Anna, TX — What began as a Friday night lights matchup turned into an early Saturday morning showdown, as heavy rain forced the Anna Coyotes’ home opener against the Highland Hawks (AZ) to be postponed until 7:00 a.m. Saturday. The Coyotes didn’t miss a beat, pulling off an 18–9 victory in front of a dedicated crowd that returned bright and early to support their team.

The win moved Anna to 2–0 on the season and vaulted the Coyotes to No. 19 in the Texas state rankings, building on last week’s thrilling road victory over powerhouse Liberty Christian.

Early Struggles, Strong Response

Highland — the No. 14-ranked team in Arizona and 2021 Arizona state champions — struck first with a 27-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. But Anna’s defense quickly set the tone. Senior defensive back Josiah Smith intercepted two passes, and Israel Johnson added another pick to keep the Hawks’ offense in check.

The Coyotes answered in the second quarter when kicker Desmar Marroquin tied the game with a 26-yard field goal. Just minutes later, running back Jaden Parker broke loose for a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run, giving Anna a 9–3 lead after a missed PAT.

Marroquin added a 38-yard field goal before halftime, sending the Coyotes into the break up 12–3.

Big Play Seals It

Anna extended its lead in the fourth quarter when quarterback Ziondre Williams connected with Roaen Nylander on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Another missed PAT left the score at 18–3, but the Coyotes had firm control of the game.

Highland responded immediately with a jolt of special teams magic — an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown by Anthony Martin. But Anna’s defense stood tall the rest of the way, sealing an 18–9 win.

Key Performers

Jaden Parker – 65-yard rushing

TD Ziondre Williams – touchdown pass

Roaen Nylander – touchdown reception

Desmar Marroquin – 2 field goals (26, 38 yards)

Josiah Smith – 2 interceptions

Israel Johnson – interception

Statement Win

Anna’s early-season slate hasn’t been easy, but the Coyotes have handled it with confidence. After upsetting Liberty Christian — then ranked No. 28 in Texas — in Week 1, Anna followed it up by shutting down Highland, a 2021 Arizona state champion and current Top 15 program in their state.

Now ranked No. 19 in Texas, the Coyotes are proving they not only belong among the elite programs statewide, but elite programs nationwide.

Photos for this article are provided by Danny McFadden, whose full gallery can be viewed at photosbydannymcfadden.smugmug.com. Special thanks as well to Colton Roper (@shots_by_ropier on Instagram) for the images featured in our social media posts. We are grateful to both photographers for generously sharing their work and helping us tell these stories.