Video: Teams combine for 170 points, 1,600 yards in 3-hour, 37-minute bonanza

Arizona state records were smashed, referees huffed and puffed and the winning team gave up 75 points.

There was a little bit of every – except perhaps defense – when Higley (Gilbert, Ariz.) defeated Apache Junction (Ariz.) 95-75 Friday night in a contest that lasted 3 hours and 37 minutes. And it didn't even go into overtime. 

According to this terrific report by Jose Garcia of aia365.com, Higley quarterback Mason Crossland completed 23 of 31 passes for 638 yards and a state 4A record nine touchdowns as the two teams combined for more than 1,600 yards of offense and 73 first downs.

The 95 points by Higley (6-1) is a new state 4A record, as is their 856 total yards.

Get this: 46 of the first downs came from Apache Junction (2-5) which led 47-43 at halftime.

Evidently Higley struck quick, while Apache Junction was more "methodical."

"I'm happy," Higley coach Eddy Zubey told Garcia. "I'm offensive line coach also, and the offensive coaches are happy. But the defensive coaches want to stick hot needles in their eyes."

Said Apache Junction head coach Vance Miller, whose quarterback Adam Abbatacola accounted for 10 touchdowns, 526 passing yards and eight passing TDs: "It was definitely an exciting game."

As huge as the numbers were in the game, the biggest contributor Crossland isn’t very big. He stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 140 pounds.

As a 5-3, 105-pound freshman on the freshmen team, he completed 114 of 169 passes (68 percent) for 1,756 yards, 22 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. This season – remarkably – Crossland is even more efficient have completed 110 of 154 (71 percent) for 2,259 yards and 26 touchdowns (three interceptions).

On Friday he obviously received plenty of contributions around, including senior running back James Garcia (27 rushes, 149 yards, four touchdowns).

Three different receivers broke the 100-yard barrier, including senior Trent Gilbert with 10 catches for 235 yards and four scores. Junior Bayley Cook also caught four touchdown passes among his six receptions for 143 yards.

Sophomore Bryce Gilbert caught for passes for 167 yards (41.8 average) and a touchdown.

Crossland, who didn’t throw for an interception in the game, had a cool little QB rating of 155. His team has outscored opponents 358-151 this season. Higley hasn't had a winning season since 2008.

Abbatacola entered the game 84 of 159 for 1,505 yards and 15 touchdowns.