The Highland Huskies opened their season with a touchdown on their first offensive play from scrimmage – following a defensive offsides penalty – and cruised to a 55-6 win against Columbus on Friday, Aug. 30.

Zack Lasek set the tone for the game when he blocked a Columbus punt on the opening series of the game. Highland recovered the ball on the Wildcat 15-yard line.

After the penalty, Owen Donovan scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns on the night.

The Huskies never looked back.

By the end of the first quarter, Highland held a 29-0 lead, after two Cole Adamson rushing touchdowns and a 55-yard touchdown pass from Connor Grinstead to Mason McFarland.

“This was a pretty complete game,” Highland coach Scott Morel said. “The kids played really well. 

“It was a nice game to start with because some of these kids are new to Friday nights.”

By halftime, the Huskies extended their lead to 36-0, and the continuous clock rule was in effect for the entire second half.

Adamson finished the game with three touchdowns and 144 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Donovan rushed for 143 yards on 17 carries, tallying three touchdowns.

“Our line did a great job blocking,” Morel said. “Our running backs were locating the holes.”

The Highland defense pitched a shutout until the closing seconds of the third quarter.

With just two seconds left in the period, the Wildcats’ Will Schwab scored on a 7-yard run for the team’s only points of the game.

“Our defense played strong,” Morel said. “We made key stops.”

Adamson led the Huskies on defense with six total tackles. Harbison and Lasek had five tackles each. 

Lasek and Isaac Black each recorded a sack. Harbison and Bryce Waters each had an interception.

Overall, the Highland defense held Columbus to 202 total yards of offense – 63 passing and 139 rushing.

This Friday night is Highland’s home opener against Alburnett (0-1), with kickoff at 7 p.m.