Highland is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Saturday. They will challenge the Manual Thunderbolts at 11:00 a.m. One thing working in Highland's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last four matchups.
Highland barely beat Bennett the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Huskies took their contest on Friday with ease, bagging a 41-7 victory over the Tigers. The Huskies' offense checked out after the first half but had enough points banked to take the game anyway.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Highland to victory, but perhaps none more so than Tyler Varra, who threw for 105 yards and three TDs on only six passes. The team also got some help courtesy of Daryan Shaw, who picked up 91 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Wins are hard to come by when you can't run the rock, something Highland proved: they limited Bennett to a paltry 1.4 yards per carry. The team can thank Wyatt Chase for the heroic effort on defense: he. Highland didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 5.7.
Highland didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. Shaw picked up that interception and then proceeded to rub salt in the wound by taking it back the other way for a touchdown. Highland got some further help from Chase: he made eight total tackles (4.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Manual strolled past Flatirons Academy with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 42-27. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Thunderbolts.
Highland better keep an eye on Marcus Keller. He was instrumental in Manual's win, throwing for 218 yards and three TDs, while also rushing for 87 yards. The dominant performance also gave Keller a new career-high in passer rating (140.5). Ellis NamuWeusi-Clements made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.
Highland's record is now 4-1. As for Manual, their record now sits at 3-1.
Saturday's game might be decided on the ground. Highland has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 229.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Manual struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 184.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Saturday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Highland against Manual in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 46-8 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Huskies since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
