NW Illinois News

On Saturday, October 8, the Highland Scotties hosted Ellsworth Community College Panthers for Homecoming at Porter Family Stadium. The atmosphere was electric to say the least.

Jared Powers got his first win as Highland's Head Coach.  He's done a phenomenal job in establishing a winning culture on and off the field; and it finally has shown on the scoreboard and in the win column. Coach Powers stated, "It was a great team win.  We had to overcome a deficit and some adversity, and through that a team evolved and our character showed.  We're looking to continue to build, improve, and put together some more wins."

The Scotties were down 0-14 until Caleb Asjes nailed a 19-yard field goal attempt at the 04:24 mark in the second quarter. Ellsworth would strike again before Highland's Tysan Robbins scored his first touchdown of the game on a 10-yard gutsy run. Highland trailed 10-20 at the half. Ellsworth would score only one touchdown the the third quarter, which made the score 10-27, before Highland went on 27-point run. At the 8:21 mark in the third, the Scotties' Kason Jones burst for a 20-yard touchdown run. The Scotties failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Highland would force a punt on Ellsworth's next drive and Tysan Robbins connected with Darius Melton for a 52-yard touchdown pass with 05:31 to go in the third. Asjes's extra point would make the score 23-27. In the beginning of the fourth quarter, Highland took the lead for good when Tysan Robbins found Darius Melton again on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Scotties took the lead 30-27. Kason Jones would finish the Panthers off with a 9-yard touchdown run to seal the first win of the season for Highland, with a final score of 37-27.

Highland exploded offensively, with a total of 464 yards. Offensive Coordinator, Sean Washington, did a phenomenal job calling plays and putting the offense in a great position to succeed. They had 208 yards rushing and 256 yards in the air. The Scotties were able to move the chains 24 times in the contest. Highland's quarterback, Tysan Robbins, was 18-29 for 208 yards passing with 2 touchdowns. He also, ran for 77 yards and another touchdown on the ground. Kason Jones's 174 yards rushing (21st All-Time) was the most in a game by a Highland player since Ron Dupree ran for 187 against Haskell Indian Nations University in 1965. The Highland record is held by Steve Barbee who ran for 278 yards against Dana College JV in 1983. Darius Melton had his best performance of the season catching 5 passes for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. Asjes had a perfect day kicking.  He was 1-1 in field goals and 4-4 in extra points. Special Teams Coordinator Ronnie Scott has done a great job with his unit and the development of their kickers. Kicker Grant Sillyman had a successful onside kick attempt in the first half of the contest and it was Asjes first action on the season.

Defensively for the Scotties, William Berrong had seven tackles and a sack. Earnie Whipple also had seven tackles. Dee'Shari Keith, Cary Grant, and Travis McNichols each had an interception to lead the secondary. Brooks Redden recorded another sack in the contest. Defensive Coordinator, DJ Mayo, has the defense fully engaged into his system. Week in and week out, the defense has been prepared and have done a great job so far this season.  

Earlier in the day, the HCC Alumni Association hosted the 50-year Golden Grad class of 1972. In addition, more than two dozen former Scottie football players who played in the 80's attended the game. Highland Community College Running Backs Coach, Marty Allen, was the head coach during that time. It was a wonderful reunion for all.

Highland travels to Independence, Kansas to face Independence Community College on Saturday, October 15. Kickoff will be at 5:00 p.m.

Original source can be found here.