Highland Opens Season With 41-16 Win Over Campo Verde

By : Deion Trotter

Highland started its 2026 girls flag football season with a 41-16 win over Campo Verde on Tuesday night.

The game featured two highly regarded Arizona programs, with Highland entering the matchup ranked No. 1 in 6A and Campo Verde ranked No. 1 in 5A. The two teams met at Campo Verde for the season opener.

Highland got on the scoreboard early and took a 13-3 lead into halftime. The Hawks then added 21 points in the third quarter to create separation and entered the fourth quarter ahead 34-10.

Lacie Nemchick, the Class of 2028 quarterback for Highland, was heavily involved in the scoring. Nemchick found the end zone twice on rushing touchdowns, scoring on runs of 5 yards and 1 yard.

Nemchick also connected with several of Highland’s offensive weapons through the air.

Aylleen Murillo, a Class of 2027 player, hauled in a 5-yard touchdown reception and later broke loose for a 50 yard catch. Kaliyah Kisler, Class of 2030, added a 15-yard touchdown reception, while Ela Witcher, Class of 2029, caught an 20-yard touchdown pass from Nemchick.

Witcher made an impact on the defensive side as well, taking an interception back for a touchdown and adding another big play to Highland’s night.

Campo Verde had its own offensive highlights throughout the game.

Quarterback Amaya Moreno, Class of 2027, connected with Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs, Class of 2029, for two long touchdowns. Bogan-Jacobs scored on receptions of 80 yards and 40 yards, giving the Coyotes some explosive plays against Highland’s defense.

Claire McMahon, Class of 2028, also came up with an important reception during Campo Verde’s opening drive.

Campo Verde’s other points came from Mia Ikeda, Class of 2028, who converted a 20-yard field goal.

Highland continued to add to its lead after halftime, eventually reaching 41 points and closing out the night with a 41-16 victory.

For Highland, the win gives the Hawks an early 1-0 start and an impressive opening result against another highly ranked Arizona program.

Campo Verde falls to 0-1 and will look to bounce back as the season continues.

The game also gave both teams an early look at some of the players who could play major roles throughout the 2026 season, including Nemchick, Witcher, Kisler, Moreno and Bogan-Jacobs.