The Highland Huskies have fallen to 0-6 after a 56-0 loss to the Pekin Panthers (4-2) on Friday, Sept. 29. 

The first quarter concluded with a 14-0 Panther lead but could’ve been worse. Highland’s defense stood strong with an interception from junior Ayden Havel at the sidelines and a fumble recovery. 

The issue was Pekin’s defense swarmed to the ball, making the Huskies time on offense tough. The Huskies would not force another turnover in this game.

Pekin’s Will Adam scored five of the Panther’s eight touchdowns, rushing for 193 yards and adding 82 yards in the air. Henry Adam had two rushing touchdowns and Sven Dahlstrom added another to round out the Pekin scoring.

Highland’s Sage Hartley-Norman had to leave this game at halftime due to an apparent injury. This meant freshman Garett Beeson slotted into the quarterback role. 

This eventually led to an impressive snag from Havel, falling to his back, reaching out for the ball, and making a one-handed grab on Highland’s final possession of the night. The Huskies would eventually falter on said drive, turning the ball over on downs and watching Pekin take one final snap to close out the game.

The Huskies last win came on Oct. 15, 2021, over the Pekin Panthers. That is a 721-day stretch closing in on two full years. Their best shot this season for a win comes this week when they play the 0-6 Louisa-Muscatine Falcons on Friday, Oct. 6.