It was the definition of a bubble game but never et that way on the field.

Junior quarterback Joshua McHale and senior running back Nathanael Kary, Glendale Prep’s offensive duo, led the home team to a 51-14 blowout win against the Highland Prep Oct. 11.

Glendale Prep entered the game ranked #16 in 2A, while Highland Prep was #17. The top 16 teams make the 2A playoffs, though a  low-ranked region champ could play spoiler.

McHale threw four touchdown passes, along with a rushing touchdown of his own and had a 76% completion rate and 260 passing yards. Kary had 123 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, one being a pick six.

“In practice, we’re out there every day working on our craft. We hang out all the time. Chemistry is everything and football is a team sport. If you don’t have the chemistry, you’re never gonna play well as a team. I think we really have that this year,” Kary said.

Both teams entered the game with 4-2 records. Glendale Prep won two o three regional games while Highland Prep lost Agua Fria Region games. Highland Prep hoped to win this year’s rematch after last season’s loss to the Griffins, 54-24.

The Griffins scored a field goal after stopping the Honey Badger’s offense to lead 3-0. Highland Prep was unable to score on their next possession before ending it with senior quarterback Gil Camacho, being sacked by Brody Goodson, who had two on the night.

Glendale Prep soon scored a touchdown, extending its lead 10-0. 

Highland Prep struggled to get into a rhythm early in the game. However, the Honey Badgers scored a touchdown with a pass to freshman Terrance Byrd, wide receiver, from Camacho after beginning the possession with incompletions.

The Honey Badgers attempted to score the two-point conversion but failed, 10-6 Glendale Prep.

Multiple Highland Prep players were wearing their jerseys and cheering in support while unable to play due to injuries.

“We are banged up right now, but we’re still somehow in our four wins. We weren’t totally helpless, but we need some new guys to step in for our injuries,” Highland Prep head coach Jason Shaw said.

With seven minutes left in the half, McHale showed off his offensive and defensive sides. He completed four passes before throwing a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Dylan Lincoln for a 17-6 lead. Lincoln had three touchdowns and 115 receiving yards.

McHale intercepted Camacho’s pass with two minutes left in the half. After causing the turnover, he threw to junior wide receiver Atticus Wyzevich for a nearly 90-yard touchdown. The Griffins led the Honey Badgers 24-6 at the end of the half.

“This is my first time playing defense in my high school career so to get an interception, get us momentum, and go down to score is huge for the team,” McHale said.

He credited his defensive coaches for their hard work and effort.

The Griffins continued to dominate in the second half. Kary ran in a touchdown to start the third quarter, soon followed by a touchdown pass by McHale to Lincoln, extending the lead to 37-6.

“We let my quarterback, running back, receivers take what the defense gives us. There’s a lot of times where I’ll call a play, and they’ll change to something else because they see what they’ve been coached to read and adjust. It’s exciting to see them grow,” Glendale Prep head coach Robert Addicott said.

Highland Prep continued to struggle in the second half with no scoring plays until the fourth quarter. Camacho led a nearly eight-minute possession and ran in  a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion for 37-14.

“There’s some things that you can’t teach. Heart is definitely one of them. It’s about Jimmies and Joes, not the Xs and Os. Today, Jimmies and Joes were not really clicking,” Shaw said.

Highland Prep’s chances were gone after Lincoln scored another touchdown, and Kary capped the scoring with a pick six late in the fourth quarter. 

“I just saw the ball in the air. I went to get that pick and took it to the house,” Kary said.

Expressing their gratitude for the offensive line and receivers, Mchale and Kary credited their teammates for the win.

“I have players all around me . . . Nate, Dylan, Kaden, Atticus. I have so many weapons, my o-line is playing amazing right now. They’re making my job easy out there. That’s all I got to say for them, they're amazing players,” McHale said.

Mchale added, “We have back-to-back wins right now, both by blowouts, 40-plus points. So we’re gonna take that, keep watching film, build off what we learned this week, and beat Camp Verde next week.”

Highland Prep (4-3) plays Kingman Academy (0-6) at home on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. while Glendale Prep (5-2) plays against Camp Verde (4-3) and potentially increases their playoff chances.