Anna De La Cruz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com

PEORIA -- After last week's insane, nationally televised comeback win, Hamilton High School carried the momentum on the road, defeating Centennial High School  33-15 on Friday night. 

“The energy when we pulled up to Centennial was just you know, same ‘dog mentality,’” said Hamilton senior quarterback Nicco Marchiol. “We’re going to come out here and put it on and we’re going to be fired up every drive.” 

Hamilton opened the scoring on defense, recording a safety just minutes into the game. Marchiol then completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to put the Huskies ahead 9-0. 

The Coyotes responded with a field goal to close within 9-3 at the end of the first quarter, but Hamilton opened up its playbook in the second quarter. Marchiol scored on a quarterback keeper and then threw a touchdown pass to put the Huskies up 23-3 at halftime.

“It’s hard to stop us,” said Marchiol. 

Last Friday Hamilton, playing Las Vegas Bishop Gorman on ESPN2, trailed 24-7 with just 70 seconds remaining. The Huskies staged a miraculous comeback that included a pair of recovered onsides kicks to win 25-24. No such drama was needed on this night in Peoria.

At halftime, Centennial paid tribute to Zach Hoffpauir, a former Coyote player who passed away suddenly last May. Centennial retired his jersey.

By the third quarter, the Coyotes offense was finally able to score a touchdown against the Hamilton defense. Hamilton only scored on a field goal, bringing the score to 26-15. 

The Huskies were able to gain another touchdown on the Coyotes in the fourth quarter and did not allow them to score furthermore. 

 

Nicco Marchiol was at the sidelines while his team played defense. (Anna De La Cruz/AZPreps365)

Marchiol, who is committed to play at West Virginia University next autumn, finished 16 of 25 passing for 228 yards. “Just being a guy that they can count on, on these fourth downs,” said Marchiol. “Those are the moments I look forward to.”

Even though Marchiol seems to steal the spotlight on Friday nights with his stellar performances, his teammates having his back play a big influence on what he is able to do when in possession of the ball. “I am really proud of my guys and what they did tonight,” said Marchiol. 

Ranked No. 1 in the 6A Premier standings this week, Hamilton looks to continue its undefeated season with a 4-0 record this year. 

“We’re keeping our eyes down,” said Marchiol. “We’re taking it one week at a time.”