Two dominant backs in Carter Harris and Cooper Kisgen are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Highland Bulldogs will take on the Freeburg Midgets at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Friday, Highland earned a 34-24 win over Alton. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Redbirds recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Blake Gelly
| 09/19/25 vs Jersey | 156.3 |
| 09/26/25 @ Triad | 141.2 |
| 10/03/25 @ Civic Memorial | 139.4 |
| 10/24/25 vs Alton | 133.3 |
| 10/17/25 @ Mascoutah | 104.8 |
| + 2 more games |
It was another big night for Blake Gelly, who threw for 190 yards and a pair of TDs, and also rushed for 114 yards on only 11 carries. His passing game has become a key predictor of Highland's success: the team is 4-1 when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 1-2 otherwise.
Highland didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Alton to a completion percentage of just 44.4%. The Bulldogs have been improving in that area: they had allowed a completion percentage of 0.6 earlier this season, but they've only allowed one of 0.6 in their last three games.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Freeburg against Priory on Saturday as the squad secured a 42-14 win. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 42-0.
Highland better keep an eye on James Thomas. He was instrumental in Freeburg's win, rushing for 53 yards and one touchdown, while also picking up 59 receiving yards.
Special teams was a major factor in the game for Freeburg, racking up 12 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Kisgen, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
Freeburg didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Kaiden Case and Ryan Garland.
Highland's record now sits at 5-3. As for Freeburg, their record is now 8-1.
