HLT falls to BGM in week zero

Friday night was historic for the Highland-Lone Tree football team, marking the squad’s first official game in 20 years.

It also showed the growing pains that come with bringing together a brand new team.

HLT lost its season opener 55-6 to the BGM Bears, giving up over 300 yards of total offense as as the brand-new roster struggled to find its footing.

The night started off on the wrong foot for HLT, as BGM’s opening kickoff return went over 60 yards to the visitors’ 17-yard line. HLT stood firm initially, forcing a fourth and ten, but BGM hit a slant over the middle of the field to score the first touchdown of the season.

That quickly turned into a pattern.

HLT’s offensive line struggled early as an athletic Bear front four got into the backfield early and often, keeping starting running back Tyler Pierson from building any momentum while starting quarterback Caleb Wheeler was left scrambling on nearly every drop back, making few throws with his feet set throughout the game.

“We just have to play more aggressive,” head coach Thayne McElhinney said. “We have to bring an intensity at practice that creates aggression.”

The constant pressure caused the offense to stagnate, and spotty punt coverage plus a safety on a mishandled punt snap allowed BGM to start drives in HLT territory over and over again. Before they knew it, the half was over and BGM had a 34-0 lead.

The Bears marched down the field for a pair of long scoring drives to open the second half, extending the lead to 48-0.

Then, when everyone least expected it, HLT roared to life.

Hunter Seibel found a cutback lane on the ensuing kickoff, winning the footrace down the right-hand sideline to house an 80-yard touchdown return and score the first touchdown in 20 years for Highland-Lone Tree.

“It feels amazing,” Seibel said of scoring the touchdown. “When I saw the hole, I just knew I had to beat some guys and get to the end zone… It was the best feeling ever, I have a good group of guys with me, they’ve got my back.”

A muffed snap prevented HLT from converting the PAT, but the visitors perfectly executed a surprise onside kick on the ensuing play, giving the team and its fans along the north side of the field the most energy they’d had all night.

The HLT offense was unable to put a score across, but it moved the ball well throughout the fourth quarter, including a game-ending drive which ended deep in BGM territory as the clock struck zero. BGM scored one final touchdown in the meantime to cap off a 55-6 Bear victory.

Highland will take on Martensdale-St. Mary in week one. The Blue Devils went 3-5 last year, shutting out the Huskies 13-0 in week one of 2025.