Highland Rams Shutout Murray Spartans

It was another great night for football as the Ram Fam gathered at Murray High for Murray’s Homecoming game. Highland, still fresh off itsbig win against Lone Peak, felt confident going into the game. As expected, Highland dominated the game scoring three touchdowns, besting Murray 24-0 and getting its first region win.

The game started with Highland kicking off to Murray, which Muray fumbled; this signaled what much of the rest of the game would look like. The first touchdown for Highland came halfway into the first quarter with Colton White reaching the end zone with a four-yard run. Murray responded, driving all the way to the Highland half-yard line but could not punch the ball over the goalline as the Spartans were stuffed four straight times.

Things cooled down until the sixth minute into the second quarter, when Ammon Sofele had a two-yard run, giving Highland its second touchdown before the half and a 14-0 lead.

The third quarter of the game was slow for both teams, with no touchdowns. Shortly into the third, Highland player Caden Hilborn, was injured and was forced to exit the game.  After that, Jackson Hawes had an great catch gaining 28 yards, and Bronson Olevao made one huge run that was called back from a penatly. This was all the Rams could get going for them in the third — each time a big play happened, a penalty brought it back. Highland threw an interception at the end of the third, but the Highland defense held again.

Things started to pick up in the fourth quarter, starting with an interception by Ben Nielsen  just 7 seconds in to the quarter, preventing Murray from scoring. Nielsen was pleased with Highland’s defense this year, even if there were a few mistakes. Highland kept Murray at bay the whole game, doing a great job at stopping them in the red zone. After Nielson’s interception, Highland drove down the field and ended the possession with a 22-yard field goal by Rex Graham. To top it all off, Olevao had a 19-yard run touchdown in the last minute of the game.

Highland earned their victory against Murray on Friday, and played well. Despite this, Olevao saw room for improvement.

“We have to bring effort, and I don’t think we did that tonight,” Olevao said.

Olevao also felt that Highland needed to know their assignments better, both offensively and defensively, noting that here were a lot of offensive penalties called on Highland, which stalled their attack in the third quarter causing frustration among Highland’s players, coaches and fans. Overall, Highland played a great game and were able to bank another win.

Highland will look to continue their success as they play the Skyline Eagles next week.