the run game, Halsana still found ways to impact the game on the ground.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='368939' first='Carter' last='Ochoa'] was a great, consistent weapon for this Chandler offense to fall back on last night. Playing out of the slot, he would always run his routes beyond the sticks to ensure he kept his offense on schedule for a first down. His sound hands and good body control allowed him to go up and make big plays for this offense. Ochoa was a reliable weapon for this offense and should be the go-to guy for this Chandler passing attack moving forward.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Standouts:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Defensive Lineman Logan Bonham had every defender's dream last night when playing against the Chandler offense. He was able to get a pick six off an intended screen play that he read beautifully and made a nice clean catch before the ball got to the receiver and took it to the house. In the run game, he utilizes his long arms and great extension on offensive lineman, allowing him to create operating space for him to locate the football. He made a clutch play in a close ball contest that ultimately won them the game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way player for the Hawks, 2025 Defensive Back Spencer Heath had an impactful night on the outside. Heath ran stride for stride with receivers downfield with solid speed, technique, and very good reactionary time when receivers made their breaks. He was able to get a pass breakup downfield late in the game, showing off his leaping ability to high point and swatting the ball away at the catch point. Chandler's offense really didn't have too many big plays downfield, and Heath was a significant factor in preventing those big plays.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='739445' first='Hamisi' last='Juma'] had a remarkable game for the Wolves defense last night. When his team needed him most, he came up big with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown to get Chandler on the board. He absolutely flew downfield with outstanding speed and burst for the house call. He played primarily at cornerback last night and didn't see many targets because nobody wanted to throw the ball in his direction. Yet he still found ways to impact the game, such as the previously mentioned scoop and score or the blocked extra point he had in the 4th quarter. Moments after the game, Juma announced his commitment to the University of Arizona. An impactful player for the Wolves, and we can expect more great things from him in the second half of the season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KevinMcCabe987/status/1839863205071663185 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='368967' first='Sean' last='Perez'] was a key player in the Wolves defense getting some vital stops to slow down this Highland offense. Late in the second quarter, Perez came up with a sack, planting his foot down with good quickness and burst to accelerate and takedown a decent-sized quarterback. He played as a nickel defender most of this game, playing close to the box and bringing down ball carriers from the outside. Perez made some critical plays in the game, and this Chandler defense will need him down the stretch of the season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Players:</h2>   <p>Joseph Hoshnic OL Highland - Hoshnic was another offensive lineman who aided in Kruz's big night. He really helped seal the edge on the right side for the ball carrier, allowing them to get to the edge to work in the open field.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='954307' first='Hayden' last='Daugherty'] TE Highland - The #1 receiver for the Hawks last night, Hayden brought that vertical threat they needed downfield. From the few catches he had, they were all for big gains, as he was also able to get some nice RAC in the open field.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='992766' first='Noah' last='Swope'] OL Chandler - Chandler really leaned on the left side of their offensive line to get their ground attack going, and Swope was part of why they did so. Displaying versatility in zone and when pulling on counters plays, he got good push and allowed for the Highland defensive line to second guess which direction the run was coming from.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Week's Matchups:</h2>   <p>Highland will move to a perfect 5-0 record after this win at home. They will go on the road next week as they will face their first regional opponent, who is also undefeated in Red Mountain (5-0).</p>   <p>With this tough loss, the Wolves will move to 4-1 halfway through their season. They will need to regroup as they will head to Peoria next week to take on the #1 ranked team in the state who is also coming off a loss, the Liberty Lions (3-1).</p>

The Fiesta Bowl Game of the Week had two top-tier teams clash under the state's brightest lights. The Chandler Wolves traveled to Gilbert to take on the Highland Hawks as two of the top teams in the state competing for utter dominance. We will recap the Chandler vs Highland Week 5 game in this article and highlight some of the standout performances from Friday's contest.