Huskie rushing attack poised for success behind experienced line

By Jeff Yoder
Posted 8/25/21

Quarterback Connor Grinstead is the only returning Huskie to carry the ball more than 11 times last season, but don’t expect the offensive philosophy to change at Highland. 

“The …

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Huskie rushing attack poised for success behind experienced line

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Quarterback Connor Grinstead is the only returning Huskie to carry the ball more than 11 times last season, but don’t expect the offensive philosophy to change at Highland. 

“The last couple years, we’ve just been running the ball, trying to set up the pass with the run,” coach Scott Morel said. “We’ve had some really good running backs in the past and we just want to continue going forward with that.”

Morel and co-head coach Joe Donovan lead a program that has averaged over 240 yards per game and more than six yards per carry over the last three seasons. 

While 1,000-yard rusher Owen Donovan has moved on to the next level, the Huskies return an experienced offensive line, including Eli Slaymaker who has impressed the coaches in practice. 

“Eli Slaymaker has been doing really well,” Morel said. “Wrestling made his footwork better. There’s some toughness there, he’s been really hitting the weight room hard. 

“Peyton Yeggy has done a really good job stepping in, possibly at center, and we’re possibly moving Chase (Schultz) to tackle. Our five lineman, most of them have been together for three years, so that’s nice to have.”

Senior Brenton Bonebrake, who rushed for 76 yards on 11 carries last year, will be part of a committee at running back. 

“Brenton has stepped up on both sides of the ball,” Morel said. “Brenton is a really tough, physical back. With Logan (Bonebrake), it’s speed. If he gets to the outside, it’s fun to watch him. Trevor (McFarland) is more of a bruising back, a fullback type. And of course Connor (Grinstead), he’s elusive. He can get outside and make things happen. He has great speed and it’s fun to watch him.”

Grinstead has rushed for over 400 yards from the quarterback position in each of the last two seasons. While Highland threw the ball for just 149 yards and two touchdowns last season, Grinstead showed the ability to get the ball to his playmakers in 2019 when senior Mason McFarland caught 25 passes for 625 yards.

Brenton Bonebrake and Carson Netser were the leading receivers last year with 43 and 35 yards, respectively. Each caught one touchdown. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Grinstead had 36 tackles last year, which leads all of Highland’s returning players. Junior Kolton Miller had 26.5 tackles and led the Huskies with five tackles behind the line of scrimmage. 

“We’re going back to what we know,” Morel said about the defense. “We want to play fast, we’re a quick team. We’re not the biggest team, but we’re a quick team and we want to have our athletes on the field.”

Last year’s 1-6 record snapped a streak of back-to-back winning seasons at Highland, which included a state quarterfinal appearance in 2018. For the Huskies to get back above .500 and reach the postseason, the senior class will be key. 

“The seniors are starting to step up as really good leaders,” Morel said. “Connor and Eli have been there in the weight room the whole time. Luke Miller is the same way.

“They’re starting to become more vocal, and that’s great to see. They’re starting to direct the guys to where they need to be and helping the younger guys out, making sure they know the correct way of doing things. They’re helping coach them up, so that’s great to see with those guys.” 

Highland hosts East Buchannon to open the season on Friday, August 27. The Buccaneers, who were 3-6 a season ago, return a pair of talented sophomores — Cody Fox and Hunter Bowers. The 6-foot-3 Bowers caught 21 balls for 265 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, while Cox has committed to the University of Iowa to play offensive line. He also had 6.5 sacks as a freshman. 

The Huskies’ first road game is at Columbus on September 3.