Football preview: Highland's Kalen Fisher playing for bigger purpose

Aug. 21—Kalen Fisher admits it was hard to stay focused on football near the end of the regular season last year.

A sophomore at the time, he was preparing to lead Highland in the playoffs at quarterback. The Hawks were chasing their second straight 6A title but had to first overcome a much-improved Perry team in the first round if they wanted the opportunity.

While that was on Kalen's mind, the health of his mother, Sonya, took precedence.

She had been sitting in the stands at Highland when a family member noticed her eyes had a yellow tone to them. Throughout the week, she asked her husband and Kalen's father, Tray, if her skin had started to yellow, too.

A trip to the doctor revealed a blockage. She then went to the emergency room, which turned into a four-day stay. Doctors found a mass in her intestine area near the blockage. She was diagnosed with cancer in her lymph nodes that dealt with her stomach.

Kalen's world immediately changed.

"It shook me a little bit," Kalen said. "She had it long before but luckily, we were able to put her through surgery to get everything out of her system. I definitely tried to stay strong and focused (on football) because that's what she wanted me to do."

Sonya continued to support Kalen throughout the playoffs before a successful surgery to remove the mass in January.

She was in the stands as he led Highland to a win over a gritty Salpointe Catholic Team in the quarterfinals. She was there to celebrate Highland's third straight trip to the 6A title game after beating Red Mountain in the semis.

Most importantly, she was there to congratulate him on winning a state title.

"It was like no other moment," Kalen said. "It felt amazing to see her in the stands as I won. It was a great feeling overall. To see her doing well, to see her recover, me being able to win that for her, it was a good deal."

Sonya continues to do well in her recovery. She and Tray continue to be their son's biggest supporters.

Tray routinely attends Highland practices. He'll often find a spot in the shade just off the field and watch. He'll interact with other parents that attend, as well as coaches who come up to him to say hello.

But his main purpose is to watch his son. With every throw he makes or play he scrambles out of the pocket, Tray often has a smile on his face.

"It's very rewarding and it validates all the hard work," Tray said. "Watching him, it's like, 'yes.' This is what (the hard work) was for. This is what I led to."

Now a junior, Kalen has grown both physically and as a leader for the Highland football program. At 6-foot-4, he's quickly becoming one of the top prospects in the state for the 2025 class. He's been on visits to a number of college programs, including Central Michigan, which Tray said the two liked "a lot."

Despite the accomplishments he has had so early in his football career, Kalen now aims to take the next step. That means leading Highland to the Open Division.

Three years in a row the Hawks were snubbed and ended up in the 6A Conference tournament. It resulted in two championships, but they've always had a "what if" mindset to the missed opportunity.

This year, though, Kalen is determined to lead his team to be considered one of the best eight programs in the state.

"It's all that's been on our mind, it's all we can talk about," Kalen said. "I would say we've been cheated out of it for the past three years. We won 6A the past two years so I think it's time for us to make a move."

Kalen doesn't do it alone. Highland has talent everywhere. From wideouts Greg Toler Jr. and Jalen Cross to tight end Hayden Dougherty and running backs Eli Kerby and Jay Martin, Highland has firepower on offense.

Defensively, the Hawks are technically sound led by defensive end Bertrand Berry II and linebacker Kash Cullimore.

Kalen believes his team has what it takes to be in the Open this season. His goal is to make it near impossible for the computer ranking system to leave them out.

He wants to do it for his teammates and the program. But most importantly, he wants to do it for his mother.

"She's my No. 1 supporter," Fisher said. "Once I heard what she was going through, it put me in a whole different mindset that I need to continue what I'm doing for her."

American Leadership Academy — Gilbert North

Fresh off its 4A state championship win last season, ALA Gilbert is preparing to take yet another big step in the development of its program: moving up to 5A.

The Eagles will be without several key contributors last season as they have all graduated. But they do return University of Arizona commit Brandon Phelps, Boston Morris and Tyton Slade, the team's top three wideout from a year ago.

Morris and Slade were also two of the team's best tacklers last season, combining for 145.

ALA will face North on Friday, Aug. 25 to open the season.

Campo Verde

Campo Verde is routinely a team that remains under the radar until the playoffs arrive. Then, they typically make a run. That was the case four years ago when they made the championship game for the first time in school history. Now, Head Coach Ryan Freeman hopes they can do the same with a loaded defense and big offensive line led by 6-foot-7 senior Connor Cameron.

Gavin Saline is poised for another breakout season at linebacker, this time while leading as a senior.

Campo Verde opens the season Friday, Aug, 25 against Higley.

Desert Ridge

This year's Desert Ridge football team may be Head Coach Roy Lopez's best since arriving at the school.

The Jaguars return Major Wooten at quarterback, a three-year varsity player. Running back Michael Alvarado returns after starting his sophomore season, while Angelo Jones-Gutierrez returns after being the top wideout a season ago.

The offensive line will be anchored by Greg Bienvenue, one of the best tackles in the state. The Jaguars went 3-7 last season but have the talent to shock some teams in 2023.

They kick off the season on Friday, Aug. 25 against Cienega.

Gilbert

Gilbert took a step in the right direction last season by making the 5A Conference playoffs. While the Tigers return quarterback Danny Hesse, they lose most of their top contributors on the ground and top wideout Carter Dickie.

Defensively, linebacker Steven Schenk returns to lead a defense that will have plenty of new faces this season.

Gilbert faces Marana Mountain View Friday, Aug. 25 to open the season.

Higley

Higley lost its 5A champion quarterback in Jamar Malone to IMG Academy in Florida but reloaded with Luke Haugo, who transferred in from North. The Knights return several weapons on offense, including running back Dax Hall and receivers Jaden Taylor and Taveon Sueing, a transfer from Red Mountain.

Defensively, Nijrell Eason and Donovan Aidoo will lead the way in the secondary as one of the best tandems in the state. The Knights will look for a replacement at linebacker as Kamarion Peete made the move to Basha.

Higley opens the season on Friday, Aug. 25 against Campo Verde.

Mesquite

Mesquite's strength may very well be its defense this season. PJ Jones, who also plays quarterback for the Wildcats, has emerged as a standout safety should Head Coach Vance Miller elect to play him both ways.

The Wildcats also have two standout defensive ends Jamar Trotter and Jiah McClure, as well as defensive tackle Marcus Banks.

Mesquite opens the season Friday, Aug. 25 against Mingus.

Perry

Perry is resurging under second-year Head Coach Joe Ortiz. The Pumas have a new culture, new swagger and an overall new mindset that is determined to return the program back to its glory days when the Purdy brothers were under center.

Diesel Taylor steps in to take over at quarterback, while Dom Tinsley expects to have a breakout year at running back. One of Perry's best overall athletes is Kolton Coleman.

Perry's schedule is favorable early on before the Pumas enter region play. But they're a confident bunch.

The Pumas kick off the season on Thursday, Aug. 24 against Desert Vista.

Williams Field

Williams Field had one of its toughest seasons last year as the Black Hawks finished 4-7. But, they return one of the state's top tailbacks in Dylan Lee, quarterback Travis Ebner and young talent at the wide receiver position eager to prove themselves.

They will also have to reload on defense after graduating several standout defenders, including defensive back Josiah Dye.

It'll be a tall task for Head Coach Steve Campbell and staff to get the young players up to speed, but Williams Field is always a team in the playoff mix at the end of the season.

The Black Hawks begin the season Friday, Aug. 25 against Brophy.

Have an interesting story? Contact Zach Alvira at (480)898-5630 or zalvira@timespublications.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.