RIVERSIDE

Welcoming the undefeated Lions of Lisbon to their home field, Highland was aiming for the upset, making big plays on defense and offense to make it a one score game going into the half. 

Despite the solid first half from Highland, it was a strong second half from Lisbon (surrendering no points and adding 35 points to their lead) which put to bed any thoughts of a potential upset.  

In large part to their dominant second half, the Lions defeated the Huskies, 49-6 on Sept. 20. 

Highland (2-2) was held to its season low in points scored in the loss and for Lisbon (4-0) it was the third straight game they’ve scored 48 or more points.  

Scoring on their first drive of the game, Lisbon took a quick 7-0 lead. After Highland punted on their first drive, they got the ball back after Lisbon turned over the ball on downs thanks to Highland playing some tough defense. 

With two minutes left in the first, Highland made a huge highlight play. 

Finding Hunter Seibel breaking free from the Lisbon defense, running back Logan McFarland launched a deep ball that was caught by Seibel who was tackled just short of the endzone. It was a 71-yard reception for Seibel and his first catch of the season. 

On the next play Jose Ramirez punched in a Highland rushing TD, his second of the season. A failed two-point conversion made the score 7-6. 

The second quarter saw Lisbon add to their lead with a rushing TD. 

The Lions had great success running the ball against Highland. On the night the Lions rushed for almost 400 yards, with seniors Dakota Clark (123) and Tiernan Boots (266) leading the rushing attack. 

Only down by eight, the Huskies were still very much in play for a potential comeback in the second half, but the might of Lisbon proved to be too much to handle for four straight quarters. 

Highland was held scoreless in the second half and Lisbon was able to find a rhythm on offense, scoring 21 in the third and 14 in the fourth. This was Lisbon’s sixth consecutive victory over Highland with the Huskies last and only win over the Lions coming in 2018.

Completing two passes on four attempts, McFarland led the Huskies in passing yards (81). The senior also rushed for 45 yards on five carries and on defense he had 5.5 total tackles. 

Sophomore Garrett Beeson led Highland in rushing yards (61) on 20 carries. As a passer, Beeson went 1/3 for 30 yards. 

With a total of seven tackles, Colten Sypherd was Highland’s leading tackler. He also recorded a sack. Making another big time play on defense, Jared Diaz brought in his team high fifth INT of the season in the second quarter. 

Up next for Highland (2-2) is a road game against the Columbus Wildcats (1-3) on Sept. 27.